SCUBAHUB
Heinke 2027 a chance to shine
IS YOUR CLUB CONSIDERING ENTERING the Heinke Trophy 2027? There’ s still time to register – and make 2027 the year your club tells its story.
Since 1958, the Heinke Trophy has been BSAC’ s premier award for clubs that make an outstanding contribution to diving and their community.
Entering isn’ t just about winning a £ 1,000 cash prize or putting your BSAC diving or snorkelling club in the spotlight. It’ s about recognising everything your club achieves – the people, the adventures, the training, the volunteering and the community you build around diving.
To inspire you, here are some of the reasons why the Heinke could be your chance to shine:
Put your club in the spotlight Being named a Heinke Trophy finalist or winner gives your club national recognition and celebrates the contribution you make to the wider BSAC community.
Strengthen future funding applications Winning the Heinke Trophy is recognition of what your club achieves, and a valuable endorsement when applying for future funding and grants.
Attract new members Previous winners have found that the profile and publicity generated by the Heinke Trophy can give their club a boost, helping attract new divers and snorkellers.
Inspire your members Entering is a chance to recognise and celebrate the people who make your club happen and remind everyone just how much they achieve together.
Capture an unforgettable year Putting your entry together creates a lasting record of your club’ s year – the dives, training, adventures, achievements, challenges and the friendships made along the way.
You won’ t be doing it alone This year, entrants have more support than ever. Once you sign up, you’ ll have access to one-to-one mentoring from experienced Heinke Trophy experts to help you shape your application and tell your story. And with a longer preparation schedule, you have more time to plan, enjoy your diving year, capturing the moments that make your club special.
Sign up now for the Heinke Trophy 2027
You don’ t have to be the biggest club. You don’ t need a perfect year. You just need a story you want to share.
The closing date for clubs to register their intent to enter the Heinke Trophy 2027 is 30 November 2026. Registered clubs will then need to record their club’ s activities during 2027 and submit their final report by the final deadline of 31 January 2028. For full details and to register for the Heinke Trophy 2027 go to bsac. com / heinke
Kev Ford heads up First Class Diver
THE BSAC NATIONAL DIVING COMMITTEE( NDC) HAS welcomed a new Chief Examiner to the First Class Diver( FCD) team, bolstering support for the organisation’ s highest diver grade.
After valued service in the role, Sandra( Sands) Castro is standing down as FCD Chief Examiner due to work commitments. Sands’ contribution to FCD has been significant, and her efforts in developing and supporting the grade are hugely appreciated by the NDC and by all those she has helped along the way. Sands will continue to support the National Diving Committee on a range of other projects.
Kev Ford, who has been working alongside Sands on FCD, will now step up as the new FCD Chief Examiner. Kev brings a wealth of diving and instructional experience to the role, along with a clear vision for the future of the grade. Currently the Training Officer of the Royal Air Force Scuba
Association, Kev has planned, delivered and led expeditions across the world.
“ First Class Diver is the top diving grade within BSAC and I want to protect the integrity of the qualification,” he said of his new role.“ I’ d like to keep driving FCD forward, and I also want to review the grade to ensure it continues to offer our members and the organisation the very best training and future output it possibly can.
Speaking on the changes in the team, BSAC’ s National Diving Officer, Sophie Rennie said the FCD would remain in‘ good hands’.“ I’ d like to thank Sands for everything she has given to First Class Diver and wish Kev every success as he takes the reins,” she added.
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