We really hope that you enjoy this copy of BSAC Talk. If you have any comments regarding this issue, please let us know by email at maryt@bsac.com

A PDF copy of this issue of BSAC TALK can also be downloaded from the BSAC TALK index page on our website at www.bsac.org/page/93/bsac-talk.htm.

Project Neptune is moving steadily onto Online Services. We are in the very early stages of the web module which when available, will allow members and branches to update their details directly into HQ. This is scheduled to begin very early in the New Year with initial consultations and discussions having taken place at the end of November.

A next step meeting is scheduled to take place at the end of January which should give us a better guide to when we can begin offering this service to members.

Keep watching this space for more updates.

Chris Horan
Project Neptune Project Manager

The Direct Debit system for payment of membership fees is now in operation and is now working well. However, members should be aware that when setting up a direct debit for the first time there may be some delay in collection of the first payment. This is due to the time it takes for the completed direct debit bank mandate to be entered onto the system at BSAC HQ, sent to the relevant bank and entered onto their system.

In some cases the date BSAC collect payment does not allow enough time for this process and payment will then be collected the following month. This is not the case for subsequent years.

Courtesy of the North West Regional sponsor SCUBAPRO UWATEC UK LTD Via our new Regional website www.bsac-nw.org and enter our free draw to win a full set of diving equipment. The winner will be announced on the 25th March at "In Deep 2007", the North West's regional conference.

To enter this free draw, applicants need only register to receive the North West Regional Newsletter, a free newsletter that provides information about diving in the North West.

Congratulations to Bernard Taylor who has won the prize draw for the BSAC Branding Survey. Bernard can now select a prize courtesy of Typhoon.

NEW - Instructor Resources CD-ROM 2007

This Instructor Resources CD-ROM has been updated and revised.

The CD-ROM Includes:

Instructor Notes
Instructor Notes cover Ocean Diver through to First Class Diver are prepared as A4 pages and saved as PDF (Adobe Portable Document Format) files. There are separate files for each group of lessons, for each diver grade.

Classroom Lesson Visual Aids
Contains visual aids for all the classroom lessons for each diver grade in Microsoft Powerpoint format. The directory structure is easy to navigate.

Theory Assessment Documentation
Contains Theory Assessments for Ocean Diver through to Advanced Diver saved as MS Word files. There are specific Instructor/invigilator papers that have the answers highlighted to facilitate easy marking.

Price: Members only £10.00 plus £1.00 p&p

Order online at www.bsac.org/page/518/training-materials.htm

Get kitted up

Exclusive discounts for BSAC Members!!!

As a BSAC member you can save up to £50.00, MORE THAN YOUR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FEE!, on this fabulous new clothing range which has been specially designed to give the protection you require in a wide range of conditions, whilst protecting you from the elements. They provide essential breathability required for today's ever demanding outdoor lifestyle.

Full details and sizes on all new BSAC leisurewear can be found at www.bsac.org/page/516/leisurewear.htm


New Accessories

Kompressor^TM Dry Bag 30L & 60L

A revolution in dry bag systems, the Kompressor^TM range is strong and super lightweight. Constructed of rip-stop nylon and double thermo-polyurethane the Kompressor^TM is strong enough to use as a dry bag but light enough to use as a Bergen liner. The seams are triple-sealed: stitched, welded and taped so kit is kept dryer than dry. Protects fabrics, leather and electrical equipment from damp, corrosion, rot and mould.

Features include the Kompressor^TM valve which releases excess air so no space is wasted and no extra volume is carried. The anti-bacterial PVC viewing window allows for easy pinpointing of gear in the 3D space-optimal design. Secure and fasten the bag easily with the discreet and no fuss silent roll-top closure, quick release clip and incorporated 'D rings'. Price : 30L £19.95. Price : 60L £22.95

DZ Flex Mean Beams

The DZ-FlexTM combines performance, function and practicality. This powerful pocket-sized torch has a fully flexible and 360 degrees rotational neck. Perfect for use in any weather conditions.

• 100,000 hours LED bulb life
• 360° flexible rotation
• Full 15 lumen output
• Dual function signal switch
• Visible up to 10km
• Hands-free clip
• Lanyard loop on base
• Water resistant
• Ultra lightweight

Pocket sized - when neck is fully extended 166mm x15mm Available in Silver and Black.

Price : £9.95.

Order online at www.bsac.org/page/517/accessories.htm

Belfield Tide Plotter 2007

Tide tables, tide graphs, tide information, Tide Plotter 2007 is the latest version of the our much loved tidal prediction program for Windows 98/NT4/2000/XP & CE with over 600 UK, European and Channel ports. Tide Plotter is easy to use and lets you produce a tidal prediction in just a few easy clicks for any day during the year 2007. An additional item is included free of charge, Photo Gallery, 260+ high definition photos of water related activities.

Tide Plotter 2007 is ideal used on a laptop onboard a boat. If you haven't got a laptop to take on your boat then do not fear. Tide Plotter 2007 can print both monthly tide tables and daily graphs so you can have the information when away from a computer.

Price : £10.95

Order online at www.bsac.org/page/515/dvds--cd-roms.htm

Alternatively, to order any items from the shop by phone, please call 0151 350 6222/6225 and one of our team will be happy to help.

What's it all about?
The BSAC's Regional Coaching Scheme is run by a team of Regional Coaches, supported by Area Coaches and other volunteer instructors with specific roles. They provide support to members both through branch visits, and through regionally organised Skill Development Courses (SDCs).

So what are SDCs?
SDCs are self-contained short courses, complementing the core diver training programme. They introduce divers to new subjects and allowing them to extend their knowledge in specialist areas. There are five main categories (Rescue Skills, Diving Skills, Seamanship, Technical and General Interest).

Can we run these in the branch?
In most cases, yes. There are many advantages to this; the event can be scheduled at a date convenient to the branch, and costs are kept as low as possible by using branch instructors, and regular club venues. There are a few courses which, because specialist equipment and/or instructors are needed to run them, can only be run by BSAC Regions or Schools (see www.bsac.org/page/248/sdc-requirement-matrix.htm for more details). If your branch would like to run any course "in-house" but needs additional instructors or resources, contact your Area Coach. They will be able to put you in touch with experienced instructors from the regional team, and may also be able to help you with equipment needed for the course.

Who or what is an SDCO?
Each Regional Coach is supported by a Skill Development Course Organiser, or SDCO - very similar to the roles carried out by a branch Diving Officer and Training Officer, but at Regional Level. SDCO don't run all the courses themselves - their role is to co-ordinate, to "make the events happen".

So who actually runs regional SDCs - and what's in it for me?
SDCs are run by Area Coaches, together with other experienced branch instructors who are willing to give up their time to teach at regional level as well. For smaller branches with only 1 or 2 NQIs to deliver branch training, it's a great way for members to extend their skills. Larger branches play a key role too, supporting the region by providing instructors/venues for courses. Plus, it's a great way to encourage cross-fertilisation of ideas and meeting other divers (for many students, attending a regional SDC is the first time they will meet divers from outside their branch).

How do I find out what's on, and where?
A printed Programme of Events is produced annually, around November, and an update of the following month's courses appears each month in Dive magazine. There is an electronic copy of the Programme of Events on the BSAC website, and this will be updated if event details change or new events are added. More detailed information can also be found on each region's own website (go to www.bsac.org/page/25/regional-websites.htm to find the website for your region).

Who do I contact to find out more information about a regional course?
Contact the SDCO in the first instance - they will be able to help you with booking, and any general enquiries about the course. If you have a specific enquiry about course arrangements, eg what equipment you need to bring, the SDCO may be able to help you, or might put you in touch with the Course Boss (who is responsible for making the detailed arrangements for the event).

How do I book a place?
Most regions now offer online bookings via their website, and some are able to accept electronic payments too. However if you don't have internet access - or you prefer to speak to a "real person" - please give the SDCO a call. If you're not sure who that is, the Diver Resources Team at BSAC will be happy to put you in touch with the right person in the region concerned.

How much do SDCs cost?
This varies depending on the course, and there are two parts - the BSAC HQ registration fee (this covers the cost of your student notes, plus a contribution towards HQ's SDC admin costs), and your share of towards regional costs. The regional fee covers all other expenses room/equipment hire, instructors expenses etc. To help you, most regions are now able to quote an "all-inclusive" fee at the time of booking, which covers both HQ registration fees and regional costs.

My partner/friend would like to do the course with me, but isn't a BSAC member?
That's not a problem - all BSAC courses are open to non-members, on payment of a £30 premium. This is passed to BSAC HQ, and gives the non-member 3 months' temporary membership of the BSAC, as well as covering HQ's additional administration costs.

When do I apply, and is there a closing date for applications?
As early as possible, to avoid disappointment (many of the more popular courses fill very quickly. There is a closing date for all events, which is normally 2 weeks before the date of each course. At this point all course arrangements - booking the venue and instructors, organising student packs and other equipment - are finalised.

Will the course definitely happen?
Yes - if sufficient bookings are received from students by the closing date for a viable course. Occasionally it is necessary to cancel an event for other reasons (eg weather, or venue becomes unavailable), but we do our best to avoid this if at all possible, and will always try to reschedule the course at a later date if we can.

I need to cancel a place that I've booked?
No problem - if you cancel the place before the closing date, a full refund can be offered. Once the closing date has passed, the SDCO and Course Boss will have finalised the arrangements - and costs - for the course. A refund will therefore only be possible if you are able to find a suitably qualified member to replace you.

What about late applications?
In general, applications which come in after the closing date can only be accepted if the SDCO has been notified of a late withdrawal from the course.

The course I wanted to book on is already full?
If there is sufficient demand, it may be possible for the regional team to set up a repeat event. Either the SDCO or your Area Coach will be able to advise you about this.

I'd like to do a course, but it's not running in my region?
Events can be added to the regional programme if there is sufficient demand. If this is not possible, see if the course is running in an adjacent region. Alternatively, most branches are willing to offer space places on in-house SDCs to members from neighbouring branches. Contact your Area Coach, who will know if any branches are planning to run the course, and can put you in touch with them.

I'm an instructor, but I've never taught SDCs. How do I get involved?
Contact either your Area Coach, or any member of the regional team - new instructors are always very welcome! Each region has its own systems in placing for induction & mentoring of new team members.

Visit In Deep, 25th March 2007 at The Park Hall Hotel, Charnock Richards, Lancs. Entertaining and informative speakers will entertain you throughout the day with subjects ranging from Plink, Plink, Fizz (the Murrayfield Hyperbaric), Dolphins & Basking Sharks around the North West, Digital Photography with Paul Kay, if the Hard Hat fits - Historical Diving Society, Louise Trewavas on Ironing underwater, Free diving "Are you a gas guzzler?", Yellow box of Desire by Matt Robinson of MR Diving, the Red Sea by Tony Backhurst Scuba and the RNLI.

There is something for everyone, regardless of grade or ability, the day is open to all divers and non-divers are welcome. Tickets cost £5, (or £6.50 if you pay on the door on the day) and each ticket stub collected on the day has the chance to win a holiday for two on board the Typhoon, a Red Sea liveaboard, courtesy of Tony Backhurst Scuba.

There will also be a raffle with over £2,000 worth of prizes to be won.

Start the new dive season off with In Deep 2007, the BSAC North West Regional Conference sponsored by SCUBAPRO UWATEC UK LTD; I hope to see you there!

To obtain your ticket telephone: 0794 738 1885 or Email nwconference@hotmail.co.uk

• Have you ever wondered how archaeologists survey underwater wreck sites?



• Have you ever wondered how they compile detailed and in depth (pun intended!) information from a few bits of timber sticking out of the sand or from a heap of rusty scrap iron?



• Did you watch them raise the Mary Rose (right) and wonder how they had even found it in the Solent's poor visibility?

Well you can get the answers to all of the above questions and much, much more besides if you attend the Nautical Archaeology Society's introductory course which BSAC North West region will be hosting in May 2007.

The first part of the two part course will run for one day only and will teach you the basics including classroom theory lectures alongside dry practical work and the day will culminate in a pool session aimed at getting you competent enough to be able to carry out basic surveying techniques in an underwater environment. The second part of the course will take the basics into open water in June.

The course promises to be a serious eye opener and the follow up practical course will be run in a sheltered open water environment, probably Capernwray. The express intention of the two part course is to qualify sufficient divers for clubs in the north west to be able to "adopt a wreck" and carry out proper, technically correct surveys over an extended period afterwards.

To give you an example of what you should be able to achieve… after attending the course the organiser will carry out a survey and photograph an as yet unidentified war time aircraft wreck which shows every indication of being an enigmatic and amazing project. The type of plane, its unit, its mission… in fact just about everything about it, is as yet proving extremely difficult to work out. But just one dive on the wreck so far has yielded sufficient information to show that it crashed with the engine running flat out and it only just managed to clear a hill top on an island a few hundred yards behind where it ditched. So given that the course will provide the necessary knowledge to tackle the project in a proper manner it is hoped that by this time next year this mysterious aeroplane wreck will have given up significantly more of its secrets!

NAS Introductory course: The venue will be Blackpool and the date will be Sunday 13th May, 2007. Cost is £80.00. Please book early - limited places available.

For all enquiries regarding the course please contact Martin or Tracy by email at m.tj@virgin.net or by telephone on 01254 777957.

BSAC Korea Chairman JongSub Park has been training the eight candidates of their astronaut programme who have just left for further training and selection procedures at the Russian Gagarin Space Centre.

The best two candidates from the six men and two women trained will return for more BSAC training before the final selection of the astronaut that will go to work in the International Space station in August.

Obviously BSAC has benefited from a good deal of Asian TV coverage and all the trainee astronauts have BSAC Neptune patches on their training gear and space suits, etc. We will soon have the second BSAC logo in space, so our ‘exposure’ will be even greater.

EQUIPMENT CARE

This time of the year sees most UK divers falling into two groups, those that hang up their kit until the warmer weather arrives, and those of us that dive right through the winter no matter what it throws at us. Which ever group you fall into, looking after you equipment is vital.

Storing Equipment
If you are a diver that finds no appeal in diving in cold conditions and you put away your kit until the sun has a bit of warmth in it, think about how you store your equipment. If you have not washed off and completely dried all that expensive equipment you could be asking for trouble later. Water ingress into a regulator or BCD can have disastrous effects if those items are then stored in a cold garage where temperatures can drop below freezing, the mineral deposits from the previous seasons diving can harden off and in some cases eat into the soft metal of a regulator. Make sure your equipment is completely dry and store it in a warm dry place, better still have your equipment fully serviced before putting it away for a while, it will then be cleaned and lubricated ready for the next seasons diving.

Winter Diving
For those of us that dive all year round, many of us in the fresh water lakes and quarries, this is also a tough time for your kit. Looking at the 2006 incident reports, all of the reported incidents in the equipment category for February and March involve a free flow, frequently whilst filling a DSMB or lift bag. Many use this time to develop their diving skills, and many of us teach those skills, but purging your Alternative Source into a DSMB or lift bag will almost inevitably result in a free flow if your equipment if not ready for the cold water challenge. Last seasons deposits on the internal parts of a regulator, combined with cold stiff 'O' rings and seals, thickening lubricants, and the cold water can all lead to regulator malfunction. The best option would be to get your equipment serviced before subjecting it to this kind of torture, not just your regulator but BCD and suit inflators also require cleaning and lubricating.

Post Servicing checks
Many divers tell me that they don't have their equipment serviced as often as they should because they often have problems when it is returned, they wait until it starts playing up before getting anything done. This does happen, even when the work is done by the manufacturer - importer, it is a sad fact that not all servicing is carried out correctly, in the main it is just the setting up of the regulator that's a problem. My suggestion would be check out all equipment you have just had serviced either in a pool or shallow sheltered site before subjecting it to more gruelling conditions and certainly before going on holiday.

A further bonus about getting your kit serviced at this time of the year is that you will miss the pre-season rush, and you may even get a reduction in the price.

Think SAFE - Dive SAFE

Pete Church
NDC ITS Staff Development officer
For more detail and information please visit http://www.bsac.org/page/142/safety-talk.htm

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