SCUBAHUB
DM Scuba
New club and centre partnership scheme to boost BSAC training
BSAC HAS LAUNCHED A NEW CLUB / centre partnership initiative to offer trainees a choice in how they learn to dive while supporting resource-stretched clubs to grow their membership .
Created in response to the training capacity and member retention issues faced by many clubs as well as growing demand for more flexible , ‘ fast-tracked ’ training , the scheme aims to buddy up clubs with a nearby BSAC centre .
Mark Paisey , who is leading the initiative alongside Julian Gill , Chair of Aldershot Dolphins , said the scheme would be mutually beneficial .
“ With many branches increasingly resource challenged , including no pool and stretched instructor capacity , by offering entry-level training at commercial centres we can support clubs to solve these issues ,” he explained .
For participating clubs , the initiative offers
an optional ‘ referral training system ’ for new Ocean Diver trainees , who can then return to the club to continue their diving and BSAC experience .
Meanwhile , partner centres will benefit from the ongoing relationship with the clubs , including providing additional services , such as offers on kit and air fills .
The scheme is currently being trialled in the London , South East and Southern regions , where dive centres Divecrew , DM Scuba and Stoney Cove and 14 BSAC clubs have signed up so far .
Ruislip and Northwood SAC is one of the clubs on board . Diving Officer , Karin Lockett , said she was looking forward to working with their new centre partner , Berkshire-based Divecrew .
“ This is a great opportunity to offer fast-track training to new divers that ’ s not available in our club . The club can then do what we do best : provide support and advice , buddy diving with friends and gradual dive progression ,” she explained .
Martin Weddell , of Divecrew , agreed . “ We see a mutual benefit in fast-track training and then returning that BSAC Ocean Diver back to a partner BSAC club . Divecrew can also offer incentives on kit hire and bundle deals . We are delighted to be involved and cannot wait to get started .”
DM Scuba ’ s Paul Dowding , who has also signed up to be a partner , said he welcomed the opportunity to support clubs to get even more people into the sport .
“ DM Scuba can now work with local BSAC branch instructors to fill in where needed , from completing the whole course or from simply assisting with the open water dives . This gives Training Officers more options to qualify their students much quicker .”
Sophie Browne , of Cirencester Dolphin SAC , who have partnered with Swindon ’ s DM Scuba , said the scheme would also help to take pressure off the club ’ s instructor team .
“ The centre partnership will have the added benefit of freeing up some of our instructors to spend more time delivering Sports Diver and Dive Leader training .”
For more information on the club / centre partnership initiative and how your club can get involved , email Mark Paisey at coach . leader @ bsac . com