Dive with
Jane
Jane Maddocks is now Diving Activity Group Lead , promoting projects with a purpose
Meet BSAC Egypt !
BSAC HAS LAUNCHED AN EXCITING new licence agreement that will take BSAC diving and training in Egypt to a whole new level , with many more BSAC Diver Training Centres set to be created .
Following on from the success of BSAC ’ s longstanding license agreements with BSAC Japan , BSAC Korea and BSAC Thailand , BSAC Egypt will set the standard for BSAC diving and training in this key diving destination . With the contract between BSAC and Blue Pearl Ltd ( trading as BSAC Egypt ) now formally signed , the new Hurghada-based licensee will welcome non divers as well as all agency qualified divers to dive and train with one of the newly accredited BSAC Centres across Hurghada , Sharm , Dahab , Marsa Alam and Safaga .
Yasser Ragab , the new CEO of BSAC Egypt , who has worked in Red Sea diving for over 17 years , said he welcomed the opportunity to establish BSAC ’ s standards and training throughout the region .
“ The Red Sea is one of the wonders of the world and a bucket lister for all new and experienced divers . By working closely
BSAC Egypt CEO , Yasser Ragab with BSAC , we want to grow the love of diving and this will enable us to issue diving qualifications in our own country .”
BSAC Egypt will work with both BSAC and Egypt ’ s Chamber of Diving and Water Sports ( CDWS ) to help deliver high standards of diving and training across the region . Sixteen Red Sea diving instructors and two snorkelling instructors have already undergone training to become BSAC accredited instructors , with work now ongoing for more centres to gain their BSAC Centre status .
The longer-term vision for BSAC Egypt is to have 30 % of all Red Sea centres accredited to BSAC as soon as possible .
In the meantime , BSAC is providing all the necessary instructor and centre development to support BSAC Egypt through its first few years . BSAC Egypt will translate the core diver training materials into German , French , Polish and Russian to support the training of divers from around the world .
BSAC ’ s Business Development Officer , Adrian Collier , said the partnership would open up opportunities for BSAC , as well as its clubs and members .
“ One of the most popular diving destinations , Egypt offers a wealth of diving for all abilities and any BSAC member will be welcomed to dive or train with any of BSAC Egypt ’ s centres . We will also be working closely with BSAC Egypt to get more people into diving , potentially leading to new club members back in the UK .”
BSAC Chair Maria Harwood welcomed the new partnership with BSAC Egypt .
“ The Red Sea is one of the world ’ s most popular diving destinations ,” Maria said . “ We ’ re thrilled to be working towards introducing more holidaymakers from around the world to diving the BSAC way . To work with Yasser and the team at BSAC Egypt is an exciting opportunity for all involved .”
ALL THROUGH MY DIVING LIFE I HAVE been lucky enough to dive with friends who love wrecks , and friends who noticed and photographed marine life , loving the underwater environment . By accident , almost , I had become involved in looking at and commenting on what was happening in our underwater environment at national level , with archaeology as my main specialism .
Then I went to a National Diving Committee meeting with my ‘ wrecks ’ hat on , and it was clear that it was time to be proactive . We are in the middle of major climate change , our seas are affected , and changes need to come quickly .
I heard the words ‘ Diving Activity Group lead ’ and found myself nodding .
I found myself heading up a group with the emphasis on diving projects . The idea is for me to publicise the brilliant stuff that BSAC divers get up to , at the same time acting as a focal point for your ideas about how we can protect the sea . However , projects don ’ t just happen ; I need your help . I need your ideas for positive things to do . I need your examples of how you , as an individual diver , are reducing your carbon footprint .
I need you to use 2021 to help create ideas , projects , and examples of caring for our environment that will help to make a real difference . I heard a quote today – I can ’ t remember the source – and I hope the originator will forgive me , but here goes :
■ The Ocean is not too big to fail .
■ It is not too big to fix .
■ It is too important to ignore .
We have some really good projects in the pipeline ( watch our media for announcements ) but we need more . It does not have to be big ; it should be fun for you and the people taking part , and it should make you feel that you are making a difference . Mail me with ideas at jane . maddocks @ bsac . com
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