Earlier this month the Club's instructors met to review our training procedures. This review was not prompted by any criticism from either inside or outside the Club, but in view of recent events it was felt irresponsible of us not to review what we do, and to make sure that we are all "singing from the same hymn sheet "

The views expressed at the meeting were diverse and strongly held. Some instructors believed that for some students 6 dives were quite sufficient to qualify, while others held the view that many more dives should be undertaken before a member qualified. All however recognised the cost to both the student, and the instructors in the number of dives that have to be undertaken.

As a result of the meeting the points below were changed or emphasised. As with anything like this, there is an element of compromise. However if anyone wishes to make further comment(s), please talk to me. While not promising to act on your views immediately, I will keep matters under constant review and will take all views into account.

Results of Training Policy Review (to take immediate effect)

1. On the Experience Scuba course it will be made clear that we are training students to dive in UK waters, and as such we must maintain the highest standards. Students will be told the minimum number of dives required to achieve Club Diver, but will also be told that only an exceptionally natural talent would be able to achieve the qualification in the minimum number of dives.
   
   
2. After the adventurous diving lecture, the lecturer will be responsible for organising a demonstration of delayed SMB deployment in the pool.
   
   
3. All students will have to have a BSAC log book (as well as a qualification book) when they start their open water training. Instructors will write their comments in this book at the end of the dive. Instructors who are not familiar with the student may (and should) refer to this before future dives.
   
   
4. On all open water dives, where the training allows, the instructors will take every opportunity to demonstrate the deployment of the delayed SMB. In effect this means that if the training dive does not require a controlled buoyant lift or an alternative air source assent, then all assents should be done on a delayed SMB (even in Stony Cove).
   
   
5. The first two open water dives are lessons/experience events. Unless the student panics or is completely out of control, this dive may still be signed off. Problems with buoyancy etc should be corrected and providing the student can show improvement during the dive then they may pass.
   
   
6. The last four dives of Club Diver, navigation, SMB, rescue and assessment, must be fully carried out correctly to be signed off. Buoyancy control is particularly important.
   
   
7. In addition to the six mandatory dives the students must also do a sea dive and a boat dive. These should include the deployment of a delayed SMB by the student. At present the cost of RIB hire for a day (less fuel) is included in the costs of the Club Diver course. On the Experience Scuba course the student will be told that a trip will be organised for them and that it is effectively mandatory.
   
   
8. If a student wishes to use a dry suit, they must carry out a familiarisation dive in their suit, in addition to the other dives required for qualification.
   
   
9. All students should have some form of depth/time instrumentation for the last four qualification dives and the sea and boat dive.
   
   

This review has concentrated solely on training. I will be looking at how we carry out our actual diving, including trip organisation and dive marshalling, over the next few months.

In reviewing all our procedures, I would like to make it clear that all the work done by instructors is greatly appreciated by students, other club members and the Committee. The standard achieved by our instructors are not in question.

Dacor has issued an important safety recall notice for its Supreme diving console unit, as it is concerned that a fault could lead to failure of the high-pressure flexible hose assembly.

The recall concerns three versions of the Dacor Supreme console: that with pressure gauge and hose; that with pressure gauge, depth gauge and hose; and that with pressure gauge, depth gauge, compass and hose.

The questionable hoses can be identified by a 6mm grey stripe running their length. If you have such a hose, Dacor asks you not to use it but to take it to your dealer, who will replace it immediately free of charge.

In case of any difficulty, those in Britain should contact Dacor's British distributor Hydrotech on 01455 274106 or www.sales@hydrotech.co.uk. Dacor says it apologises for any inconvenience.