Safe Diving Practices I
| Ice diving (see No Clear Surface) |
| Incidents (see Accidents/Incidents) |
| Insurance |
Ice diving
See No Clear Surface.
Incidents
Insurance
Membership of the BSAC automatically gives worldwide public liability insurance cover of up to £10,000,000 when the member is engaged in diving or diving related activities. This cover is available to all BSAC members regardless of where they are domiciled except for members resident in North America, and cover applies as soon as membership is confirmed / renewed. This is considered to be the earlier of when the Branch issues a temporary membership receipt to that member, or when the membership details are included on the BSAC's membership database at BSAC headquarters.
Cover also includes any qualified diving guests of the insured, prior to becoming a full member, whilst participating in the activities of any branch to which the policy applies, as well as any intended member undergoing preliminary training. Both of these extensions are naturally subject to certain time limits, and further details on the policy can be obtained from BSAC headquarters.
Cover is not restricted to only BSAC organised events or when the member is diving with other BSAC members. The general rule is that if the member is also a member of another diving association and is participating in a dive organised by this other association, then that association's own public liability insurance policy should respond. If mixtures of individuals from various organisations are diving with an independent organiser then the BSAC policy will respond to that BSAC member.
Organised social events such as shows, barbecues, bonfire parties and other fund raising events are covered, but any unusual activity should be discussed with BSAC HQ to ensure a relevant risk assessment is in place.
The policy does not, however, cover personal or branch diving equipment or boats, and it is a constitutional rule of the BSAC that all boats used for branch diving, whether privately owned or not, must be insured for Third Party risks with a minimum indemnity limit as recommended by the BSAC, currently at £2,000,000. If water skiing is included in branch activities, additional cover is also required.
It is important to note that incidents should be reported to the BSAC using the BSAC incident Reporting System, and further details on this system, and the insurance policy itself can be obtained by contacting technical support services at BSAC headquarters or through the BSAC website.
Page last modified: 11th Dec 2006 - 14:31:21