SCUBAHUB
Benefit of the Month
Bumper training boost for UPSAC
THANKS TO A HUGE CLUB EFFORT TO REbuild its training after the pandemic , the University of Portsmouth SAC ’ s membership has bounced back to its pre-Covid levels . Since last September , the club has focused on its new and existing member training , with 33 new Ocean Divers now qualified and another seven to shortly follow . UPSAC has also been able to develop its Assistant Diving Instructors , providing much-needed support to its core instructor team . Meanwhile , the instructor team are progressing the club ’ s existing Sports Divers , Dive Leaders and Advanced Divers .
UPSAC ’ s Chair , Andy Burns said the club was positively looking to the future .
“ Coming out of the pandemic , there was a strong desire by everybody to make a huge effort to correct the balance and restore the branch membership to its usual levels . Our instructor team has done us proud , and we are back !”
With two bumper training weekends at inland site Vobster Quay now complete , Andy said the club was now planning for its summer dive trips . “ We are focused for the rest of the year on mostly fun diving !” he added .
Advice and support from HQ and the Regional Teams
WE ALL NEED A LITTLE HELP FROM time to time . And as a member , you have direct access to a wealth of guidance and advice on all things BSAC diving and snorkelling whenever you need it . From renewing your membership to running a club , progressing your training or a medical question relating to your diving , advice and support from BSAC is a phone call , email or click away .
Here are just some of the ways the HQ and Regional Teams can help you get the very best out of your BSAC member experience :
■ Supporting your membership - whether you are a new member or renewing for another year , BSAC HQ can help with any aspect of your membership and benefits .
Make a splash with Torbay photo comp
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE being invited to take part in Torbay BSAC ’ s popular Splash-In photography competition which returns to the South Devon coastline this summer .
To be held on 3 June , the one-day competition will see underwater
Winning image by last year ’ s Popular Vote winner , James Rogers photographers challenged to snap a winning photo and the chance to be crowned the overall winner .
The Splash-in is now in its seventh year , and once again , editor of Underwater Photography magazine , Peter Rowlands will be the competition judge .
There are four categories – wide angle , macro / close-up , compact camera and beginners . Each category has a cash prize and trophy there will also be an overall Popular Vote winner , to be chosen at the Splash-In ’ s evening awards dinner .
For more information on the 2023 Torbay BSAC Splash-In and to register , go to www . torbay-bsac . co . uk
■ Help for clubs – both the HQ and Regional Teams can guide Branch Officers and instructors in the day-today running of their club , including support for clubs short of active instructors , providing marketing advice and resources and guidance on welfare , safety or branch-related issues . bsac . com / clubsupport
■ Diving and training – the Regional and BSAC HQ teams are a fantastic goto if you need extra support or advice on your diving and skill development progression . The Regional Teams can also help your club facilitate specific training or provide additional opportunities to consolidate your skills .
■ Online resources – as well as oneto-one support and advice , the BSAC HQ and Regional Teams also offer a wealth of free practical guidance for members , instructors and clubs . bsac . com / support
For more information on the advice and support from BSAC HQ or the Regional Teams , go to bsac . com / heretohelp
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