BSAC

4.8.1 The Dive Manager

Formally known as the Dive Marshal.

 

All Diving (Section 4.6.1) must be managed. The skills and experience required for this demanding, but important task is integrated into Sports Diver, Dive Leader and Advanced Diver training. However, for divers who qualified prior to September 2002 these skills were not taught until Advanced Diver.

At the time of writing:

• a Sports Diver shall be trained to be an Assistant Dive Manager.
• a Dive Leader shall be capable of Dive Managing known sites.
• an Advanced Diver shall be able to manage and supervise diving to explore unfamiliar locations.

It becomes progressively more difficult for BSAC to condone dives managed by members who have not received appropriate training as their level of qualification falls lower and lower. While two Sports Divers may dive together, they certainly do not have the experience to organise a dive for a larger group. Members are encouraged to become trained in what to do, even if achievement of Advanced Diver qualification is some way off.

The Branch Diving Officer should carefully consider their duty of care when authorising dives to be managed by members less qualified than that stated above, see "Definition of an Authorised Dive". Seek experienced Dive Managers from the Regional Coaching Scheme, or from neighbouring Branches, to assist you.

Should the Dive Manager wish to dive, a competent person should take over the duty for the duration of the Manager's dive. An acting Dive Manager at least should be on the surface whenever diving is taking place. Like the Dive Manager, that person must know what to do in the event of an emergency. Dive leaders (leader of the buddy pair) should understand that they assume some of the responsibilities of the Dive Manager when they lead a group underwater.

4.8.2 Dive Manager Liability
Membership Liability insurance is not cancelled simply because a Branch dive is not managed by a Dive Leader / Advanced Diver - but lack of dive managing experience could affect the success of a claim made against the manager. Where a Dive Leader / Advanced Diver is not available to manage dives, greater care must be taken in all aspects of planning and dive conduct, and ambitious dive plans may have to be curtailed or cancelled so that the abilities of both manager and divers are not over-reached such that safety is compromised, a Risk Assessment will help to make the decision whether to dive or not.

4.8.3 Duties of the Dive Manager
These are fully explained in the theory lessons of the appropriate diver qualification. The subject is also covered in the BSAC Diving Manual and other publications such as Safe Diving.

In the unlikely event that the Dive Manager and more highly qualified Branch member (including the Branch Diving Officer) were to disagree during diving activities, the Dive Manager's decision would stand for the remainder of activities. Please see 'Dive Discipline' (Section 4.10).