■ Evolving diving kit and techniques BSACs core diver training levels have sought to include changes in each review. Ocean Diver in 2017 included Nitrox – allowing an additional safety margin for divers and gases that fit the 20m qualification. The 2023 Dive Leader Course includes more instruction and practice of core leading and management skills. From sidemount to the latest regulator designs, the tools and methods we use evolve. Our Skill Development Courses adapt so you can make the most of them. Advanced Nitrox was replaced by Accelerated Decompression Procedures as BSAC looked to develop the course further to incorporate the use of different gas mixes and teach the relevant practical skills.
■ Technology How we deliver training has changed significantly. Covid gave us an opportunity to develop more online learning materials. Since then, BSAC has moved to a new eLearning platform to improve online course delivery and be more inclusive to neurodiversity. You can still complete theory face-to-face, but there are now a wider range of courses available with online learning as an option. ELearning allows students to complete the theory lessons in their own time and revisit areas they need to recap on. The eLearning option uses text, images and videos to present the theory topics online and accommodate those with commitments that may prevent them from attending a weekday in person theory lesson. The Instructor Training
Scheme has piloted hybrid courses, which will go onto eLearning in the coming months. The other benefit for volunteer club instructors and students is that travel costs are reduced.
We don’ t just change things for the sake of it. Every review fits into an overall training strategy that helps us decide which grades or courses to look at first. And just as importantly, we listen to you. Member feedback – whether from surveys, branch chats, or a quick email – is a huge part of deciding what to prioritise within the capacity we have.
The National Diving Committee, led by the National Diving Officer, keeps our courses under a cyclic review system, so nothing gets left behind for too long. If something urgent comes up – say, a big safety update – we can bring it forward.
■ So, what’ s bubbling away right now? We’ ve got work going on to refresh some of our core diver grades, making them even more engaging, flexible, and relevant for today’ s diving – as Sophie mentions, Advanced Diver is in review. We’ re also looking at some specialist courses to reflect new interests and trends in the diving community – Deeper Diving, Sidemount and revised ADP are currently at various stages of production having had to be paused whilst all the live courses were redeveloped in the new eLearning platform.
At the end of the day, our aim is simple: keep BSAC training safe, up-todate, and interesting – so you’ re ready for whatever underwater adventures lie ahead. �
Do you have a question about dive training, kit or safety for the Two Sophies to answer? Email SCUBA Editor Simon Rogerson, simon @ scubamagazine. co. uk
27