Every year, BSAC compiles a comprehensive Annual Incident Report to aid diver safety by sharing information and allowing all divers to learn from the reports of others. The reporting year runs from 1st October to 30th September each year to fit with both the diving season and to allow compilation of the report in time for publication. It is important that all reports are submitted as soon as possible in order to be included in this year’s report and so we would remind all members to submit reports for any incidents, occurring between 1st October 2011 and 30th September 2012, by Monday 15th October. The report will be presented by BSAC’s Safety Adviser Brian Cumming at the BSAC Diving Conference at the NEC on Saturday, 27th October.
Copies of an electronic Incident Report Form are available for download at www.bsac.com/incidents (where you can also download copies of previous reports).
Please note that all reports are treated in strictest confidence and reassurance that names and other identifying characteristics are not included in the published report. Read more on the BSAC website…
Tag Archives: Diving Safety
New video for divers promotes the benefits and safe use of closed circuit rebreathers (CCR)
A new video has been produced for divers to give them a solid foundation in the key benefits and safety considerations of using closed circuit rebreathers (CCRs) – a technology often referred to as enabling “bubble-free” diving. CCR use, which is historically associated with military and cave diving, is expected to rise sharply among recreational divers over the next few years. With CCR technology accepted to be developing fast, the CCR Aware video is targeted at those new to rebreather diving as well as existing users who might be at risk of becoming complacent.
There are about 250,000 divers in the UK and, at present, it is thought only a small percentage (estimates are between 1.6 per cent and four per cent) use CCRs, although the number of users could be rising by about 400 a year. Internationally, the potential CCR market is huge; for example, there are 1.2million divers in Germany alone.
The CCR Aware video is the result of a project led by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), which, in 2011, was asked by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to investigate and promote the safe use of CCRs. Twenty diving organisations have been involved in the project. RoSPA worked with rebreather industry experts to identify the key safety issues. In order to reach the international diving community we created the RoSPA CCR Aware film, which gives divers and those new to rebreathers a solid awareness of the key safety factors for diving with rebreathers.
RoSPA CCR Aware has been created to help you make informed choices about your diving and we’re sure that it will be of interest as a reminder for experienced rebreather divers. For more information regarding Closed Circuit rebreathers please go to: www.rospa.com/ccr-aware/ –
Divers vital contribution to the definitive Incident Report
With the UK diving season now well underway, BSAC would like to remind anyone involved in or witnessing a diving incident this year to report it. Every year BSAC produces an Incident Report, which plays a key role in helping to understand trends in diving safety. By reporting an incident to BSAC, you can help contribute to the wide-spread practice of safe diving. As the UK Governing Body, BSAC has monitored and reported on diving incidents since 1964. Providing the most comprehensive database of incidents and trends, the BSAC Incident Report has influenced the development of safe diving and training practices across all agencies. The annual report contains details of UK diving incidents occurring to divers of all affiliations, plus incidents occurring world-wide involving BSAC members. Many groups, including the MCA, RNLI and other diving organisations feed into our system but the vast majority of reports come from individuals. The findings are presented by BSAC’s Safety Adviser Brian Cumming at the BSAC Diving Conference every autumn.
Brian said he applauded the courage and generosity of divers who contributed to the report so that lessons can be learnt and hoped others would follow suit: “Divers are central to this report, and their experiences are invaluable. Whilst some people may be reluctant to report an incident or ‘near miss’, BSAC would like to reassure contributors that any details supplied will be used anonymously.”
BSAC Incident reports can be submitted online at www.bsac.com/incidentreport
Diver tracker survey
BSAC members are being invited to take part in survey to help develop a diver tracking system.
a small technology company has developed a system to track divers all the time on the sea surface, with support from the European Space Agency.
The team has developed a prototype that proves the concept. It tracks multiple objects in real time, up to 4.5km. The next stage is to consolidate results, miniaturise it, and get the system ready for a production run.
To ensure they produce a system that fulfils the needs of the diving community, they have created a survey for users.
If you wish to feed your experience into the design of a device aimed specifically at diver safety, please go to the BSAC website…
HM Coastguard remind divers to stop! Beware of decompression sickness
After two divers suffered decompression sickness this afternoon following rapid ascents, HM Coastguard would like to remind all divers of the importance of regular stops as they come to the surface.
Although separate incidents, both divers were treated and had to be rushed to hyperbaric chambers. H.M Coastguard advises that dives requiring decompression stops should be planned beforehand and taken. Any diver who has missed planned decompression stops could suffer from decompression illness.
Divers are also advised to make sure they are adequately qualified and experienced for the diving they plan to undertake, with a close eye on weather and sea conditions. Their personal fitness is a top priority for safe diving and they should be familiar with new or different gear before planning deep dives. If you are operating a dive boat check do a radio check with the Coastguard before heading out tell the Coastguard your planned destination and expected return time. If one of your divers has a problem contact the Coastguard straightaway. Read more on the MCA website…
BSAC gets set to make waves
BSAC’s new marine environment pledge is to be launched at this year’s London International Dive Show. The ‘Divers Making Waves…to protect our seas’ initiative has been created to underpin BSAC’s commitment to a rolling program of marine environment activity throughout 2012, and beyond. Read more on the BSAC website…
Net hazard warning
Divers have been advised not to dive on the Scylla due to a 150ft net currently entangled on the wreck. The National Marine Aquarium has issued a warning to divers thinking of diving at the Scylla reef site off Plymouth of the presence of a 150ft monofilament gill net covering a large part of the reef making dive conditions extremely dangerous. The Aquarium is strongly advising against any dives over the reef until the situation has been sorted.
Net hazard warning
Divers have been advised not to dive on the Scylla due to a 150ft net currently entangled on the wreck. The National Marine Aquarium has issued a warning to divers thinking of diving at the Scylla reef site off Plymouth of the presence of a 150ft monofilament gill net covering a large part of the reef making dive conditions extremely dangerous. The Aquarium is strongly advising against any dives over the reef until the situation has been sorted. Read more on the BSAC website…
New BSAC snorkeler training programme
Phase one has now been launched. Resources available include new training packs, promotional materials for snorkelling clubs including posters, training progression charts and leaflets.
The new BSAC Snorkeler training programme
The 31st October is the official launch date for BSAC’s new Snorkeler Training Programme for branches. Bringing all the current training materials up-to-date, with new training packs, Instructor Manual and resources, the BSAC Snorkeler Training Programme will enable even more BSAC clubs to provide snorkel training and bring more young people and families into BSAC
National Water Safety 
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