Benefit of the Month
Regional support
As well as progressing your diver or snorkeller training within your own club , did you know BSAC also has a network of regional teams who can offer additional support ? With 14 regions around the UK , plus a Regional Coach for northern Europe , these experienced teams of volunteers are a huge asset within the BSAC community . Created to directly support both clubs and members , each region is led by a Regional Coach . Here are just some of the ways you and your club can benefit from your regional team :
Support with in-house Skill Development Courses ( SDCs ) – your regional team can assist or facilitate SDCs within your club if you don ’ t have enough instructors . Better still , these events can be shared with nearby clubs to make the most of the training opportunity while making new diving friends !
Regular regional training days and events – each BSAC region stages a programme of training events to support clubs and members . There ’ s something for everyone , from SDCs to tailored training days , aimed at helping to progress diving grades .
Tailored training – if you can ’ t find a specific SDC or training event near to you , or your club has additional training support needs , then your regional team can stage events on request . Chat to your Regional Coach to find out what they can offer .
Instructor development opportunities – if you need approved instructor status for SDCs , your Regional Coach could help .
Guidance and advice on club matters – sometimes , your club may need extra expert help to get the most out of BSAC training or support its membership . Your Regional Coach is on hand to help . To keep up to date with what ’ s going on in your region ; it ’ s also a good idea to like their Facebook page .
So , if you haven ’ t already , now ’ s the time to get to know your Regional Coach . You can find your regional team at bsac . com / regions and if you need advice , support , or extra help with training , drop them a line .
SCUBAHUB
Nottingham University students celebrate in Malta
University clubs adapt to learn
BSAC ’ S UNIVERSITY CLUBS ARE overcoming the challenges of Covid-19 by making the most of the various training opportunities on offer for their members .
The last couple of years have seen many university clubs impacted by a ‘ double whammy ’ of members unable to train during the pandemic , resulting in fewer instructors as members graduate and move on . But , thanks to support from BSAC and the regions , a more collective approach toward diver training is starting to reap the rewards .
Increasing numbers of university clubs are now reaching out to the BSAC network to ensure sufficient instructor and training capacity .
Referral training , bespoke training days via a BSAC regional team , and accessing the new Branch + Centre partnership scheme are just some of the options open to university clubs struggling to complete their training ‘ in-house .’
Nottingham University SAC and Sheffield University ( SUSAC ) are two clubs that have made the most of external help . Both have used their overseas dive trips to include referral training for members who need it .
SUSAC recently took 35 members on a club trip to Croatia , adding 12 newly qualified Ocean Divers and four Advanced Ocean Divers to their ranks .
Meanwhile , 21 members from Nottingham University SAC travelled to Malta , where they dived with BSAC Centre , Dive Deep Blue . Centre owner Jonathan Thomas said he was impressed with how the club worked to get the best experience for its members .
“ It was encouraging to see their experienced divers working alongside our instructor team to bring the rest of the group along within their current comfort zone . The result was a fun , enjoyable , and safe week ’ s diving for everyone .”
For more information on referral training with an overseas BSAC Centre , go to bsac . com / travelandtrain
Regional success
The BSAC Regional network has also been on hand to assist university clubs . The South East Region is one example – working with Portsmouth University SAC to facilitate bespoke training days to progress their Sports Diver and Dive Leader trainees .
With eight students taking part in Sports Diver skills at a training day in Wraysbury , the region is now preparing to deliver another training day for the club . South East Regional Coach , Julian Gill , said it was a pleasure to be able to assist .
“ We were impressed with the students who were all keen to get the most out of the day . And , as a regional team , it was a massive boost , knowing that you had really helped !”
Does your club need support with diver training ?
Whether you are a university or nonuniversity club and need support with your members ’ training , you can get additional help .
Contact BSAC HQ – drt @ bsac . com – or your Regional Coach – bsac . com / regions – for more information .
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