BRANCHES UKDIVING + CENTRES
Centres Forward
How it ’ s done
Mark Paisey explains how BSAC Centres can participate in the Centre + Branch partnership scheme , welcoming Scuba Ts of Falkirk to the fold
Any dive centre considering our scheme will obviously be wondering what it means and what ’ s involved . First , any centre approached by the scheme will be ‘ approved ’ by the local Regional Coach as a school with a good reputation . Then , after completing the centre application form , other ( non BSAC ) agency instructors at the school are sent their pre-learning pack ahead of a visit from an approved National Instructor ( NI ), to ‘ cross them over ’.
This day is known as the Commercial Instructor Cross Over Course or ICC . The course is half theory and half practical , and lasts around eight hours . The theory starts with an introduction to the BSAC Diver Training Programme , diver and instructor grades , Skill Development Courses ( SDCs ) and website .
Teaching ethos is then discussed and this content will be familiar to anyone who has done an IFC and OWIC . This session really focusses on the differences between teaching in different agencies and how BSAC wants trainees taught . The next session covers BSAC 88 and Nitrox tables , including worked examples , before moving to the planning session . The NI demonstrates how they planned their demonstration lesson before each instructor plans their own lesson . Normally dSMB , Controlled Buoyant Lift and line laying are chosen , as they will be new to the crossover instructor .
After lunch the practical part commences with a demonstration lesson from the NI . This is normally ‘ rescue breaths ’ followed by each instructor giving their prepared lesson and receiving feedback on it . The day finishes with a skills circuit to ensure the instructor is familiar with all the BSAC skills and has seen them taught progressively .
So , what did our latest participating centre make of it ? I asked Colin Irvine of Scuba Ts in Falkirk , Scotland about the process . “ I had an enjoyable day , learned some really good teaching points and appreciated the use of a datum ,” Colin said . “ So any club considering how Scuba Ts can help their training progression can be assured that the centre is ready for your Ocean Diver trainees .” �
Branch + Centre Partnership Scheme explained
Designed to support branches with their training , the model is that new members join your branch , train at the centre , then return to your branch as qualified divers .
Benefits to branches :
• There ’ s no cost to enter , and you can withdraw at any time
• The scheme enables BSAC clubs to take on more new members , year-round
• It assists with resource challenges , such as lack of instructors , or pool access
• The partnership supports and cements relations with local BSAC dive centres
More information and benefits at bsac . com / PartnershipScheme
PARTNERSHIP CENTRES
ANDARK DIVING AND WATERSPORTS 256 Bridge Road , Lower Swawick , Southampton , Hampshire SO31 7FL • 01489 581755 andy @ andark . co . uk • www . andark . co . uk
DIVECREW Brookers Corner , Crowthorne , Berkshire RG45 6ST 01344 771113 • info @ divecrew . co . uk www . divecrew . co . uk
DM SCUBA TRAINING 07920 556116 • dmscuba @ hotmail . com www . dm-scuba . co . uk
DV DIVING 138 Mt Stewart Rd , Carrowdore , Newtownards , BT22 2ES dvdiving . co . uk
ROBIN HOOD WATERSPORTS 152 Leeds Road , Heckmondwike , West Yorkshire WF16 9BJ • 01924 444888 • sales @ roho . co . uk www . roho . co . uk
SANDFORD & DOWN 24 Pier Street , West Hoe , Plymouth , Devon PL1 3BT 01752 266248 • dive @ sandfordanddown . co . uk www . divesubsea . co . uk
SCUBATS 19 / M Winchester Avenue , Denny , Falkirk , Stirlingshire , Scotland FK6 6QE 07449669494 • scubat2017 @ gmail . com www . scubats . co . uk
ST ABBS CHARTERS : St Abbs Harbour , Eyemouth TD14 5PW
STONEY COVE Sapcote Road , Stoney Stanton , Leicester LE9 4DW 01455 273089 • diving @ stoneycove . com www . stoneycove . com
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