Meet a Member! Mags Martin

She’s the self-described ‘Happiest Diver In Town’ – we spoke to Mags Martin of Bedford Scuba Divers to find out what makes her so cheerful.

How did you get into diving?

Back in 2017, my daughter was going to university to study marine biology and wanted to learn to dive. After her try dive she wanted to join, so I signed up for the BSAC Ocean Diver course too as I was going to have to bring her anyway because she didn't drive, was under 18 and needed a parent on site. The rest is history! We have both gone from being Ocean Diver trainees to instructors with our club.

Great for your club! Which one is it? 

I’m an instructor in Bedford Scuba Divers, a recreational dive club based in central Bedford that has 47 diving members. It's also a training club that supports you from try diver to Open Water Instructor (OWI) and everything in between, if that is your wish and with lots of laughs, fun and sometimes tears along the way. We have lots of trips in the UK and abroad, dive days and social gatherings too. It's a great club to be involved in, I have made many lifelong friends and buddies. 

What motivates you?

My passion is to get people to go diving! I became Social Secretary for the club, due to my love of holidays/dive trips we have completed 56 trips in seven years - I even booted my husband off a trip so another diver could have his place! I have dived in Egypt, Iceland, Poland, Greece, Malta, Belgium, Lanzarote, South Africa, Fuerteventura, finally got to Bonaire last year after having to cancel in lockdown and of course many areas of the UK!  With new members, we joke a warning: 'Joining Bedford Scuba Divers can seriously damage your bank balance!'  

My marine interest is Moray eels, I just love them!

Any particular challenges?

Each stage of progression was always a challenge, but equally rewarding.  Being a Dive Manager is always a big challenge, my last big trip had 19 divers of all different levels. This is something that I want to help new Dive Leaders with. 

What comes next for you? 

My next thing is to become a Diver Coxswain, I love driving the club boat and often give up a dive day to be skipper instead.

What’s the advantage of scuba diving with BSAC?

The great divide between BSAC and other agencies is finally closing which is a good thing. Recently though, I have learned through new divers joining the club that the BSAC training programme is far more thorough, so I am pleased I choose BSAC membership route. We have introduced Scuba Circuits nights once a month to increase skills for everyone diving at the club. 

How would other members describe you? 

Crackers, but The Happiest Diver in Town!