Guidelines for all BSAC Diving Officers
The Branch Diving Officer is the National Diving Officer's representative at Branch level, as defined in Article 83.D of the Articles of Association.
The Branch Diving Officer is the default Branch Welfare Officer unless there is a dedicated Branch Welfare Officer on the Branch Committee, see advice on the branches' duty of care and welfare.
If appropriately qualified, the Branch Diving Officer will be the lead instructor of a Branch; and will be thus empowered to award Ocean Diver, Sports Diver, Dive Leader and Advanced Diver qualifications to members within their own Branch. Much of the Branch Diving Officer's responsibilities are contained in the Management of Diving, an overview of the role can be found here.
The Branch Diving Officer, with reference to Safe Diving, will authorise all diving activities of Branch members.
A Branch Diving Officer should hold at least the qualification of BSAC Advanced Diver and ideally be a BSAC Qualified Instructor (minimum Open Water Instructor). If not, they should nominate a Qualified Instructor (minimum Open Water Instructor) to be lead instructor of the Branch. The nominated individual will then award diving qualifications in accordance with current guidance, see award a diving qualification.
The Branch Diving Officer
- The person nominated for the post of Branch Diving Officer should be chosen carefully.
- They should be a volunteer rather than be pressed into taking the job, enthusiasm and a desire to do things thoroughly being of great importance.
- They should have a sound practical and theoretical knowledge of diving and in order to successfully impart their knowledge and ability to others must have zest for the task, patience, sympathy and understanding.
Guidelines for all BSAC Diving Officers
- Do encourage diving activities
- Do promote safe diving
- Do take the responsibility seriously
- Don’t impose extra rules
- Don’t get personal
- Do seek advice if unsure
- Don’t panic about responsibility
- In line with BSAC recommendations
- Training is delivered in line with current BSAC standards
Let's talk!
If you’d like to chat anything through or ask any questions please contact BSAC at drt@bsac.com or on 0151 350 6203. Alternatively, please get in touch with your Regional Coach.
