AP Award for First Class Jim
THE TOP CANDIDATE IN 2023 ’ S FIRST Class Diver examinations has been presented with the AP Diving Award .
Jim Burke of Aberdeen Sub-Aqua Club scooped the AP Diving Award for the most meritorious performance in 2023 ’ s First Class Diver ( FCD ) examinations .
Sponsored by AP Diving , the AP Award is presented annually . As 2023 ’ s winner , Jim chose brand new cylinders from AP for use with his rebreather as his prize .
Delighted by the news , Jim said the award was ‘ entirely unexpected ’.
“ I chose to do my First Class Diver in 2023 to test my skills as a diver and learn about areas of diving I was unfamiliar with . I would recommend the FCD process to anyone with a good all-round diving experience that they want to broaden and deepen . It ’ s a unique qualification that no other agency can provide .”
Presenting his certificate and award , BSAC Chair Edward Haynes said First Class Diver was a remarkable achievement for anyone .
“ To stand out during the examinations is a credit to Jim ’ s hard work , organisational and diving skills , and many months of preparation . Congratulations to him on becoming a First Class Diver , and we look forward to hearing where his new qualification takes him next .”
DETAILS ON HOW TO GET YOUR ticket for this year ’ s NW Dive Festival have just been released .
Following the success of BSAC ’ s first NW Dive Festival at Capernwray last year – organised to celebrate BSAC ’ s 70th anniversary - the 2024 event will be held at the Lancashire-based inland dive site on Friday , 27 September .
Organised by the North West Regional Team and supported by BSAC , tickets for the event cost £ 16 and will be available to buy at the gate on the day . Each ticket gives all-day access to Capernwray and what promises to be a jam-packed day of NW Dive Festival activities , both in and out of the water .
As well as the chance to get wet , a diving photo competition , raffle and a treasure hunt are just some of the activities attendees can expect . Scooter and CCR try dives also available and these can be booked and paid for on the BSAC website . Sponsors of the festival include Apeks , Northern Diver , AP Diving ,
SCUBAHUB
Return of the NW Dive Festival
Fourth Element , Dive Manchester and NW Underwater Police Search team , as well as the BSAC team . The day will also be compèred by DJ Coshe .
Designed to bring people together to celebrate and enjoy the sport of diving , the NW Dive Festival is open to all BSAC members and divers from other agencies . North West Regional Coach Stephen Dorricott , who , alongside his team is coordinating this year ’ s event , said he hoped the festival would become an annual event .
“ The NW Dive Festival is a great way for BSAC members to come together and celebrate everything scuba .
“ This year we are introducing a ‘ clubs Zone ’ where you can come along for a chat with the NW regional team , network with other clubs , advertise your own club to others , and share ideas . I look forward to welcoming as many members and clubs as possible on the 27th of September !”
For further information on the NW Dive Festival 2024 , contact Stephen at northwest . coach @ bsac . com
Guidelines for greener diving
BSAC HAS PUBLISHED ITS LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDANCE FOR MEMBERS AND CLUBS , highlighting best practice when it comes to protecting our diverse marine environment .
The BSAC Guidelines to Protect Our Seas features a wide range of ideas which can be incorporated into diving and snorkelling practices . These include guidance on reducing carbon emissions , boat use , preventing pollution , responsible wildlife interactions and responsible tourism .
The guidelines also now include the latest advice on preventing the spread of invasive non-native species ( INNS ), which can have devastating environmental impacts , spread disease , restrict navigation , block waterways , clog up propellers and cost billions to manage .
To download the latest environmental guidance from BSAC go to www . bsac . com / document / diver-snorkeller-guidelines
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