Scuba Blue take Diver Safety very seriously. Whether it is a course, training session or dive trip, we plan carefully to make sure the activity is successful, safe and, of course, fun. When the opportunity arose to take part in a Diver Safety UK event at PADI's European headquarters, based in
Bristol, we jumped at the opportunity. Brian Scowcroft, Scuba Blue Staff Instructor, represented the team. Inevitably his first report back concerned the quality of lunch provided, but once over that hurdle we got down to discussing the course content.
PADI must be congratulated on bringing together key speakers from all the main organisations involved in making sure diving in the UK is as safe as possible. The event was presented by Mark Spiers, PADI EMEA Vice President for training, sales and field services and showcased industry influencers from:
- Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
- Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA)
- Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
- Divers Alert Network (DAN)
- Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
- British Diving Safety Group (BDSG)
- Diving Diseases Research Centre (DDRC)
Guest speakers shared the latest best practice and techniques to improve diver and boating safety and were available to chat with through the day.
One highlight was the opportunity to apply for Instructor status for a new speciality, the PADI/RNLI Sea Survivor Diver. This looks like it will be a great addition to the range of specialities Scuba Blue offer. Essentially this course covers the skills, experience and knowledge a relatively new diver needs in order to be a confident and safe diver in the sort of diving we find in the waters around the UK. It includes dive planning and preparation, safety kit to carry or which we find on dive boats, diving in low visibility, gas management, SMB use and more. AS well as knowledge development the student takes part in two open water dives where they can apply and develop their new knowledge. An initial thought is that it would be a fabulous course to offer less experienced divers who might be a bit nervous about actually going out diving in the UK.
As well as the brilliant presentations Brian came back with free stickers, a poster, badge and a keyring..... a Happy Bunny!.