SCUBA Sept 2025 issue 158 | Page 9

All welcome at North West Dive Fest

THERE’ S STILL TIME TO GET YOUR ticket for the last BSAC diving festival of the year – the popular North West Dive Fest which is back for a third year.
To be held on Friday, 3 October at
Capernwray Diving Centre near Lancaster, the one-day celebration of all things scuba is open to all BSAC divers, as well as divers from other agencies. Organised by BSAC’ s North West Regional Team, tickets for the festival can still be bought online, with a range of options available, as well as pre-booking for CCR( AP and Liberty) and scooter taster sessions.
Event sponsors, which include Apeks, Northern Diver, AP Diving, Sea & Sea, Dynamic Nord, Suunto, Mares, and Dive Manchester, will be on hand with their latest
kit for divers to try. The Nautical Archaeology Society and the NW Underwater Police Search Team will also be there.
Other NW Dive Fest activities include an underwater treasure hunt, a photo competition, auction, raffle, and music from DJ Cosche. All proceeds raised from the event will go to the NW Air Ambulance.
For more information and to book your tickets use the QR code or go to bsacnwdivefest. co. uk

Could you be a Marine Champion?

DO YOU WANT TO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN protecting our precious marine environment? Then become a BSAC Marine Champion!
New for 2025, BSAC is looking to establish a volunteer network of Marine Champions who will work within their own clubs to deliver a range of grassroots environmental initiatives. BSAC aims to recruit at least 50 Marine Champions this year, before expanding the network during 2026 and beyond.
Katherine Knight, Chair of BSAC’ s Environment Group, said the launch of the Marine Champions initiative was a fantastic way for members and clubs to take a‘ deep dive’ into marine conservation.
“ This new role will be at the heart of BSAC’ s strategic mission to be the go-to community for anyone wanting to learn about, enjoy and protect the underwater world,” she explained.
“ Our network of Marine Champions will be volunteers who are passionate about involving their club in diving with an environmental purpose and can spread the word about protecting our marine world.”
With the support and endorsement of their club’ s committee, each Marine Champion will coordinate conservation activities such as Underwater Litter Picks, beach cleans, seagrass and oyster surveys. They will also support the development of future BSAC environmental initiatives, as well as being encouraged to lead on their own club’ s‘ in-house’ marine conservation projects.
Katherine said the role of Marine Champion was an exciting opportunity for BSAC and its club network.
“ Our Marine Champions will be part of a positive wave for change, not just in preserving the marine environment, but also in helping divers and snorkellers to experience the fulfilment of diving with a purpose.”
To apply to become a BSAC Marine Champion, you need to be aged 18 or over and a member of a BSAC club. While it is anticipated that many Marine Champions will be active diving members, this is not essential. Marine Champions could equally be snorkelling members or non-diving club members.
Some knowledge or experience in marine conservation is desirable, although enthusiasm and commitment are just as important. Relevant support and additional training can be made available to ensure all of BSAC’ s Marine Champions thrive in their new role.
For more information on the Marine Champions initiative and to apply, go to bsac. com / marinechampions
PLEASE NOTE: BSAC is looking for one Marine Champion per club. Before applying to become a Marine Champion, you will also need to get the endorsement of your club’ s committee. If you have any questions about the initiative, please email the Marine Champions team at marinechampions @ bsac. com
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