As 2025 draws to a close and our plans for 2026 and beyond are firmed up, I am writing to thank you, our members, for your continued commitment and support for BSAC.
I took up the role of Chair on 25th June and it has certainly proven to be an interesting six months.
Firstly, I would like to start with the (large) number of positives.
HQ recently re-launched the online BSAC Shop, with fresh products, clothing, merchandising and training materials. The new range is already proving very popular (especially so on our extended ‘Black Friday’ deal), so if you haven’t explored it yet, now’s a great time to take a look.
Another highlight has been the update to one of our most popular and well-regarded courses - the Instructor Foundation Course (IFC). Students can now complete the IFC via eLearning and complete the whole course in just one day (with prior preparation). Take-up has been exceptional with strong demand already evident for 2026. The IFC is the first step towards becoming an instructor and is key to our increasing instructional capacity across BSAC. Interested? Or know someone who would make a great instructor? Then you can book here.
Personally, as an active open water and twin-set/ADP instructor I am delighted to see our launch the new ‘Deeper Diver’ course – see Sophie Rennie’s blog for more details, and what else is in the pipeline for 2026. I will be signing up to an early course myself.
Staying with training and digital learning, I am told our university clubs ‘smashed it’ at this year’s freshers’ fairs. They grew their new memberships compared to last year and achieved 100% adoption of eLearning and digital training packs. A real positive for both streamlining training and the environment.
Turning to the Environment, our new Marine Champions initiative has had an exceptional start since its launch in August. We now have over 60 Marine Champions across the country, each working to inspire and advocate for healthier seas. I have found talking to Katherine Knight, the chair of BSACs Environment Committee to be both inspiring and energising – and look forward to supporting this critical initiative in the coming years. If you’d like to get involved, or learn more, you can find everything you need at bsac.com/marinechampions.
Turning now to our challenges, I and the whole of Council are very aware of the initial impact of the launch of the new Sport:80 membership platform which took place earlier this year.
After using the same systems for over 20 years, moving HQ over to a new platform was always going to present difficulties – some were anticipated, but others were not.
I know first-hand that the HQ team has worked tirelessly to both bed the system in and to support you, our members through the change-over. The system (and I speak also as a branch officer) - once you have got to grips with it – actually provides an exceptional improvement in branch self-service capabilities.
But it we are not yet at the point where it is running as well as we would all like. HQ and our supplier have a prioritised list of ‘snags’ and ‘fixes’ on which they are working to address – and on which they have been making encouraging progress. Addressing these will remain a very high priority well into 2026.
If you do need advice or support in getting best out of the new MyBSAC (Sport:80), the HQ team is here for you—whether that’s via online meetings, phone support or a club visit. Please drop them an email at support@bsac.com and they will help you get sorted.
Other priorities for 2026 will be to further improve the services and support we provide to members and drive forward the Marine Champions programme. For details on what to expect as regards our Diver Training Programme (and I am really excited about what is in the pipeline) please see the update from our National Diving Officer, Sophie Rennie.
Kernow 2025: Chair Andy Shenstone (pictured left) with Jim Burns, Totnes SAC and auctioneer
I will also be undertaking a series of online updates and discussion alongside Mary our CEO – please look out for the invitations to these sessions to which all members will be invited. And I will also again be participating in and supporting three of our great diving festivals – Kernow in June, the Scoob & Snork Fest in July, and the North-West Dive Festival later in the year. I hope to see many of you there.
Finally, if shaping the future direction of BSAC interests you, then the closing date for candidates for the BSAC Council Election 2026 is 31st January. If you think you have the skills and passion to join Council and help us take BSAC in the right direction, I would love to hear from you. For more information please click here.
For now, I wish you all a fantastic New Year. Thank you for being part of BSAC and I look forward to meeting many more of you in 2026.
Andy Shenstone
BSAC Chair
