the pandemic . We lost about 12 members over the past year ; that ’ s fewer than we anticipated with the limited opportunities for diving , meeting , and socialising . 2020 was a difficult year , as pool training wasn ’ t possible . We have provided Ocean Diver training online , using Zoom , but no practical training as of the time of going to press . We are really grateful to our loyal members .
We have 40 + active divers among our 10 trainees ; eight Ocean Divers ; 10 Sports Divers , 11 Dive Leaders ; five Advanced Divers and six First Class Divers . We have two Assistant Diving Instructors ; three Assistant Open Water Instructors ; two Open Water Instructors , four Advanced Instructors and four National Instructors . A few members have embarked on the BSAC Diving for All course , and our instructors , along with Sports Diver grade and above , dive alongside some active club members who have disabilities .
That ’ s a strong instructor team …
All our National Instructors operate nationally , as do two of our Advanced Instructors . In the past , club members have been on the National Diving Committee as members and group leads . At present , one of our members , Dai Atkins , is the National Diving Officer . We also have in our ranks ex-Chief Examiners , Technical Instructors ; and our club members work on and run Instructor Training Scheme events and First Class Diver events . Frequently , regional events are staffed by our team , so our
club is involved with local diving projects and activities . We like to encourage club members to make the most of opportunities for the keenest to progress quickly via regional training events .
What kit do you have ?
Thanks to past funding from Ceredigion County Council and the Sports Council , we have some good kit , including two RIBs , two trailers , around 60 cylinders , a club van , a kit trailer full of kit including BCs , regulators , wetsuits , and drysuits . We have a compressor housed in an adapted horsebox , which can fill four cylinders at a time .
How does the club raise funds ?
Our diving funds itself from the costs we charge members for towing , taking the RIBs out and cylinder fills . We usually have a little bit left over . Grant applications over the past five years have played an important part in our club being able to invest in development .
What have you invested in ?
More than £ 18,000 of funding has bought safety rescue and first aid equipment and training materials , rescue training manikins , kit for smaller divers , deeper diving training , stage cylinder sets , club cylinders for hire and a club compressor and training for operators . We owe thanks to Sport Wales and Ceredigion County Council ( Ceredigion Actif programme ) for their support .
Cardigan Bay ’ s coastal walk
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