SCUBA Juy/August 2023 issue 137 | Page 13

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BSAC income chart from the Treasurer ’ s report
National Diving Committee slide
Treasurer ’ s Report
Honorary Treasurer Janos Suto spoke of the club ’ s financial health , reporting an increase in both new members and overall membership . New members were up 911 from 3,439 in 2021 to 4,350 in 2022 . Similarly , fully paid-up members increased by 843 , from 22,047 to 22,890
The new subscriptions resulted in a rise in operating income , up 15 % from £ 1.5m to £ 1.7m . This was in part due to the rise in subscriptions , but also to a 50 % increase in pack sales and courses .
During the same period , expenditure increased from £ 1.5m to £ 1.7m , partly due to additional pack and course costs , but also from increased staffing . This resulted in a small loss of £ 12,000 for 2022 . Janos pointed out that like all organisations , BSAC has seen costs increase due to inflation . However , the club still has healthy financial reserves of £ 489,000 , plus ownership of the former HQ building , now being marketed for sale .
“ Looking ahead , Council is acutely aware of the increased cost of living and the impact it has on everyone ’ s lives ,” Janos said . “ We continue to scrutinise costs and make efficiencies where possible .”
National Diving Officer ’ s Report
Mark Paisey stood in to present the National Diving Officer ’ s Report on behalf of NDO Dai Atkins , who was , fittingly , away diving .
He began by setting out the structure of the National Diving Committee and introducing its section heads , before turning to diving activities over the past year . With clubs emerging from Covid restrictions , there had been some impressive diving endeavours across the board . These included technical expeditions to find and identify lost war ships , alongside broader initiatives such as Operation Oyster , Andy Hunt ’ s quest to catalogue and survey populations of a disappearing endemic species , Ostrea edulis . BSAC works closely with bodies associated with the protection of wrecks , scientific diving and nautical archaeology policy , ensuring the diver ’ s voice is heard at the highest level .
The Diver Training Group implemented a refreshed version of Sports Diver , updating the information on AED ( Automated External Defibrillator ) and BLS ( Basic Life Support ), plus an increased depth progression to 40m . There was also news that the digital Qualification Record Book has seen more than 20,000 lessons signed off .
Meanwhile , the Instructor Training Group reported a “ very successful ” year , with 258 new Open Water Instructors – the most since 2013 . Overseas events have proven popular , taking place in Germany , Cyprus , Mexico , Malaysia and Sri Lanka . The Snorkel Group now has a revised process for creating Instructor Trainers , while the much anticipated Snorkel Guide is almost ready for release , with two pilot courses already held .
Turning to his own work as Centres Advisor , Mark highlighted the Centres + Branches scheme , which has now resulted in 800 trained members and 20 Centres signed up . He spoke about the new franchise partner , BSAC Egypt , offering access to a liveaboard and now with the ability to qualify Instructor Trainers .
Ordinary and Special Resolutions
The meeting also saw the results of two additional Resolutions . The appointment of auditors was approved , as was a Special Resolution proposing updates to the club ’ s Articles of Association , which govern the way BSAC is run . These updates , which will now be implemented , can be viewed at bsac . com / proposedarticles

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