NEWS

Battle Back

Marine Nick Gibbons of 45 Commando diving in Cyprus

In 2009 the Army Sub-Aqua Diving Association (ASADA) in conjunction with the Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court organised the first Services sub-aqua diving expedition as part of "Battle Back". The expedition took place in Cyprus between 31 May and 11 June 2009. Five soldiers and one Royal Marine participated all completing their British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) "Ocean Diver" qualification. All the participants greatly enjoyed facing a new challenge and the freedom diving underwater gave them. In addition a number of "try-dives" were conducted for service personnel participating on the "mixed pursuits" expedition the week prior. The expedition was led by Lt Col Greg Wilson supported by a number of other members of the ASADA Committee and Mr Dennis Wigg from the BSAC Council. ASADA are running a further expedition in October 2009 to train two of those who took part to Sports Diver and three new volunteers to "Ocean Diver". In addition Instructors in Army dive clubs will be trained in "Diving Disabilities Awareness" so that the soldiers can continue with sub-aqua training when they return to their units. ASADA intend to run 2 diving expeditions per year for the foreseeable future in support of Battle Back.

Private Brad Hughes of 2 PARA and Sergeant Colin Suffield on the wreck of the Zenobia

"Five Bells" Job Done

A Diver's Story by Tony Liddicoat. A personnel account of his 50 year diving career. During that period Tony made a significant contribution to sub-aqua diving.

Red Sea Wreck Survey

Ned Middleton, a former Army Scuba diver, well known author & underwater photographer and former Chairman of BSAC has been in touch with the Chairman of ASADA with a proposal for an exped to the Red Sea. The proposal is for an exped to the Red Sea to survey and identify a little known wreck lying close the the Thistlegorm in 8-12m of water. Ned estimates that the work could take up to 2 weeks and although unable to accompany the trip he is  happy to provide all the relevant details. 

Net states that the design of wreck suggests she was built 1860-1880. Wreckage is well broken up due to shallow disposition which will allow for countless dives in order to produce a thorough survey. Bow and stern are easily identifiable as is steering gear over stern. The bell is in there somewhere – probably amidships (which is where the engines are located) – being given away by the presence of a very long drive shaft running along the seabed. Should the exped be successful, Ned will continue to provide research support."

With so many expeds going out to the Red Sea it seems only logical that an Army Team should be prepared to take this on. There is no reason why the team could not still escape the hard work and enjoy a few fun dives in between surveying. If an exped can't do the whole 2 weeks why don't 2 expeds back to back the task? Those interested should get in touch with the Chairman (chairman@asada.org.uk) who will pass on Ned's details.

BSAC launch a new 'DIVING SAFETY' section on their website.

A new Section to the BSAC members Website has recently gone live dealing with all aspects of Diving Safety

The new section links together existing advice and resources on diving safety and will continue to build considerably on them. By gathering the information together this will make important Safety advice and guidance more accessible and help improve diving safety. The new section also provides the opportunity to extend the information and advice contained in the 'Safety Talk' articles that have been included in BSAC Talk since March this year.
Keep watching the Safety Pages for regular updates.

ASADA Instructor Development Opportunities

We need more instructors, but to deliver more instructors we also need more Instructor Trainers click here for more details. We are organising IFC, TIE, PIE, OWIC and Instructor Trainers courses for you.

Get in quick as there is only one slot left!

The DO can also be contacted via email for more details.

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