First Class tickets with Sophie Heptonstall
FORMER BSAC NATIONAL DIVING Officer ( NDO ) Sophie Heptonstall is to step into the role of First Class Diver Chief Examiner . She takes over from Rob Sewell , who is stepping down after five years in the voluntary post .
Working as part of the Instructor Training Group on BSAC ’ s National Diving Committee ( NDC ), the First Class Diver Chief Examiner oversees the progress of Advanced Divers to the First Class Diver grade . They are also responsible for all First Class Diver ( FCD ) training , assessments , and procedures as well as managing FCD event instructors and their development .
Under Rob Sewell ’ s tenure , BSAC reached its 1,000th First Class Diver milestone . Rob said it had been an honour to hold the position of FCD Chief Examiner .
“ It has been extremely rewarding working with so many First Class Divers and examiners as well as seeing the adventurous exciting expeditions that have been undertaken . I have also been invited and taken part in some great diving and have learnt from those around me .”
Welcoming Sophie to her new role , Rob added that she was the ideal candidate for the job .
For more information on First Class Diver and how you can complete the course go to bsac . com / firstclassdiver
New Coach for South Scotland
BSAC ’ S SOUTH SCOTLAND TEAM HAS welcomed its new Regional Coach , Cara Nicholson . Cara , a member of Edinburgh University SAC , takes over from outgoing South Scotland Regional Coach , Paul Miller .
Providing diving advice and support to clubs and members , the BSAC Regional Team also offers regional training and support opportunities that may not be available through all BSAC clubs . The network covers 14 geographical regions in the UK as well as a Regional Coach for northern Europe .
An Advanced Instructor , Cara has most recently worked for the South Scotland Regional Team as its University Branch Officer as well as local organiser on the Instructor Training Scheme .
Cara said : “ As regional coach , I ’ m hoping to increase the number of ADP and Boat Handling instructors we have in the region , offer adventurous diving and training expeditions for our members , as well as support branches as we continue to deal with the impact of the pandemic .”
BSAC ’ s Coaching Advisor , Mark Paisey ,
South Scotland ’ s new Coach , Cara Nicholson
Live by the sword
SCUBAHUB
thanked outgoing coach Paul Miller , and welcomed Cara to her new role . “ I ’ m looking forward to working with Cara as she continues to build on this work , to the benefit of our members and clubs in the region ,” Mark said .
For more information on the Regional Coaching Scheme in your area or to contact your Regional Coach , go to bsac . com / coaching
THE 2021 WINNER OF BSAC ’ s premier diving award , the Wilkinson Sword , Jacob Broughton-Venner was recently presented with his trophy . Jacob was awarded the Wilkinson Sword for his performance in his First Class Diver exam . As part of BSAC ’ s annual awards , Jacob ( pictured left ) received his trophy from another BSAC award winner , Jonathan Hudson ( pictured right ), who has been announced as BSAC Volunteer of the Year 2021 . For a full list of BSAC ’ s Award Winners for 2021 , go to bsac . com / awards