With more than 16,000 logged dives , Clint Currie has a wealth of experience that he is still keen to pass on by instructing at Exeter BSAC . Interview by Kristina Pedder
VOLUNTEERLIFE
Clinton shows off his landmark logbook entry
Clint Currie , 86 , is officially retired but he tells me his day job is being an instructor at Exeter BSAC in Devon .
Childhood visits to Barry Island in Wales didn ’ t give Clint an instant love for the sea ; he recalls it was muddy and cold . But when Clint moved to Devon and went swimming in the sea at Exmouth , things changed . To his surprise the water was crystal clear , and that ’ s when he decided he had to find out what was under the surface . “ My early memories are of being fascinated by all the wonderful things you can see diving ,” he says , “ and 60 years later I still am .” Clint doesn ’ t have to think twice about why he has kept on diving . “ Spending time underwater is an amazing thing to be able to do . I love diving because it keeps me fit both physically and mentally ; I have to try and keep up with the teenagers .”
Clint joined Exeter BSAC in 1963 and was first accredited as an instructor in 1972 , having been persuaded to start teaching by the senior members of the branch . “ It was great to know that they thought my skills were good enough ,” he says . “ I love the feeling you get when something clicks with a trainee , the realisation that they can do the skill , seeing them improving . Giving back to the club that taught me to dive is really important to me .”
That ethic has led to more than 50 years as a committee member at his Exeter club . Clint has held every post on the list . Having retired ( again ) as Chair last year , he is now Honorary President of the branch he has volunteered at for his entire diving career . He lives up to his self-declared job title and is still very active
Practice is the real teacher
With more than 16,000 logged dives , Clint Currie has a wealth of experience that he is still keen to pass on by instructing at Exeter BSAC . Interview by Kristina Pedder
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Champagne supernova in the sea
FACTFILE
Name : Clinton ‘ Clint ’ Currie
Job titles : BSAC Instructor , Honorary President Exeter BSAC
Area covered : Exeter , Devon First dive : 24 November 1963
Teaching highlights : Boat Handling SDC / Diver Cox ’ n Assessment
FAVOURITEKIT
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My Ocean Reef full face mask , because the visibility is so much better than a traditional mask and I can breathe through my nose and mouth .
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