SCUBAHUB
Malta is the Mecca for military expeds
THE RESUMPTION OF DIVING POSTpandemic has seen a raft of military expeditions supported by overseas BSAC centres .
Since the pandemic put an 18-month halt on most overseas diving and training , the return of military expeditions has been welcomed by BSAC , with significant numbers of overseas expeds delivered over recent months .
All military diving expeditions require a Commercial MOD approved centre , with this facility offered at Stoney Cove in the UK as well as BSAC centres in Cyprus , Malta , Lanzarote , and Brunei .
With over 25 years ’ experience in providing training for the forces , Dive Deep Blue in Malta is one BSAC centre that has played a key role in getting the military expeds back up and running this summer .
A BSAC Centre of Excellence located in the Maltese resort of Bugiba , Dive Deep Blue has played host to several military expeditions this summer , working with military instructors to deliver BSAC diver training . Dive Deep Blue ’ s Jonathan Thomas said he was encouraged to see the military diving expeditions returning post-pandemic and to play a part in their delivery .
“ With five expeds hosted to date in 2022 we will have provided services for around 11 or 12 by the end of the year , with a number of dates already reserved for 2023 .
“ For these expeds to happen , a significant amount of work and effort has to be undertaken by all concerned . This is often done by dedicated people happy to give their time and experience to ensure that adventurous training and diving remains available to forces personnel .”
BSAC university clubs freshen up
THE FRESHERS ’ FAIR SEASON FOR BSAC ’ s university clubs is well underway . With 37 student clubs making the most of support on offer from HQ to boost their new member recruitment , everyone involved is hoping for a healthy new intake of new trainees , plus divers that have already trained with other agencies .
Many of the freshers ’ events that have already taken place have shared positive results . Ryan Crawford , Treasurer and branch contact at Portsmouth University Sub-Aqua Club said : “ We had 90 students sign up for try dives , so we are going to be super busy for the next month running those .”
It was a similar story with Dublin University Sub-Aqua Club , with Chair and
branch contact Eoin Dowling saying : “ We had a huge success this year . We reached record numbers of interest this year , and the stand was crowded at all times .”
BSAC provided a range of support for university clubs running a freshers ’ fair event this year , including promotional material to help the clubs attract the new students coming onto campus .
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