Branch + Centre partnership scheme

This scheme is free for BSAC branches and has been designed to support new member training and membership growth.

Created in response to the training capacity and member retention challenges faced by many branches as well as growing demand for more flexible, fast-tracked training, the scheme buddies up branches with nearby BSAC Training Centres.

BSAC is working with selected commercial dive centres to become BSAC Training Centres and to then broker relationships between these centres and branches in the area for mutual benefit.

The model is that new members join your branch, train at the centre, then return to your branch as a qualified diver.

There are several benefits of this approach for branches:

No cost to enter and can withdraw at any time.
Enables branch to take on more new members and year-round, effectively removes any bottleneck or waiting list.
Assists with resource challenges, e.g. lack of instructor resources or pool access.
Can pass on 'holiday diver' enquiries that branches may not want to train.
Centres provide prompt training on dates suitable to members.
Branches can focus on diving or higher-level training e.g. Dive Leader.
Centres will offer discounts and incentives including finance.

The scheme was initially trialled in the London, South East and Southern BSAC Regions. The trial phase was successful for the participating branches and the scheme is now being rolled out further with a total of seven centres now set up and more coming on board.

Karin Lockett of Ruislip and Northwood SAC, who partnered with Berkshire’s Divecrew said:

This has been a great opportunity to fast-track training to new divers as this isn’t available with the club. We can now do what we do best: provide support and advice, buddy diving with friends and gradual dive progression.

Sophie Browne of Cirencester Dolphin SAC, who partnered with another centre said: