SCUBA Juy/August 2023 issue 137 | Page 8

SCUBAHUB

Dive Leader 23

“ a ground-up rewrite ”

BSAC HAS RELEASED THE LATEST update of the Dive Leader course , designed to fully align with current international standards while meeting the specific needs of today ’ s trainees , clubs and centres .
Known as ‘ Dive Leader 23 ’, the updated course syllabus has been streamlined as part of an ongoing review of BSAC ’ s Diver Training Programme ( DTP ). The last time Dive Leader was fully reviewed and updated was in 2009 .
The release of Dive Leader 23 follows recent updates to the Ocean Diver and Sports Diver grades as well as the introduction of Advanced Ocean Diver . As with all the other recent updates , the Dive Leader course materials have been given a fresh new look . They have been designed for easy viewing on mobile devices and eLearning is also available for the increasingly large number of members who prefer this option .
Described as a ‘ ground-up rewrite ’, the updated Dive Leader syllabus combines the requirements of ISO24801-3 ( 2014 ) with a renewed focus on dive leading experienced and inexperienced divers , dive management and rescue management .
By focusing the Dive Leader syllabus on these three core areas , BSAC aims to support the effective development of the diver while preparing those who wish to then progress to become instructors . This includes formal training to support divers under training , which BSAC hopes will also be a positive development for clubs , especially those with limited instructor capacity .
While the Oxygen Administration SDC is now a mandatory pre-requisite for DL23 , the addition of two optional Local Skill Components ( LSC ), mid-water deployment of DSMBs and shot lift , shift and recovery , means that individuals can be trained to meet the requirements of their local diving environment .
BSAC ’ s Head of Diving and Training , Dominic Robinson , said the new-look Dive Leader course has updated a key diver grade that not only embraces the latest training methods but meets the needs and expectations of today ’ s divers and clubs .
“ Dive Leader is a critical grade for us ,” Dom explained . “ Not only is it a prerequisite for Open Water Instructor , but Dive Leaders are also responsible for most of the dive planning and management in BSAC clubs , which is why I ’ m so pleased to see this significant update being published .
“ DL23 is a modern course which is focused on the three critical pillars of Dive Leading , Dive Management and Rescue Management . It provides the right amount of high-quality training and I ’ m sure will be welcomed by the membership .”
BSAC Instructors can now download the updated Dive Leader training materials from bsac . com / instructorresources
For more information on Dive Leader 2023 go to www . bsac . com / diveleader

Duly elected : New Council members

BSAC HAS WELCOMED ITS NEWLY elected Council Officers , following the results of the recent 2023 Council Election .
New Vice Chair , Yasmine Thorn , along with three new Council Members – David Bell , Carline Deal and Emma James – took up their new positions following the 69th BSAC AGM in May . Andy Shenstone also returns to the role of Honorary Secretary .
Welcoming the newly elected candidates to the Council team , BSAC has also thanked its retiring Vice Chair , Rachel Quinn and Council Members , Elaine Player , Yohanna Weber , Robin Kirkpatrick and Rachael Brown , as well as all the candidates who stood in this year ’ s election .
Voter turnout for this year ’ s election was 8.58 %. The full BSAC Election 2023 results are as follows :
Elected unopposed :
■ Honorary Secretary - Andrew Shenstone
Member-elected candidates :
■ Vice Chair - Yasmine Thorn
Council ( three positions were available )
■ David Bell
■ Carline Deal
■ Emma James
For full details of the BSAC Election 2023 voting , go to bsac . com / agm2023
Andrew Shenstone
Yasmine Thorn
David Bell
Carline Deal
Emma James
8