Marine Champions FAQs

Got questions about becoming a BSAC Marine Champion? We can help…

We’ve answered the most common queries about how to become a Marine Champion in your club and what it involves:

Q: Do I need to be a diver or snorkeller to become a Marine Champion?
A: No, you don’t necessarily have to be able to dive or snorkel, although this can be beneficial for the role. A non-diver can successfully become a Marine Champion, and it is a good way for non-diving members to get involved in their club.

The minimum requirements to become a BSAC Marine Champion are that you are a current BSAC club member and aged 18 or over.

Q: Why do I need to get my club to endorse my Marine Champion application?
A: To be effective in the role, you will need to have your club’s backing. By discussing it with your club committee before applying, you will know that you have their full support to work as a Marine Champion within your club. It also ensures that we don’t receive duplicate applications for a club.

Q: Do I need prior experience or knowledge of marine environment-related projects?
A: Not necessarily. We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about protecting our marine environment and motivated to get their BSAC club involved.

While some knowledge or experience in marine conservation is desirable, enthusiasm and commitment are just as important. Relevant support and additional training can be made available to ensure all our Marine Champions thrive in their new role. And other skills, such as event organisation, social media management, administration and presentation skills, are also hugely beneficial – it’s what you as an individual bring to the role that really counts!

Q: What will I be expected to do as a Marine Champion?
A: You will be asked to raise the profile within your club of BSAC’s commitment to protecting the marine environment and engage your fellow members in initiatives that support this strategic aim. You will need to work with your club’s committee and Branch Officers to agree, plan and deliver Marine Champion initiatives as well as support your club members to get involved.

You will also be asked to share your club’s success stories with BSAC as well as your local communities. Where relevant, you will also be able to contribute to the collection of marine data to support key marine environment protection and restoration projects.

Q: How much time will I be expected to commit to the role?
A: There is no set time requirement as we recognise that you are a volunteer. This is a role that will, however, require you to organise events and work with your club and its members, so it will be a commitment, albeit an enjoyable one! You will also need to be able to attend the occasional online Marine Champions meet-up and relevant training sessions.

But remember, you are not expected to do it on your own, and we actively encourage our Marine Champions to share tasks by getting other interested members of their club involved.

Q: Is Marine Champion a Club Committee role?
A: No, it is not a formal position that sits on your BSAC club’s committee, but it is an additional role that we hope all our clubs will adopt and support.

Q: What if my club doesn’t support my application?
A: We sincerely hope this doesn’t happen as Marine Champions are an asset to our club network. If you have any concerns, please get in touch with the Marine Champions Team (marinechampions@bsac.com)

Q: Can my club have more than one Marine Champion?
A: We ask that each club has one dedicated Marine Champion who puts in an application to BSAC so we can support them in the role. But we do encourage our Marine Champions to seek help and support within their club and also delegate appropriate tasks and activities.

Q: How long will I need to do the role for?
A: The role does not have a specific ‘shelf life’ as we are aiming for the Marine Champions concept to have a longstanding presence in our clubs. Should you, for any reason, feel you are no longer able to fulfil the Marine Champion brief, please do speak to your Club Committee in the first instance. Ideally, another member of your club will be able to step forward and take over the Marine Champion role – please let BSAC know via marinechampions@bsac.com of any changes.

Q: As well as supporting BSAC’s marine environment initiatives, can I create my club’s own conservation events?
A: This is something we actively encourage! Due to location, resources, diving preferences, membership numbers, etc, every BSAC club is different and will have their own ideas and opportunities to explore when it comes to protecting the marine environment. All we ask is that any of your marine environment plans follow BSAC’s safe diving guidance and that you keep us in the loop on your project so that we can share your successes!

Q: My club prefers wreck diving, so how will the Marine Champion role work?
A: Wreck divers are a good fit for the Marine Champions initiative! Protecting our underwater heritage also means we can protect and observe marine life as wrecks are valuable underwater habitats. Marine environment initiatives such as BSAC’s Underwater Litter Pick can also be conducted on wreck sites to help keep them marine debris free. And finally, adding marine environment protection initiatives into all your club’s diving activities reinforces the diving with a purpose message.

Q: Will I be required to organise marine conservation-related diving?
A: No. As a Marine Champion, you will not be responsible for organising or managing any diving-related activities for your project. You will, however, be required to work with your club’s Diving Officer where diving or snorkelling is a key aspect of your project’s delivery plans. All water or beach-related activities must also adhere to BSAC’s Safe Diving Guidance.