SCUBAHUB club’ s capacity to train, at the same time increasing member value and engagement. Looking to future generations, BSAC wants to improve access to snorkelling and diving, attracting new people and helping to protect our waters. Key projects addressing these aims have been the growth in Regional and Instructor Training Scheme events, with the advantages of prelearning.
Yasmine said the upgrades to MyBSAC would bring technology up to date, freeing up time for projects that will bring further value to members.
Echoing Edward’ s thoughts on BSAC’ s environmental role, she highlighted the importance of joint ventures like the Clean Water Sports Alliance, working with partners to lobby for protection.
BSAC is only halfway through the first year of the strategy, but membership remains the priority.“ We are still laying the foundations to enable the growth we need to see in the coming years,” Yasmine concluded.
Honorary Treasurer’ s Report
Richard Pettifer delivered an account of BSAC’ s operating performance, which was also summarised in the July / August issue of SCUBA magazine. While income and expenses were finely balanced, there was an‘ exceptional stock write-off’, a necessary measure accounting for £ 39,100 and contributing to a net deficit transferred to the reserves of £ 38,500.
While noting that BSAC’ s income has increased, subscription income is essentially flat and the balances have reduced from £ 446,963 to £ 333,900.
Overall, 2024 was a significant improvement on recent years, Richard said, but cash and reserves are close to 10-year lows. BSAC must deliver on the initiatives set out in the other reports to achieve a better financial return from its assets.
National Diving Officer’ s Report
Sophie Rennie delivered her first National Diving Officer’ s report, setting out the purpose and structure of the National Diving Committee. Her first year in the role has seen a raft of new ideas, including the Two Sophies concept and a rise in regular communications with members.
It’ s been a strong year for diving activity, with expeditions, training events and
It’ s been a strong year for BSAC diving
activity on marine heritage. A review of Advanced Diver is underway, looking at course and exam papers, plus a potential change of the grade’ s title.
Sophie said that Instructor Training is critical to the delivery and success of the Diver Training Programme; the past year saw the qualification of 192 new Instructors, 18 Advanced Instructors and three National Instructors.
Upholding BSAC’ s safety standards remains a priority, with a new Project Data Team established to inform the Incidents Report and help the club promote safe diving advice in its role as National Governing body. BSAC has also been busy lobbying for England’ s Hyperbaric Oxygen Centres, following the controversial announcement that only three of six existing hyperbaric contracts are being renewed.
Snorkelling is an area close to Sophie’ s heart. BSAC training has been used to facilitate seagrass rewilding and other environmental projects, while Snorkel
Guide is now fully embedded into its suite of snorkel courses.“ Overall, it ' s a holistic approach aimed at recreational, expeditionary and research-based snorkelling,” she said.
Sophie concluded with an extensive thanks list mentioning HQ staff, NDC and project members.
Election results and motions
■ Andrew Shenstone was elected Chair with 850 votes
■ Michelle Haywood was elected to the vacant Council Member seat, with 709 votes
■ An ordinary resolution was passed to appoint and set remuneration of the auditors, Johnstone Howell & Co.
Final words
Edward Haynes concluded the meeting – and his tenure as Chair – by thanking delegates for their attendance. A BSAC volunteer par excellence, his final message was a hope that they will all keep in touch as the club continues to move forward.
Maintaining quality instructor training
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