How do you fund training ?
New Ocean Diver trainees pay £ 334 ; this covers branch (£ 100 , soon to rise to £ 150 ) and BSAC membership , the study pack , nitrox tables , logbook and loan of scuba kit . It also includes some instructor expenses ( notionally two trips at £ 20 each ). When we celebrated our 50th anniversary , we combined the do with a raffle and other fundraising , such as our 50th Anniversary T-shirts . We raised about £ 500- £ 600 .
What problems are you still wrestling with ?
Costs . Our boat is ageing , we may not replace it when it is past repair ; and pool fees continue to increase . We are actively promoting use of both the pool and boat . It can be tricky to explain to prospective members that training will take both time and commitment as we are not a commercial operation .
Mike Littler putting his Inspiration through its paces
When might you restart club trips away ?
We are trying to get back to business as usual after the pandemic . Our annual Porthkerris trip is going ahead , and members are venturing off on personal trips abroad . If nothing else , COVID gave people more time to reflect on things
and decide what is important to them . For each of our members the purpose of diving is different . Many dive to teach others , or because they like the social aspect of our friendly supportive community . Some find it helps with mental wellbeing and general fitness , others enjoy planning and executing challenging dives . In our 50 years we ’ ve probably visited and re-visited all the classics .
Boat Officer John Francis goes diving with his daughter
Cylinder fills on expedition
A trainee ’ s story
A recent trainee , Louis Heal , 19 , joined Bury SAC in April 2022 to help his career choice and supplement his interest in marine biology . Just before he achieved Ocean Diver , he visited the University of Plymouth , and heard about the HSE SCUBA part IV qualification offered there .
He soon qualified as an Ocean Diver and started Sports Diver training . Once he finished his school exams , Louis spent most weekends at the local quarry , getting comfortable in the water and progressing his skills . He also dived from the RIB in Anglesey .
Louis says : “ Bury Sub Aqua Club has helped me tremendously with my diving career , the club is extremely supportive and there is a real sense of community .”
Thanks to our advice and training , Louis was able to feel confident applying for the HSE scuba course . At university , he is involved with his local BSAC club , Plymouth Sound Divers . How about that for a real success story ?
Rising star Louis Heal heading out with Plymouth Sound Divers
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