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/services/talk/index.html.

If you need to change your email address or wish to unsubscribe from receiving emails from the BSAC, please go to the foot of this email and choose the "To unsubscribe/change profile: click here" option.

Project Neptune had a dedicated section of the BSAC stand at LIDS 2006 and proved to be popular with visitors. From updating addresses, branch details and Diver & Instructor grades to processing live members renewals as well as joining new members, Project Neptune was received well.

Lots of visitors were keen to see what Project Neptune could do and how it could benefit their branches as well as keep improved information on qualifications and courses, many were curious to see the information currently held about themselves.

All in all, it proved a success having Project Neptune available to members at LIDS and it will certainly be an attraction at the next Dive Show in October at the NEC Birmingham which will be on the weekend of 14th & 15th.

Phase 2 of Project Neptune, Courses and Events, is coming up to testing of 'data cut 1'. All sample data for SDC and ITS has been sent to Computer Software Group to convert to Project Neptune and part 2 of training will commence shortly after Easter.

As things stand, we are well on course to hit our phase 2 go live date of early May.

Chris Horan
Project Neptune Project Manager

The BSAC is launching an exciting new campaign - GO! Dive with BSAC.

This campaign is a call to all existing divers to contact the BSAC so they can go diving with us! The campaign will appeal to divers who have already trained through other agencies, lapsed BSAC members, divers who have had a break for whatever reason or divers who have learnt while away on holiday.

From the Branch Survey we are aware that many of our Branches would like to attract and recruit this sort of diver to their Branch.

It's easy to get involved!

We will do everything for you. We will be advertising the campaign in various magazines, running a press trip , and taking the initial call or email from the divers.

All you have to do is register your branch to get involved in the campaign and then run an evening for these divers to come along and meet you all, hopefully join and then go diving with your branch.

During the month of July is when we ask that you run an open/meeting/evening for these divers to come to visit your branch, hear all about your exciting branch diving and then join to become a member of your branch

If you are interested in this campaign, please either email odetteb@bsac.com to register your branch or go to http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/services/godive2.htm

On Wednesday 22nd March 2006 Marcus Allen, Jane Maddocks and Mike Rowley from BSAC, together with Stuart Bryan of SAA, Suzanne Pleydell from PADI and Grahame Knott from the PBA met Lizzie West from DCMS and Tom Hassall, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites (ACHWS).

As a result of the meeting we would like to update you on the Review of the Marine Historic Environment.

In 2005 BSAC responded to an extensive consultation exercise, and met with DCMS to discuss the place of recreational divers in the enjoyment and protection of our underwater cultural heritage (UCH). Although UCH also covers submerged land surfaces from the Mesolithic, old fish traps and anything else humans made that is now underwater, it is natural for most divers to associate heritage protection solely with wrecks.

Following the receipt and first analysis of the consultation responses two working groups were set up: one on salvage and reporting, the other reviewing designations and definitions of underwater cultural heritage. The remit of the two groups was to review the responses to the consultation documents, and to recommend possible future changes to the way the marine historic environment is protected. These groups are only part of the consultation process. They are not the final stage. There will be a further opportunity to comment on these recommendations, a process in which we will be involved. Like all working groups there are various points of view being expressed. The two groups have not yet reported back. There were no official representatives specifically from the diving organisations, and that omission caused some anger. DCMS had looked to groups such as the Joint Nautical Archaeology Policy Committee of which the three diving organizations are members to speak for the sector. The fact that the diving organizations did not feel that was the case only became apparent late in the process. Now we are addressing this issue, and are in the process of nominating a representative for future occasions. However we have been assured that the interests of recreational divers are very much to the fore, and we are in no danger of being overlooked. We have been promised that we will be 'fully engaged in further stages'.

We were given further detail about the two working groups. The salvage and reporting group were discussing what should be reported, and how it should be reported. Again it is worth stating that wrecks are only a part of the UCH. The responses about salvage and the status of the salvor, about which we will be consulted, will be made. The same is true of the group looking at the designation of UCH. There is a debate about what UCH is and how it can be defined in the light of the responses to the consultation document in 2005. Again it was emphasized to us that the groups are working groups and are not preparing draft legislation. We were also told that many of the possible reforms included in the consultation document would need primary legislation in order to be implemented. We were assured that no legislation would be introduced, irrespective of the mechanism, without full consultation of all stakeholder groups, including the diving organisations.

Among the questions the working groups were asked to consider were the following:

• Do we need to change? What evidence is there for that need? How is evidence collected?
• Should we institute obligatory reporting?
• Should the law of salvage be applicable to Maritime Archaeology?
• Could we have a system like Portable Antiquities and the Treasure Act?
• Should we get rid of the concept of salvor-in-possession?

These questions were in the consultation document.

Finally the group went through an information leaflet produced by the Association of Historic Wreck Divers and the Protected Wreck Sites Association in which a number of statements were made, and a call made for all divers to contact their MPs.

The first point made was that the working groups were starting from an analysis of the responses to a consultation paper, and recommending possible future changes. They are not preparing draft legislation. Perhaps it would be more accurate to suggest that they were working on a document that was part of the way along a road to possible legislation, or potential changes in legislation.

The leaflet says that the proposals are;

1. All wrecks over 50 years old are made Historic Wreck Sites.

This is incorrect. What is correct is that historic assets are beyond wreck, and the discussion is about what is 50 years old or older that might need management. There is a way in which land sites are assessed that involves historic potential. Marine sites may also have historic potential (be recognized as an historic asset), for example remains of slipways from the D-Day landings, far from wreck, but in need of protection as they get fewer in number. There is not and never has been any suggestion that all wrecks over 50 years old would be made historic wreck sites that would need licences before we could dive them.

2. Divers must report anything they see underwater.

This has been discussed as an option. (However as we all know we see so much that this will need careful management, and a substantial input in public money from the Government just to handle our responses, because we are a law-abiding group of people.) We have to remember that we would not just be reporting wreck, but all forms of UCH. The discussion is continuing.

3. There is a move to do away with salvage awards.

In the consultation document the place of the salvage award was questioned. However the salvage working group had licensees represented. Part of the discussion centred on questions such as 'what is reward?' There was recognition that many divers are more concerned about involvement in the future of the site and recognition for their input, than in monetary gain. Very often licensees and salvors in possession, doing a good job of helping us to understand our UCH, can feel isolated, under-funded and unrecognized for the good job they do.

Finally we were asked to advise you not to continue to write to your MP about our non-representation on the working groups. The working groups are not meeting any more, and the diving organisations are currently fairly high profile, and we will certainly be consulted in the future.

This was a very productive meeting. It is important that we continue to build on the links we have made with DCMS. It is right that we are vigilant, the lorry does not notice when it runs over an ant, or as some would say: we should be aware of the law of unintended consequences. We have a way forward now, and we can be very confident that we are recognized as important stakeholders in the maritime environment.

It would also be helpful to channel your concerns through Jane Maddocks at jane.maddocks@bsac.com, so that issues can be dealt with as they arise.

And get a £5 voucher or gift FREE!

Responding to demand by members, the BSAC have now developed a process that will enable Branch members to pay their BSAC annual subscription by Direct Debit.

Project Neptune, the new membership relationship management system has this facility.

Paying by Direct Debit has many advantages for both members and Branches:

• Easier for members
• Less work for Branch Secretaries – easing admin burden
• Guaranteed uninterrupted membership

How do I arrange to pay my BSAC subscription by Direct Debit?

Your Branch Secretary will have all the details by August. There is a simple form for you to complete and your Branch sends this to BSAC Headquarters and we do the rest!

The BSAC Membership Department will set-up the DD instruction and send it to your bank.

We will also send the Branch details of which members have elected to pay by this method and their renewal dates etc, together with their membership cards.

Do I have to pay by Direct Debit?

No - the system is completely voluntary and you can continue paying conventionally if you wish.

We think that the vast majority will sign up to this concept – it’s so much easier for all.

     

All members electing to pay BSAC subscriptions via Direct Debit gets a £5 voucher to spend in the BSAC Shop.

Alternatively, members can ask for the ‘Waterbook’ instead. A6 size, 50 leaves.

When will paying by Direct Debit be available?

For renewals due from October 1st 2006. These will be issued to Branches in August.

DIRECT DEBIT Information Hotline: 0151 350 6257/6218 or email: sandrac@bsac.com.

Branch Secretaries/Treasurers

Have you received the Direct Debit details? If not, or want to know more, contact the Membership Department on:0151 350 6257/6218 email: sandrac@bsac.com.

The BSAC Welfare Policy reflects the need to promote awareness of the issues surrounding the welfare of vulnerable people, especially those under the age of 18. It should also be noted that as responsible members of society we have a duty to protect more vulnerable people from harm wherever it occurs - this means that if someone in our care during BSAC activities reports possible abuse outside of those activities we should still do everything in our power to help.

As an umbrella agency for the Criminal Record's Bureau (CRB), the BSAC is working hard to promote this awareness.

For full details of the BSAC Welfare of the Vulnerable Policy, please visit www.bsac.org/techserv/welfare/welfareintro.htm

If you have any queries regarding Welfare of the Vulnerable Policies please contact me on 0151 350 6220 or at maryt@bsac.com

Mary Tetley - Operations Manager

The Art of Diving

"Come, dive into Nick Hanna and Alexander Mustard's bright blue world. This is the best book about diving since Jacques Cousteau's The Silent World. Here turtles bow, flounders court, sharks skulk and, best of all, divers leap, soar and even meditate. Alex has a unique eye. This is dynamic underwater imagery at its best." David Doubilet.

"This book beautifully reveals the deepest secrets of our love affair with the liquid world." Tim Ecott.

Nick Hanna's engaging text brilliantly brought to life Alexander Mustard's amazing collection of award winning images..

The lure of the underwater world, meetings with remarkable creatures, the art of fish watching, free diving, the fate of the oceans and more.

Remarkable photographs convey the experience of diving as never before and allow the reader to share in the authors' fascinating journey into the magical ocean world.

Every facet of the experience of being underwater is explored in this remarkable book which captures the soul of scuba diving.

For the armchair reader as well as the enthusiast - a compelling inner voyage of self- discovery.

Order your copy NOW for £20.00 from the BSAC Shop, call us on 0151 350 6222 and we'll be happy to help you. Alternatively, order online at http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/shop/bookshop.html.

Evolution Dry Bag 20L
Heavy duty rip-stop dry bag with detachable shoulder straps.
Available in Black only.
Price : £19.95.

Stealth Belt
A must for all travellers. Not only will this discrete & tough money belt keep your valuables safe & out of sight, it will also keep them dry under your wetsuit.
Price : £14.00.

Multi Equipment Hanger
Extremely robust and versatile equipment hanger, suitable for storing your suit & B.C.D., regulator, octopus, hoses and other equipment.
Price : £9.00.


Order NOW from the BSAC Shop by calling us on 0151 350 6222 and we'll be happy to help you. Alternatively, you can order these products plus many more online at http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/shop/accs.htm.

Calling all BSAC Instructors.....

The BSAC Shop are having a special offer for BSAC Instructors with 20% off selected products. For more details, please go to http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/shop/insoffer.htm.

The BSAC South East Regional diving conference "DiverSE'06" exceeded the greatest expectations of its organisers. The first conference of its kind in the South East is now set to become an annual event. 280 delegates were entertained by a diverse range of speakers offering ideas on how to "Diversify your diving".

The conference opened with Mark Stevens from BDMLR with his tales of the attempts to save the London Whale. Other speakers included Kate Cole from Sea Search, a freelance diving journalist - John MacIntyre (care of Tony Backhurst SCUBA) who recounted his latest exploits with the BBC, Mark Mumford with a digital photography workshop and Simon Rogerson from DIVE Magazine with "Making the most of it!".

The morning session ended with world renowned cave diver Martyn Farr who waxed lyrical about some very tight squeezes. The packed day was finally drawn to a close by Jack Ingle with his highly enthusiastic and light hearted look at "The things technical divers don't tell you about". Nappies being thrown at the audience and the like made Jack's talk anything but dull.

The voluntary organisers from the South East Region of BSAC were delighted with the event. "Bar a faulty fire alarm which created a 10 minute freshen up for everyone just after lunch, nothing could have gone better. The feedback we have received has been simply astounding, what an incentive to do the same again next year" said Dave Tresidder (South East Regional Coach).

Dave went on to say "I was particularly pleased with feedback we got from the non BSAC members who attended. We deliberately opened up the conference to ALL divers. Being the National Governing Body for the sport, why shouldn't we after all? I'm glad everyone had such an excellent time. Thanks to the University of Surrey Sub-Aqua Club, we had a fantastic venue and an additional team of helpers for the day. We are talking to them about a bigger venue for next year so that we don't have to turn people away as we did this time, we simply hadn't expected it to be so popular."

Heinke Trophy Winners

The Annual General Meeting of the British Sub Aqua Club is being hosted by Heinke Trophy Winners - Leicester Underwater Exploration Club and will be held at nearby Centrica Building, Spinneyside, Grove Park, Leicester LE19 1SZ on Saturday 20th May 2006.

It promises to be a fantastic day. The morning will be the AGM business with registration from 9.00am onwards and the AGM will commence at 10.00am finishing at 13.00 hours.

The theme for the afternoon is 'What happens when you get DCI', with presentations by:

• Margaret Baldwin, Stoney Cove
• Air Ambulance
• Hull decompression facility

Casino Night
The evening entertainment will be a casino night to be held at the Walkers Stadium starting at 20.00 with a late bar until 01.00. Tickets are just £28 including a three course meal and gaming chips. We do hope that many of you will come to the AGM and spend time with us and the branch members. It is always a fun occasion and a good opportunity to exchange diving stories.

If you are interested in attending then please contact Odette Baker at BSAC HQ where we can take your ticket orders on odetteb@bsac.com or 0151 350 6221

For details on the AGM, please visit http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/services/noticeagm2006.htm.

London's School Snorkelling Initiative

If you want to recruit the BSAC members of the future, you have to catch them young!

Eighteen school students in Year 8 (12-13 years) at Highbury Grove secondary school in North London, were offered the opportunity to do snorkelling and scuba try-dives on Friday afternoons for 4 weeks. The activity was part of the school's enrichment time - an opportunity to engage in learning activities that go beyond the usual curriculum.

Instructors and helpers from Holborn BSAC 0130 worked voluntarily with the school's sports staff to provide snorkelling lessons for 18 school students in the school's swimming pool. The lessons proved extremely popular and all 18 students gained their BSAC Basic Snorkelling qualification.

"The kids really picked up the skills fast - we held an underwater treasure hunt at the end of every session, and you'd be amazed how skillful they became in a very short space of time when duck diving for Easter eggs!" commented Holborn's Training Officer Dr Dave Fletcher.

Every student successfully completing their snorkelling qualification was given a scuba try-dive and Holborn's Diving Officer Mark Brill took underwater photos for every student taking part. "It's the best thing I've ever done!" announced 12-year-old Anthony Middlebrook after his try dive.

A report by Mark Prior of Plymouth Sound Branch.

Our club has been investigating whether we qualified for repayment of Excise Duty on Mineral Oil on a Marine Voyage (fuel duty in English) and were told by Customs and Excise that we did indeed qualify. This is not a 'loophole'.

The crunch is that you cannot claim for private pleasure craft but our boats are used for safety, not pleasure. It is only the diving that is the pleasure bit (mostly!).

You can back date a claim up to three years.

As an example we run two Ribs and have claimed back £5,500 for the past three years fuel use. It will be worth around £1,500 a year to our club in future.

These claims have been processed without quibble and a Customs inspector has recently looked through our books and validated our claim.

Our boats use garage-bought unleaded and the duty is 47p per litre.

Many BS-AC clubs operate their own boats so it is very important that they are all made aware that this scheme exists. It has certainly helped to transform our finances.

Details are available on the HMRC website, www.hmrc.gov.uk eligibility is defined in Notice 263 and you can also download a reclaim form HO50.

The Heinke Trophy, in the form of a shield with a silver sports diver motif, is the Club‘s premier award. It was donated to the BSAC in 1958 by the old established British diving firm of Heinke, which had been making high quality hard-hat diving equipment for many years. Although the company was later taken over by Siebe-Gorman, some of its original products continued to be made and are available from Collins & Chambers.

The Heinke Trophy is awarded to the Branch judged to have done the most to further the interests of its members and those of the BSAC. Any entry submission should provide the adjudicating panel with all the information and documentation necessary to make a balanced judgement.

It is suggested that Branches prepare and keep yearly records of their activities and achievements using the format of a Heinke Trophy entry. For a year of particularly high achievement, such records could quickly be brought together to form an entry for the Heinke Trophy Award.

Branches are reminded that if they wish to enter for the 2006 award, their application must be received before the end of December 2006. This then gives the entrants three months to put the final touches to their entry before the final submission date of 31st March 2007.

For further information and entry notification form, visit our website at http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/services/heinke1.htm

Alistair Reynolds
BSAC Diver Resources Team Manager

One of the concerns I have in the day to day management of the UK's most popular inland diving facility is the apparent excessive amount of lead carried by many divers. This becomes evident when an incident occurs and divers have real difficulties in getting to and staying at the surface.

Some of the serious incidents including fatalities we have witnessed at Stoney Cove, could I believe, have had significantly better outcomes, had weight belts, or integral weights been ditched. In our view it is better to come to the surface, even if it is a fast ascent and stay there. If an injury or decompression illness is the result of this action, treatment is at hand.

Margaret Baldwin, Operations Manager Stoney Cove & BSAC NDC member

SHED THE LEAD

Two factors that both relate to weight that all divers carry and can significantly enhance or detract from your diving experience:

Emergency Action

One factor that has been clearly highlighted in the past from the annual incident report and referred to by a number of Coroners Inquests and the diving Press, is that a very simple action could have resulted in the saving of a life.

Simply ditching the weight belt can secure a person on the surface whilst waiting for further assistance (see picture below for an illustration). Underwater needs a little more of a judgment call, but it is a fact that ditching a weight belt will ensure a return to the surface where further rescue assistance can be provided. Many people would still be alive today if they had followed this simple action.

The skill however, does require some practice to ensure that the weights are released clear of the body. All divers could benefit from occasional practice in controlled conditions in shallow (no more than chest depth) water.

This picture (left) shows the diver on the left, having ditched his weight belt, as being significantly higher in the water than his buddy.

Correct Weighting

Do you find you always have a sore back after diving, use much more gas than your buddy or more gas than you used to, find air escaping from your neckseal or even find that whenever you stop finning you immediately sink to the bottom?

All these are signs that you may well be overweighted. Many divers admit to knowing they are overweighted and use it as an excuse to hold more air in their suits to give them more insulation. Many others have simply not recognised it to be a problem and the change often creeps up on them unnoticed, due to an accumulation of additional equipment as their experience increases. Sometimes this can be the result of a sequence of changes from sea to fresh water and back again, as divers forget to remove the extra weight required for seawater and then get used to the extra feel of excess weight and so 'feel' underweighted when going to the sea again and so add more unnecessary weight.

As a quick check "do you sink like a stone" once you start to dump air on a dive? If so this is a clear sign that you should check your weighting.

Overweighting is a common occurance often identified by Instructors when students progress to more advanced courses such as Advanced Nitrox or Extended Range where good buoyancy control is essential for safe conduct of decompression in mid water, (the record so far is 17lb of excess lead removed from one student on an Advanced Nitrox Course who subsequently admitted this was the first time he had understood what buoyancy control was all about!).

Proper weighting not only makes your diving safer but also more comfortable and relaxed and therefore more enjoyable. Please check your weighting regularly and especially when you change equipment.

Think SAFE - Dive SAFE
Jim Watson
BSAC Safety and Development Manager

If you know a friend or colleague who may like to receive this monthly bulletin, please ask them to visit www.bsac.org/etalk, where they can subscribe online.