Diver Training Group
REMIT
The Diver Training Group of the NDC has responsibility for all aspects directly related to diver and snorkel training within the BSAC including issues relating to:
- Review, monitor and update the Diver Training Programme from Ocean Diver up to First Class Diver.
- Review, monitor and update the Snorkel Training Programme.
- Review, monitor, update and produce new Skill Development Courses in the non-technical areas of diving and snorkelling.
- Review, monitor and update all safety and rescue Skill Development Courses.
- Review, monitor and update all safety and rescue practices within the Diver and Snorkel Training Programmes.
- Ensure all Skill Development Courses produced are to the required BSAC standard.
- Ensure the First Class Diver Examination assessments comply with BSAC agreed standards
- Integrate technical developments into the Diver Training Programme in consultation with the Technical Integration Officer.
This is achieved through a network of designated representatives listed below under the respective areas of responsibility and additional support from a range of advisors with specialist knowledge.
DIVER TRAINING GROUP LEADER
The role of each group leader is twofold:
LEADERSHIP
To provide a direction and co-ordinated support for the Group and to ensure that all are working towards the defined Objectives of the Group, NDC and BSAC Council.
LINK
Serve as the link between the Group and other Groups through being an integral part of the NDC Steering Group.
LEADERSHIP
To provide a direction and co-ordinated support for the Group and to ensure that all are working towards the defined Objectives of the Group, NDC and BSAC Council.
LINK
Serve as the link between the Group and other Groups through being an integral part of the NDC Steering Group.
DIVER TRAINING GROUP LEADER 
ANDREA DICKENS
I have been diving since 1989 and instructing since 1990. Having moved around the UK since then, I have been an active member of several branches and been the Training Officer and Diving Officer of many of them. I have been an active instructor at a Regional level and so have taught many SDCs both regionally as well as within branches.
I enjoy diving of all kinds but prefer it to have lots of marine life. I have dived in many areas of the UK and overseas and still have a long list of places I haven’t been to where I want to dive!
Having now been appointed as Diver Training Group Leader I have the responsibility to monitor and develop a number of key training areas. They are 1st Class Diver, the Diver Training Programme (Ocean diver to Advanced diver), Rescue Skills, Skill Development Courses (Non-Technical) and the Snorkelling Programme. To assist me I have a number of excellent instructors with experience in their respective areas. As a group we will continue to improve the diver-training programme for our members ensuring that it is kept relevant, up to date and be realistic and achievable. We also want to develop new skill development courses that represent interests from our members but are not dependent for qualification purposes.
Email - dtg.leader@bsac.com
FIRST CLASS DIVER CHIEF EXAMINER
Covering all aspects of the First Class Diver grade, the primary roles of the First Class Diver Chief Examiner are in providing:
Covering all aspects of the First Class Diver grade, the primary roles of the First Class Diver Chief Examiner are in providing:
- Producing Examiner Notes and marking schemes in line with the qualities and assessment requirements agreed with the National Diving Officer.
- In conjunction with HQ staff, developing new and maintaining existing areas of the BSAC web site that provide information relevant to, or refer to, the First Class Diver qualification.
- Ensuring Examination assessments comply with agreed standards.
This will be in support of existing activities:
- Maintaining a register of appropriate Examiners
- Maintaining, in conjunction with HQ staff, appropriate advice and examination application documentation and making this available to potential candidates.
- Managing, in conjunction with HQ staff, the implementation of First Class Diver Examinations.
- Providing First Class Diver preparation events via appropriate Regional Co-ordinators.
DAVE LOCKDave is a BSAC National Instructor, Inspiration Rebreather Instructor Trainer and CCR Mixed Gas Diver. Former Regional Coach and active member of the ITS, Dave has an enviable depth of diving knowledge and is a great asset to the BSAC.
My role is to implement the excellent work already put into First Class Diver grade and to continue to look for ways to make improvements. I am also keen to encourage more divers to apply for the exam as I feel there are plenty of First Class Divers out there who deserve to have their ability recognised with the BSAC's highest diver grade.
Email - fcdchief@bsac.com
DIVER TRAINING CHIEF
Covering all aspects of the Diver Training Programme, the primary roles of the Diver Training Chief are in providing:
Covering all aspects of the Diver Training Programme, the primary roles of the Diver Training Chief are in providing:
- Identifying emerging trends in the way that divers go diving, the equipment that they use and incidents that occur and proposing to the NDC any consequent new or changed training requirements resulting from these trends.
- Ensuring that the core Diver Training Programme reflects the agreed BSAC standards and that appropriate support materials are developed.
- In conjunction with HQ staff, developing new and maintaining existing areas of the BSAC web site that provide information relevant to, or refer to, the Diver Training Programme qualification.
- Evaluating information regarding other agencies qualifications submitted by members to support requests for recognition as alternatives to BSAC qualifications.
This will be in support of existing activities:
- Ensuring that support materials are produced and maintained to the BSAC standards in conjunction with HQ staff
- Monitoring the performance of all core Diver Training Programme training for the maintenance of relevant training standards.
- Maintaining, in conjunction with HQ staff, the DTP errata/update section of the BSAC web site.
ALAN JEFERYJoined BSAC in 1970
Club Inst 1975
A.I. 1979
Joined ITS 1981
N.I. 1985
Coach for Wales 1984 - 1994
Jacques Cousteau Award 1994
NDC Secretary 1993-95
Current Branch 1531, Loughor Sub Aqua Club
Most diving done in West Wales - Pembrokshire coast.
Enjoy diving in warm waters, especially Red Sea, Indian Ocean and the Carribean.
Email - dtpchief@bsac.com
DIVER TRAINING DEVELOPMENT
Covering all aspects of the Diver Training Programme, the primary role of the Diver Training Development position is to provide support to all the functions of the Diver Training Chief but specifically:
Covering all aspects of the Diver Training Programme, the primary role of the Diver Training Development position is to provide support to all the functions of the Diver Training Chief but specifically:
- Identifying emerging trends in the way that divers go diving, the equipment that they use and incidents that occur and proposing to the NDC any consequent new or changed training requirements resulting from these trends.
Simon is the Diving Officer of the Ribble Valley Sub Aqua Club (RVSAC) based in Clitheroe, Lancashire but lives 200 metres within Yorkshire!
Originally PADI trained in Curacao (1996), he joined the BSAC (2001) as an Ocean Diver progressing quickly through the grades achieving First Class Diver in 2005. Simon wrote a regular article in 'DIVE' magazine about his experiences in achieving First Class; to read, click here.
He is a National Instructor (2007), the North West Assistant Regional Coach and First Class Diver Coordinator (2007).
Even though he is trimix qualified he will dive in 2m of water providing there is something to see but loves running challenging (not necessary deep) expeditions. He has dived in Chuuk Lagoon, Mexico, USA, Caribbean, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar and of course the Red Sea. Believe it or not he does prefer the UK where he dives in the sea all year round, St Kilda being his #1 spot.
Married to the long suffering Angela, he has two boys (19 & 16) and Bevis, his hairy princess, that looks suspiciously like a black Labrador...
Email - dtpchief@bsac.com
DIVER TRAINING TECHNICAL EDITOR
Covering all aspects of the Diver Training Programme, the primary role of the Diver Training Assistant is to provide support to all the functions of the Diver Training Chief.
Covering all aspects of the Diver Training Programme, the primary role of the Diver Training Assistant is to provide support to all the functions of the Diver Training Chief.
RICHARD SCARSBROOKRelevant Experience
- Identified and documented errata for DTP2007
- Edited OD and SD Nitrox Workshops
- Edited AED Workshop
- Wrote new Snorkel Instructor theory exam
- Reviewed Lifesaver Award documentation
- Updated Interactive Learning OD questions
- Created Interactive Learning SD questions (ongoing, with DL and AD to follow)
- Participated in DTP review (ongoing)
BSAC Expeditions Award winner 1996
BSAC First Class Diver and Advanced Instructor (both 1990)
Making a difference
Helping BSAC to provide excellent training materials, including hard but fair assessments that our high quality training enables our members to pass
Using my expertise to help us work together effectively and efficiently
Bringing the viewpoint of an experienced and exploratory branch diver and branch official to the table
Finding new dive sites,Encouraging and developing new expedition leaders, Organising dives that all the participants enjoy, Running a branch, and enjoying the craic that goes with being in a successful one
Using and driving boats
Email - dtptecheditor@bsac.com
SKILL DEVELOPMENT COURSES DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Covering all aspects of Skill Development Courses (Non-Technical), the primary roles of the Skill Development Course Chief are in providing:
Covering all aspects of Skill Development Courses (Non-Technical), the primary roles of the Skill Development Course Chief are in providing:
- Advising the NDC on demand for non-technical diver training not covered by the core diver training syllabus
- Managing the development of new Skill Development Courses (SDCs).
- Developing, in conjunction with HQ staff, support materials for new SDCs.
- In conjunction with HQ staff, developing new and maintaining existing areas of the BSAC web site that provide information relevant to, or refer to, the Skill Development courses.
- Defining the appropriate requirements for implementation of SDCs in conjunction with HQ staff Advising NDC on requirements for instructor/examiner approval for specific courses and assessments where this is appropriate.
This will be in support of existing activities:
- Monitoring the performance of all SDCs for maintenance of agreed training standards
- Implementing, in conjunction with HQ staff, a system of instructor/examiner approval for agreed SDCs.
- Evaluating information regarding other agencies qualifications submitted by members to support requests for recognition of those qualifications as alternatives to corresponding BSAC SDCs.
STEVE ANDERSONI've been diving for about 20 years, instructor since 1993 and ITS since 1998. I consider myself pretty much a generalist, although my preferences are for wreck diving, fast drifts and generally something a bit more interesting than the run of the mill dives that everybody and his dog is doing. Most of my diving is best described as ERD and I prefer teaching on the more practical and hands on diving courses such as ERD and Nitrox. I am just about to start CCR training as my new shiny yellow box arrived recently.
Most of the work I do in the region is focus on instructor and diving development, encompassing OWI, AI, NI and FCD as the main areas. I am working with a couple of people interested in the NIE and have established a small team helping me run OWI and AI instructor workshops.
Email - sdcchief@bsac.com
SKILL DEVELOPMENT COURSES UPDATES MANAGER
Covering all aspects of Skill Development Courses (Non-Technical), the primary roles of the Skill Development Course Chief are in providing:
Covering all aspects of Skill Development Courses (Non-Technical), the primary roles of the Skill Development Course Chief are in providing:
- Advising the NDC on demand for non-technical diver training not covered by the core diver training syllabus
- Updating, as necessary, existing SDCs or support materials and implementing agreed updates to a programme agreed with the National Diving Officer and with HQ staff
- In conjunction with HQ staff, developing new and maintaining existing areas of the BSAC web site that provide information relevant to, or refer to, the Skill Development courses.
- Defining the appropriate requirements for implementation of SDCs in conjunction with HQ staff Advising NDC on requirements for instructor/examiner approval for specific courses and assessments where this is appropriate.
This will be in support of existing activities:
- Monitoring the performance of all SDCs for maintenance of agreed training standards
- Implementing, in conjunction with HQ staff, a system of instructor/examiner approval for agreed SDCs.
- Evaluating information regarding other agencies qualifications submitted by members to support requests for recognition of those qualifications as alternatives to corresponding BSAC SDCs.
ANDREA DICKENS
I have been diving since 1989 and instructing since 1990. Having moved around the UK since then, I have been an active member of several branches and been the Training Officer and Diving Officer of many of them. I have been an active instructor at a Regional level and so have taught many SDCs both regionally as well as within branches.
I enjoy diving of all kinds but prefer it to have lots of marine life. I have dived in many areas of the UK and overseas and still have a long list of places I haven’t been to where I want to dive!
My role as SDC Update Manager is to ensure that SDCs are constantly reviewed and updated to make sure they meet the training needs of our members. I would welcome input from members regarding any of the existing courses.
Email - sdcupdates@bsac.com
SAFETY & RESCUE SKILLS CHIEF
ROLE
The Rescue Skills Chief will be directly responsible to the Diver Training Group Leader for all aspects of rescue related SDCs and will also be responsible for advising the Diver Training Group on rescue related skills.
The Rescue Skills Chief will have the following specific responsibilities delegated from the Diver Training Group Leader:
ROLE
The Rescue Skills Chief will be directly responsible to the Diver Training Group Leader for all aspects of rescue related SDCs and will also be responsible for advising the Diver Training Group on rescue related skills.
The Rescue Skills Chief will have the following specific responsibilities delegated from the Diver Training Group Leader:
- Advising the Diver Training Group Leader on the need for rescue related training not covered by the core Diver Training Programme syllabus and Snorkelling Programme.
- Advising the Diver Training Group Leader of any updates necessary to existing rescue related SDCs or support materials and implementing agreed updates to a programme agreed with the Diver Training Group Leader and with HQ staff
- Defining the appropriate requirements for implementation of rescue related SDCs in conjunction with HQ staff
- Advising the Diver Training Group Leader on requirements for instructor/examiner approval for those specific rescue related courses and assessments where this is appropriate.
- Advising the Diver Training Group Leader on potential new developments and updates to existing areas of the BSAC web site that provide information relevant to, or refer to, Rescue Skills SDCs.
- Liasing with Technical, DTP, FCD, ITS and Coaching opposite numbers to ensure harmonisation of requirements across the spectrum of responsibilities.
- Implementing, in conjunction with HQ staff, a system of instructor/examiner approval for agreed rescue related SDCs.
- Evaluating information regarding other agencies rescue related qualifications submitted by members to support requests for recognition of those qualifications as alternatives to corresponding BSAC SDCs.
In addition to the above, the Rescue Skills Chief will also be responsible to the Diver Training Group Leader for:
- Advising the Diver Training Group Leader on rescue related training requirements of the core Diver Training Programme and Snorkelling Programme.
- Advising the Diver Training Group Leader on updates to existing areas of the BSAC web site that provide information relevant to, or refer to, rescue related training requirements of the core Diver Training Programme and Snorkelling Programme.
ANDY PROCTERI started diving in 1979 with the University of London Branch, and dived with them in my last two years as a medical student. Soon after this I found myself in the deep end (almost literally) on an early BSAC expedition to Iceland. Since then work took me around the country and to different branches for some years, until I was able to settle for a period in Kent. However, I moved to the Manchester area ten years ago and now dive with Chaumont branch in Stalybridge. Over the years I have held most Branch committee positions, including Training Officer and Diving Officer. I have been a member of the North West Regional Coaching Team since I came to the North West, and I joined the Instructor Training scheme about five years ago after passing the First Class Diver exam.
I have dived extensively in most of the coast around the United Kingdom. I enjoy all types of diving - even the odd quarry. It is only in the last few years that I have started to explore warmer waters, such as the Red Sea. I claim it is because we can have great family diving holidays there now that our two sons have started diving. Other less generous individuals suggest this is something to do with increased maturity.
Outside diving I have been involved in Youth Expeditions and recently the Scout Association. The former of these activities led to me developing an interest in expedition medicine. Although I work as a Consultant Psychiatrist in the NHS, a specialism not normally associated with diving related disorders, I see my professional background as a doctor enabling me to take the lead on the NDC for the rescue-related SDCs and their future development.
Email - safetychief@bsac.com
ROLE
Covering all aspects of Snorkel Instructing, the primary roles of Snorkel Instructor Training are in:
Covering all aspects of Snorkel Instructing, the primary roles of Snorkel Instructor Training are in:
- Identifying emerging trends in the way that snorkel training is evolving and proposing to the NDC any consequent new or changed training requirements resulting from these trends.
- Ensuring that materials are produced and maintained to a programme agreed with HQ staff.
- In conjunction with HQ staff, developing new and maintaining existing areas of the BSAC web site that provide information relevant to, or refer to, Snorkel Instruction.
This will be in support of existing activities:
- Advising the NDC on all aspects of training within the BSAC Snorkel Instructor Training programme.
- Ensuring that the core BSAC Snorkel Instructor programme reflects the agreed BSAC standards and that appropriate support materials are developed.
- Advising the NDC on requirements for instructor/examiner approval for BSAC Snorkelling training and activities
- Working with the Snorkel Training Programme advisor - monitoring the performance of the BSAC Snorkelling programme for the maintenance of relevant training standards. .
MARTIN HAMMOND
Page last modified: 6th Apr 2008 - 11:02:26