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This month has seen a lot of internal tweaking and minor upgrading of some of the computer equipment at BSAC HQ ready for the next step in implementing Project Neptune.

All of the internal work we have been doing is for the installation and setting up of the online services.

We have been building and planning our services based on an internal skeleton version of the online services installed at HQ. Lots of planning and design structure is required before we start to develop the look and feel of the online services, but when ready should be a major benefit to members and branches.

All of the benefits such as changing your address details or email address 'real time' will be available online later on this year. Branch Officers will be able to add and update Members' details as well as details about their Branch and the change will be visible on our website immediately and then synchronised with our back office system overnight.

This step has given us the ability to realise massive benefits to both the BSAC and its Members respectively. We are really looking forward to launching this phase later on this year.

Keep watching this space for more updates.

Chris Horan
Project Neptune Project Manager

The story so far…

During July another Press Trip supported the campaign with BSAC Council Member Andy Moll. Coverage has appeared in Dive Magazine courtesy of trip attendee Simon Rogerson and also in the Bristol Evening News following Neil Hope's experiences with BSAC.. For an update on the latest regional coverage, visit our dedicated Go! Dive news page: http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/comeanddive/godivepress1.htm Tell your friends!

Please help us to grow your membership - invite your friends who used to dive but have had a break - a neighbour who has always "fancied having a go", a colleague who "just loves the idea but isn't sure where to start" - we all know someone who would like to try diving or for whatever reason has given the sport up. This is your chance to entice them back to the sport, our sport and our Club - go on, show them what you've got and recommend a friend to join the best diving Club in the world - we're waiting to welcome them!

Should you have any queries at this stage, please contact Odette Baker on odetteb@bsac.com or on 0151 350 6221. For general information on the campaign please visit: http://www.bsac.com/comediving/godive1.html

New BSAC Campaign

Try! Dive is the BSAC's new annual campaign developed from the successful Learn to Dive campaigns. Taking place from 25th September to 1st October, Try! Dive is aimed at raising awareness of the BSAC to non-divers.

We will encourage non-divers and divers across the UK to visit their local BSAC branch, either for a try-dive or to find out about crossing over into the BSAC. Our membership statistics show that this campaign really does work in bringing new members into the Club.

Our aim is to offer a truly nation-wide network of Branches so that participants need only travel as far as their local pool. The more branches that participate the better the campaign will work.

Register your Branch today and enjoy the benefits, whether you are looking for new members, to raise your local profile, for fundraising or to promote your own activities.

Register Now!

We hope that you will join us to make Try! Dive accessible to try-divers across the UK and encourage them into the BSAC.

To register early for the campaign, please visit: http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/services/trydive2006.htm

We look forward to working with you on the campaign.

Sandra Crowley, Membership Supervisor has been designated as the central point of contact for membership enquiries.

Please get in touch with Sandra if your Branch has a problem relating to membership.

Sandra is available at sandrac@bsac.com.

DIVERS WIN……

Major prizes have been won by BSAC members as they rally to support Octopush fund raising. Many BSAC clubs participated in this year's raffle.

The BSAC donated a prize, an All Weather Jacket (as shown left) from the BSAC Shop (www.bsacshop.com), this was won by Ernie Bray of South London. An avid walker who expects to make great use of his prize Ernie is "totally thrilled with his prize" according to Claire Randall of a diving club in Dunstable, who sold him his ticket.

Mick Hyde, a diver from Rochdale, sold the 1st Prize ticket to a work colleague. Ian Wood, a keen swimmer, is now very excited at the prospect of taking his family to the Alps via SeaFrance to sample Erna Low's Holiday accommodation. Mick claimed a selection of goodies from Aqua Sphere & Zoggs.

Keen diver, Janet Parsons from Cheltenham, receives a personal computer from Acer Notebooks.

Another diver, John Baker of Sevenoaks, has taken the mobile phone and car kit package from NRG Telecom and has Bruce Colley to thank, a diver who coaches junior underwater hockey in Dawlish.

Catherine Parr bought a ticket from Bev Hall, both divers from O2 club in Cheshire. Catherine gets World Championship garments manufactured for the UWH Championships in Sheffield. "We can't wait to see the matches played live" said Bev.

"Divers have been the winners this year", said Phil Thompson of Xarifa SAC, a diver and octopush player. Phil also sold one of the winning tickets and gets some Aqua Sphere & Zoggs equipment.

For further details of the World Championships visit http://www.uwhworlds2006.net

BSAC WELCOMES MARINE BILL

BSAC has welcomed the government's proposal for a new Marine Bill to provide greater protection for the marine environment.

"As recreational divers we are very aware of the need to be involved in nature conservation," BSAC said in its response. "Our main concern is that recreational divers suffer from an undeserved reputation for damaging the habitats and wrecks that they visit. Recreational divers are generally a force for the good." The full response from BSAC can be seen at http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/news/news2.

Exclusive Offer to BSAC Members on The Club

Don't miss out on the fantastic offer available ONLY to BSAC Members - this summer, buy The Club for only £15.95 - a MASSIVE saving of £10!

Find out all about the Club's trail blazers - the pioneers of our sport from the Club's inception through to today's activities. Whatever you've ever wanted to know about the BSAC - it's in The Club!

Order your copy today by calling any of our Shop Team on 0151 350 6225 or visit the shop online at http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/shop/index.html.

Receiving 'Special Offers' emails from the BSAC Shop

If you would like to hear more about special offers and promotions from the BSAC Shop, please click here to access your profile and choose 'Yes' from the dropdown list next to 'Receive offers from the BSAC Shop'.

Book of the Month - Underwater Gibraltar Phil Smith & Darren Fa

Phil and Darren's book comes from the heart with their love of diving and special knowledge of Gibraltar. Whether you are a newly qualified or experienced diver, you will find the knowledge, research and information in this book shows just how diverse diving in Gibraltar can be, and its importance as a prime dive location.

Price : £15.25

To order your copy of this book, call the BSAC Shop on 0151 350 6222, any of our team will be happy to help you. Alternatively, order online at:

http://www.bsactravelclub.co.uk/bookshop/misc/index.html#uwgib.




NEW - Safesea Lotion

Safe-Sea is a sun block that comes in different levels of SPF and special protection for kids.

More importantly Safe-Sea also contains unique, patented ingredients that protects against most jellyfish, sea lice, sea nettles and coral. Safe-Sea is waterproof and has been clinically tested by dermatologists.

Available in: No Factor, Factor 15 & Factor 30+ for kids and adults.

Retail Price : £11.99 Members Price : £9.99 (including p&p)

Order this and other accessories online at: http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/shop/accs.htm.

NEW - Aquatalc

• Aquatalc is used as a drying agent, lubricant or antiperspirant
• Contains no perfume, starch, colourings or other additives

Aquatalc contains only pure micronised pharmaceutical grade talc and is sterilised for your protection, “European Pharmaceutical Quality”. Retail Price : £4.45 Members Price : £3.45 (including p&p)


Order this and other accessories online at: http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/shop/accs.htm.

NEW - Swim-Ear Drops

Swim-Ear is an ear-water removal and drying aid designed to relieve the unpleasant symptoms and potentially harmful effects of trapped ear-water.

• Removes trapped water in the ear
• Kills bacteria that can cause ear infections.

Retail Price : £5.99 Members Price : £4.99 (including p&p)

Order this and other accessories online at: http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/shop/accs.htm.

NEW - Equaleze

Equaleze is a non-medicated nasal solution containing a pure saline solution buffered and isotonic with the lining of the nose. Helps relieve nasal congestion and aids in equalisation, also moisturises dry nasal lining. Equaleze will not cause any burning, stinging or irritation.

Retail Price : £5.99 Members Price : £4.99 (including p&p)

Order this and other accessories online at: http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/shop/accs.htm.

Aquasure Adhesive
Aquasure urethane repair adhesive & sealant, repairs Wet Suits, Dry Suits and All Watersports produtcs. 28.4 gramme (1 oz).

The industry standard for maximum strength repairs to wetsuits, dry suits and all watersports products'

Members Price £6.00 (inc P&P)
Retail Price £8.00 (inc P&P)



Hungry Shark Pool Game
A great new game by Speedo with six rubber blocks in two colours and two Hungry Sharks. You throw the blocks into the bottom of the pool and the swimmers dive down with their hungry shark and collect the balls into the mouth of the shark. The rubber mouth of the shark naturally opens to 'eat' each block when pressed onto the block. The winner has all of their coloured balls in the shark first. Ideal stage 3 learning to swim game for developing swim techniques. To be used under parental supervision.

Members Price £9.00 (inc P&P)
Retail Price £11.00 (inc P&P)



Speedo Shellseekers Water Confidence Game
The Shellseekers are deigned to encourage confidence under water. Ideal stage 3 learning to swim game for developing swim techniques. There are 4 complete shells comprising of two halves with a printed graphic inside. Suggested game. The shell halves are dropped into the pool and allowed to sink after which the swimmers dive down and match the halves under water to make one complete shell and then return to the surface. The game ends when all the shells are complete. Only to be used in water in which the child is within its depth and under supervision. Not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts. Item is supplied with a handy carry bag

Members Price £14.00 (inc P&P)
Retail Price £16.00 (inc P&P)



Seal Search & Rescue Water Confidence Game
Zoggs Seal Search is designed to encourage confidence in and under the water. Each Zoggs Seal Search pack contains 4 seals, 3 of the seals have the image of a fish on their belly and the 4th seal has the image of Zoggy the seal. Suggested Game. Find Zoggy the seal - The 4 seals are dropped into the pool and allowed to sink after which the swimmers dive down and retrieve the seals and return to the surface. The swimmer who returns with the seal with Zoggy the seal on the belly wins. Suitable for age 5 years + . Item is supplied with a handy carry bag.

Members Price £11.00 (inc P&P)
Retail Price £13.00 (inc P&P)

Order NOW from the BSAC Shop by calling us on 0151 350 6222 and we'll be happy to help you.

Depth Limits
Depth limits are often perceived as arbitrary figures introduced to limit peoples enjoyment of the sport for no apparent reason. The reality is that there are usually clear and rationalized reasons for limiting depth for certain dives and qualification levels. Confusion can equally be introduced by a failure to apply training properly.

Depth Progression
Ocean and Sport Divers are restricted to maximum depths and where a change to a new diver grade occurs it is important that subsequent progression to the new depth is conducted once the diver has the confirmed new skills to extend their experience. Consequently the current versions of the QRB make it clear that the depth progression must only be carried out AFTER qualifying as a Sports Diver or Dive Leader.

Ocean Diver
Ocean Divers are restricted to a maximum depth of 20m and must not dive beyond that depth until they have qualified as Sport Divers. Whilst BSAC Ocean Divers have significant rescue skills in being able to conduct a CBL and support a casualty in the water, they do not have proven in water rescue skills to conduct Rescue breaths or recover a casualty to the shore. By limiting their depth experience they remain within a confined environment and are in closer proximity to adequate surface support. In addition their decompression skills and experience limit them to no stop diving and again 20m ensures they would usually remain well clear of decompression limits.

Sport Diver
On qualifying as a Sport Diver the diver can choose, if they wish, to extend their depth experience to a maximum of 35m and should do this in a sensible stepped progression. The QRB has space to record such progression. Increasing depth from 20m to 35 significantly increases the likelihood of getting into in water decompression stops and so SD training specifically addresses the skills and theory necessary to conduct this type of diving safely as well as covering the full range of rescue skills from in water Rescue breaths to full CPR on land.

50m on Air
The currently accepted limit of safe diving on air is 50m. Beyond this level the risks of oxygen toxicity become a factor for limiting the depth but more importantly the debilitating effects of nitrogen narcosis are significant at this depth. The effects of narcosis are to significantly reduce reasoning ability at a depth where the need to reason clearly and appropriately to limit decompression risk e.g. monitor time, depth, navigate back to shot, deploy equipment etc. is paramount. Increasingly more divers are choosing to introduce helium to their breathing gas for diving deeper than 40m and it is significant that most training agencies recommend accepting an equivalent narcotic depth of 30m for such dives.

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

For more detail and information please visit http://www.bsac.com/legacyorg/safety.

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