SAA News
CI Course - Change of date
We still have few candidates for the Spring Y+H Region Club Instructor Course. Consequently the date has been put back to 20 + 21 March 2010. There are still places available - so if any member wants to join us, please submit NCAFs to Y+H Region Rep asap.
Janice Roach 10 January 2010.
Region Coordinators
At every change of Region Reps, the Region Coordinators have to be reinstated. I am pleased to report that the Region Instructor team is unchanged and all coordinators who were in place whilst Steve was the Region Rep have agreed to continue. So - Dave Allan is Diver Rescue Coordinator, Kev Whiteley is Nitrox and First Aid Coordinator, Steve Love will continue to coordinate the Instructor Courses and I will coordinate the O2 Admin courses.
Janice Roach 10 January 2010
New Years message from the new Rep
As the new year starts we enter a period of change. Steve Love has done a really good as Rep driving the Region forward and I am determined to continue that task, as well as looking forward to supporting him in his role as NDO whilst ensuring that the views of the Region are expressed at National Council. I know the Region retains a friend on the Exec., and Steve has agreed to continue to coordinate the Region's Instructor courses.
There is a full programme of courses arranged for the coming season, as well as the annual Region Weekend scheduled for 10 + 11 April at Capernwray. I look forward to seeing as many members as possible there.
One question that I ask is "do members want a Region Meeting?" If you have a view - either "yes" or "no" please e-mail me at yhrep@saa.org.uk letting me have your views. I know we have done them before and that they died because few members attended. But if the times have changed please let me know - I am very happy to meet with members face to face and hear their views so I can take those back to National Council.
Equally, if Clubs would like to invite me and members of the Region Instructor team to their Club nights, we are very happy to attend. Each Club is independent, so we need to be invited - we cannot simply turn up.
Finally if there are any issues you want to bring to my attention, or about which you seek clarification, please e-mail me at yhrep@saa.org.uk.
Janice Roach 8 January 2010
Region Rep's Christmas Message
Simple message this year - thank you for everyone's support to the Region during 2009 - it is appreciated.
Thank you to all the Region Instructors and Coordinators for their help in making Y+H one of the best Regions in the Country and a safe and enjoyable 2010 to all our members.
And finally my thoughts are particularly with the families and friends of Mally Exley and Steve Bailey of Filey Brigg, both of whom died whilst diving together in the North Sea this year. Rest in Peace.
Steve Love 18 December 2009
New Region Rep
As I appear destined to remain as NDO, and it is not viable to retain both roles long term, Janice Roach is taking over the role of Yorkshire and Humberside Region Rep. Having been nominated and seconded, she has been returned as Rep unopposed. The change is from the AGM at the latest but we will be looking at her taking over earlier - probably from the end of January.
I know she will be very active in the role and will do well I am sure, building on the success we have enjoyed over the past years.
Steve Love 18 December 2009
Club Instructor Course - Spring 2010
We currently have only 3 candidates for this course. A date will be set after discussion with them, but if any members are interested they need to get course application forms in to me soonest.
Steve Love 17 December 2009
Region Weekend 10 + 11 April 2010 - incorporates Diver Rescue Crossovers and OWI course
Once again Y+H Region are running the Region Weekend at Capernwray. As usual, the idea is to get wet, try kit, utilise Region resources (Instructors / Manikin etc.) and generally socialise. For 2010 we are running the event in conjunction with North West and North Wales Regions - why should Y+H have all the fun?!
If any Clubs want to use Regional resources then a National Course Application Form (NCAF) needs submitting to me. For example if a Regional OWI was needed for Dive Leader assessments then the course form would be titled Dive Leader Assessment making it clear what resources were needed. This is to allow proper planning - and to that end, there is the usual cut of date of 1 month before the event in place, so all requests for Region resources needs to be with the Region Rep by 9 March at the latest.
If any Club simply wants to come and dive, then no forms are needed - just come.
Usual rules for Club diving apply - has to be sanctioned by your Club DOs.
The Region Team will be in the canteen between 0900 and 0945 to meet and greet - please register with us as it helps enormously to know which Clubs and members are present. If no one registers then there is no indication that Clubs want it, so no point running the event.
Also includes planned SAA Diver Rescue cross over assessments on 10 April and the practical assessment day for Y+H Region Open Water Instructor course on 11 April. If any member wants a place on either day the a NCAF needs submitting to Region Rep by the cut off date of 9 March 2010.
Steve Love 17 December 2009
Successful Open Water Instructor Candidates
Y+H Region held our Open Water Instructor course at Blue Lagoon this weekend. Congratulations to Chris Laws, John Carter, Mark Dyer (Selby Aquanauts), Simon Robinson (Archers SAC), Geoff Fox and Bob Cookman (Rothwell and Stanley) and Richard Grice (Llantrisant SAC) on successfully competing the assessment.
The Region's thanks go the assessors and "students" - there were almost 30 people involved in this day which reflects the commitment from within the Region to making assessments a success.
SAA Club Instructor Course - November 2009
This course has had to be postponed again due to lack of candidates. There were 2 members who submitted Course Application forms, but neither followed up. The next CI course is scheduled for 23 + 24 January 2010. Forms need to be in soonest, please.
Steve Love 11 November 2009
SAA Club Instructor Course - Next date 21 + 22 September
If any member is interested in attending the next CI course, then course application forms need to be in very quickly. The notional one month cut off date has passed and, as yet, we have no candidates. Unless anyone gets forms and deposits to me in the next week it will have to be cancelled.
Steve Love 31 August 2009
The existing dates for members wishing to crossover other agencies rescue qualifications to SAA Diver Rescue are all now full. However, if members want places on future sessions, simply complete SAA National Course Application Forms and forward to me as Region Rep, and we will arrange further dates.
Steve Love 22 August 2009
Due to the support for the first cross over assessments, a second series of dates have been arranged for Thursday 15th and Friday 16th October at Capernwray. Cost will be in the region of £80. Those members crossing over from PADI Rescue Diver need to successfully complete a self rescue from depth, and 2 controlled buoyant lifts using the manikin. Interested members should submit National Course Application Forms to me, along with a deposit of £40.
On Monday 3 August two SAA members from Filey Brigg Dive Club died whilst diving off Filey. Steve Bailey and Mally Exley surfaced from a 45m dive and were airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary where both were pronounced dead. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to their families, friends and colleagues.
Steve Love 5 August 2009
There is now no longer a requirement for all Junior Divers to achieve SAA Snorkel diver prior to commencing SCUBA training. It is still recommended as it builds confidence, stamina and respect for the water. However the decision as to whether the junior does the full SAA Snorkeller training is a matter for the Club DO. The Club Guidance Manual has full details and is available on the SAA website at www.saa.org.uk.
Steve Love 2 August 2009
After a break of a few years it is anticipated
that assessments for the SAA's highest diving qualification - "National Diver"
will again be run during 2010.
Entry criteria for National Diver are - Current SAA member (for at least 5
years), Dive Supervisor for at least 2 years, current medical, 100 dives in a
variety of conditions since becoming Dive Supervisor, candidates must be at
least 20 years old and hold Diver Rescue, Oxygen Admin, First Aid, Basic Boat
Handling and VHF/DSC certificates.
The process will be designed to enable the candidate to prove their capabilities in organising diving expeditions and other diving activities with a particular stress on safety and emergency procedures, and by proving their competence in a given specialised area or in a scientific discipline.
Successful candidates will be awarded SAA National Diver and CMAS 4* certificates on payment of the necessary fee.
National Diver candidates have a choice of
completing a project and task locally, or attending a formal 2 day assessment
which will be held in conjunction with the RI assessment in Oban during early
September 2010. The local project and task should not be viewed as a cheaper,
nor easier, option. The standard will be the same and costs be similar to, or
indeed probably higher than, the formal assessment.
It is intended to combine the opportunity for a few days diving after the 2 day
assessment in Oban to mitigate the distance travelled.
The brief entry criteria for Regional Instructor
are - Current SAA member, SAA Dive Supervisor, minimum age 20 years old, hold
current SAA Diver Rescue, O2 Admin and Diver First Aid certificates, SAA Open
Water Instructor with considerable experience, submit Regional Instructor Course
Application Form endorsed by applicant's Club DO and Region Rep. Full details
are in the Club Guidance manual Section 5.2.3.
The closing date for applications to be received by NDO for either route to
National Diver, and Regional Instructor, is 1 February 2010 due to the need to
pay deposits for boats and accommodation, plus the need to arrange examinations
etc in good time.
Further detail can be obtained direct from ndo@saa.org.uk
Steve Love 1 August 2009
Trip Report -
Members from Wharf Divers, Driffield and District Divers, Leeds Free Divers and Archers SAC went to Scapa from 20 to 27 June and had a fabulous time courtesy of Hazel and Helen on Valkyrie (www.mv-valkyrie.co.uk). The boat, food and diving were all first rate and a good week had by all. The boat is highly recommended to any member considering a trip to the far north. Photos from the trip are being coordinated by Lee Flaherty and some will be added to the gallery. Check out Valkyrie's web site for full details of the boat.
Region Weekend - update
The weekend went very well again. 32 members attended on the Saturday and 15 on the Sunday. Dive Leader practical were finalised by one member on Saturday. She was presented with her DL certificate in the bar by her DO, and beause she has successfully completed a new style CI course she was also presented with her Club Instructor certificate by the NDO.
HQ News
Club Instructor Course
Club Instructor course now circulated to all Reps and forms the national, standard SAA Club Instructor course. The Assistant Instructor course has ceased to exist. DLs get CI, CDs get AI - and upgraded with no further assessment on gaining DL.
Club Diver depths
The Club Guidance Manual and page "SAA Training Policy" at the front of the nw qualification filofax gives different guidance regarding maximum depth a Club Diver may dive to. The CGM states " A Club Diver may dive to 50 whilst training for Dive Leader" but the filofax states "35m whilst training and 50m post qualifying".
The depths have been clarified now -
EDT is 10m maximum,
ED is 10m maximum, or 20m if under training for OWD (should be interpreted as actively training during that dive and accompanied by an OWI, or above),
OWD is 20m maximum, or 35m maximum if under training for Club Diver (should be interpreted as actively training during that dive and accompanied by an OWI, or above),
CD 35m maximum, or 50m maximum for experienced CDs working towards DL, at DO's discretion.
Please see Club Guidance Manual for the full guidance. The CGM has been amended to reflect this clarification, and is the definitive document - not the filofax page.
Steve Love 16 May 2009
Region Weekend - Saturday + Sunday 26 / 26 April
As usual, I will be in the cafe at Capernwray from 0900 to 1000 both mornings. All members attending are asked to "check in" with me there, it is very useful to know who is there.
See you there.
Steve Love 21 April 2009
SAA Diver Rescue cross over weekend - 5 + 6 September.
There are more and more SAA members who have crossed over from PADI and other training agencies, and they like all other members need to hold SAA Diver Rescue before being able to progress to SAA Open Water Instructor. Consequently I have arranged with the Region's Diver Rescue examiners, to hold cross over sessions at Capernwray on 5th and 6th September 2009. PADI Rescue Divers need to complete a self rescue and two controlled bouyant lifts with the manikin. These 3 dives can be done in 1 day. Anyone wanting a place needs to complete a National Course Application Form and post it to me once signed by their DO. Course will be set at covering costs, so will depend on numbers applying but will be in the region of £100 - £110
Club Instructor course being amended.
The Club Instructor course is being re-written and the standard raised. Additional input includes Duty of Care, Risk Assessments and more emphasis on pool teaching with the SAA Toolbox being used as the only source of lecture material for candidates. The amended course is being trialled now and once the trials are finished (April 2009) the course will be re-assessed and then released for use as the standard, national SAA CI course. Once it is released, successful DL candidates will be awarded CI certification, and successful CD candidates will be awarded AI certification - which will automatically be upgraded to CI when they attain DL level, with no further assessment. No more AI courses under the old format will be run in this Region.
Junior Diver Policy amended
The Junior Diver Policy now no longer requires that an OWI or DL who dives with under 18s be CRB checked and hold SAA Diver Rescue qualification. It remains a recomendation, but Clubs have the ability to risk assess and deviate from that recomendation of they deem it appropriate. This, I believe, better supports Club's independence. The amended guidance is on the SAA website.
Region Weekend
The date for the Region Weekend remains 25 + 26 April. Clubs are reminded that if they need regional resources or support they should let me know soonest. It is no good turning up on the day(s) and asking for OWIs, manikin etc without it being pre-planned so I can ensure availability. So far no Club has asked for anything, so I assume every Club is self sufficient. Hopefully the weekend will be as good as the previous events.
Additional Courses
It is likley that I will be arranging additional OWI and DR courses during the Spring / early Summer. If anyone wants a place on either of these course please send me a NCAF asap, and in any event by 26 April (end of Region Weekend)
Steve Love 21 March 2009
NDO resigns and Y+H Rep co-opted by National Executive
Steve Wallis resigned last Monday, and the National Executive asked me to stand in as NDO until a selection process can be started after the AGM. I have agreed to do so. I am continuing to be Region Rep as well, so it is business as usual in the Region.
Steve Love 12 February 2009
Boat Handler Coordinator sought.....
With the retirement of Bill Gray as Region Boat Handling Coordinator I am seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified Region members to take his place. Must be Regional Instructor and Senior Boat Handling Instructor, preferably with Chartwork and Navigation Instructor status.
Interested? Please contact me.
Steve Love 27 November 2008
Changes to AI, CI, Diver Rescue and Chartwork and Navigation courses
At the NDO's workshop on 22 November several proposed changes to courses were announced and discussed.
AI / CI courses
The AI course and CI upgrade assessment are likely to be split and content changed. This is driven by the fact that although we expect Instructors to teach in the pool we do not really train them properly to do so. Consequently it is thought better to have an AI course (2 days) concentrating on instruction technique in the classroom - basically the current AI course without the pool session, and then a CI course concentrating on training and assessing in the pool environment. The entry level for CI is likely to be reduced from Dive Leader to experienced Club Diver. This will result in a higher standard of Instructor, better prepared for the responsibilities put upon them. The AI course, being solely classroom based will be cheaper to put on, and in Y+H region we have the opportunity to hold them in more locations. The CI course will be more difficult logistically to put on as the pool time needed is greater than at present. AI can teach in the classroom, but not in the pool. CI can, naturally, do both.
Diver Rescue
Part 3 of the DR course is going to be changed to include more rescue scenarios than at present. The current format with 6 dives with the emphasis solely on controlled buoyant lifts is changing to 2 dives each day with other aspects being assessed as well. Consequently the new format is -
Day 1
Surface work - 1) Surface rescue - throw line / reach etc. 2)Panicking diver and tired diver tow. 3) Land unconcious diver from deep water
Dive 1 - self recue from depth (ie lost fin). Candidate raises self on own bouyancy, stops at 10m and 3m and surfaces
Dive 2 - Out of Air - candidate deploys alternative air source to buddy. Both rise on own bouyancy, stop at 3m then surface. Buddy then orally inflates their stab. The assessment does not stop at 3m.
Day 2
Surface work - 1) Land incapacitated diver from shallow water (includes "contacting" emergency services / administer O2 / record keeping), 2) Manage accident / incident scenarios
Dive 1 + 2 - Controlled bouyant lift using manikin (candidate deploys manikin - assessor prepares maniking for lift)
The theory session will be amended to reflect these changes. I see no reeason why some aspects of Part 3 cannot be done on part 2 to free up time on the weekend of Part 3 - but we'll see how it develops.
Chartwork and Navigation course
New course book and entry age reduced to 14 years to mesh with requirement for basic boat handling course.
Steve Love 23 November 2008
Training to Open Water Diver level
The possibility of altering the content of OWD is being looked at. The idea is that the content will be reduced and the more advanced physiology and other aspects are put back in at CD or DL level, leaving the training to OWD level focussing on getting new divers trained to an appropriate level for open water quicker than at present. This includes all practical aspects of training as at present but running right through to OWD without the current pause at ED level. This is very new and still being worked on, but the idea is to make the OWD training less theoretical and more practical to better cater for new divers who want to get into open water, whilst still maintaining our training the among the best available for UK diving.
Steve Love 23 November 2008
New Open Water Instructors
On Sunday 16 November the Region held the Autumn OWI Course. Congratulations to Howard Bardsley (Wharf Divers) and Keith Dawick (Driffield and District Divers) on sucessfully completing all assessments and becoming the Region's newest Open Water Instructors. My thanks go to Janice Roach and Dave Allan for assessing, Sean Williams for marshalling and to Ian Dobson, Daniel Metcalf, Pete Goodwin and Lindsey Jackson for playing the part of "trainees".
The next Open Water Instructor course is scheduled for 10 May 2009 - any members wanting a place are advised to get their Course Applications in to me in good time.
18 November 2008
Bill Gray - retired
Bill Gray (Burbage SAC), one of the Region's senior Instructors, has hung up his fins and retired from diving. He has also stood down as the Region's boathandling coordinator. Both personally, and behalf of the Region, I thank him for all the support and effort he has put in over the many years he has been active within the SAA both Nationally and Regionally.
4 November 2008
Date for 2009 Regional Instructor and National Diver assessments
After discussion with Steve Wallis as NDO it has been decided
that there will be 2 Regional Instructor assessments in 2009. He is running one
in Plymouth (or thereabouts) in April, and I am running the second in Oban in
September, probably in conjunction with the National Diver assessment.
I have fixed the date provisionally as 5 + 6 September, and it is my intention
to tack a few days diving onto the weekend so SAA members can chill out and
dive, post assessment.
If any members are interested in attending either assessment it is important to get Course Application forms in to me as soon as possible so I can confirm the dates, venue, accommodation, boats etc.
23 September
New Regional Instructor in Yorkshire and Humberside
Janice Roach from Archers SAC sucessfully completed her Regional Instructor assessments at the beginning of September. Congratulations to her. Janice is now the Region's Oxygen Administration coordinator.
19 September 2008
DeeP-Stop v "Old Tables"
Steve Wallis as NDO has today sent this information in an e-mail to all Region Reps in an effort to clarify which set(s) of tables are to be used.
"Dear All,
It's been reported to me by Irene that there seems to be some confusion regarding the SAA Decompression tables.
This information has already been sent out before, and should be common knowledge.
The new Deep Stop and the original SAA tables will be available side by side. Clubs can choose whichever set they want to use. It also worthwhile remembering that any set of recognised decompression tables (as used by any of the training agencies) can be used by clubs. Similarly for Technical Diving any set of recognised tables or decompression software may be used.
What should be emphasised is that ascent rates are adhered to, and that our tables are very safe in this respect, we cannot vouch for other agencies tables, clubs will have to ascertain that for themselves. Too many ascent problems ending up in the pot!
Regards,
Steve Wallis"
So bottom line is Clubs can choose whichever set they want. What is still not clear is whether Clubs can again train new divers on the old tables or whether the DeeP-Stop tables are to be used. I have asked the question and await an answer.
Steve has replied and the answer is that Clubs can chose either set and train new divers on either. The NDO has reiterated his support for both sets of tables. He states it is the responsibility of the person in charge of the Club, Course or dive trip etc to chose the tables that in their opinion are the most appropriate, and my advice is to include the choice of tables in the Project Plan and / or Risk Assessment to evidence why particular tables are used. For example deep dives (30m+) it may be considered to be most appropriate to use DeeP-Stop tables, whereas a shallower dive to say 20m, for experienced divers, it may be more appropriate to use the old system. SAA Instructors will be expected to be able to teach both versions.
So once again it falls to DOs to use their judgement and select the tables they want to use, keeping autonomy within Clubs but at the price of having to justify your actions.
21 August 2008
Region Weekend - another success
A total of 20 members from 5 clubs across the Region came to Capernwray last weekend for the annual Yorkshire and Humberside Region Weekend. Several trainees successfully did their elementary diver open water assessments, and other skills were practised. In all, a good couple of days were had. My thanks go to the Region Instructors who attended, as well as to the Clubs and members who made the trip.
New Open Water Instructor
Kevin Mews from WYPSAC is now the Region's newest Open Water Instructor. He came to Capernwray on Friday and showed he had the skill to safely instruct and assess in open water. Thanks go to Tracey Dawick from Driffield and District Divers for playing the part of the "trainee", and to Janice Roach (Archers SAC) for assessing Kevin.
4 June 2008
Master Diver - renamed National Diver
The highest diving qualification within the SAA was Master Diver. This was judged to be too close to other agencies lower level qualifications. Consequently the decision was taken as the recent Exec. Meeting to rename our qualification. Therefore, as of now, the highest SAA qualification is National Diver.
20 May 2008
Use of "Old Tables"
My own personal take on all this is that if a DO sanctions a dive that includes trainees or inexperienced divers (up to and including Open Water Diver level), then the deep stops should be used as safer - certainly from a buoyancy control perspective; they are also the tables the inexperienced divers will be training to use. For qualified and experienced divers - they can chose which ever system they want, and which suits the dive profile / location better. It is about risk assessment; and if DeeP-Stop tables are not used, the reason why (and control measures) should be included in the risk assessment. If that is covered then the organiser should be fine. In the future, of course, with all new SAA divers being trained on the DeeP-Stop system, the number of divers using anything else will dimish.
I broached the litigation issue and potential vulnerability of DOs and DMs if an incident occurred using the "old" tables without deep stops, with Steve Wallis. His view is that either tables are fine and neither should present any additional risk to organisers - with the proviso that DeeP-Stop should be used for trainees / inexperienced divers. All divers up to and including OWD are limited to safety stop dives only (the fist line of the DeeP-Stop tables).
20 May 2008
Spring Diver Rescue course
The Yorkshire and Humberside Spring Diver Rescue course was held at Capernwray this weekend. Four candidates attended and all passed. Congratulations to Keith Dawick (Driffield and District Divers), Simon Robinson (Leeds Freedivers), Roy Bridgewater (Barton SAC) and Geoff Fox (Rothwell and Stanley SAC).
Thanks go to Dave Allan for once again coordinating the Course and the Instructors for their skill and dedication.
The next Diver Rescue Course is scheduled for the Autumn this year starting with Part 1 on 17 August, Part 2 on 27 September and Part 3 over the weekend of 25 + 26 October.
18 May 2008
SAA Buhlmann Deep-Stop tables launched at AGM.
In order to make diving safer new tables and associated guidance have been introduced, and from now are the standard SAA tables, completly replacing the "old" Buhlmann tables in training. The previous tables can still be used to plan dives by those divers already trained on them, and such dives will still be legitimate, insured dives. However the deep stops provide a better safety margin in respect of micro bubbles and address the high proportion of DCI incidents involving poor buoyancy control. The tables have been made easier to use and the book provides a ready reckoner for gas required to aid planning. The SAA lecture programme is being amended to reflect the new tables and the amendments will be sent direct to Clubs.
I have a copy of Bob Cole’s presentation on the DeeP-Stop
tables. If any DO wants a copy (PowerPoint) just e-mail me and I’ll send it.
Copies of the Deep-Stop system are available from Head Office priced £10.50
Diver Rescue now a pre-requisite for Open Water Instructor
Diver Rescue qualification has been introduced as a pre-requisite for all new Open Water Instructor candidates. This move had been requested by the National Council and the new National Diving Officer, Steve Wallis, announced in the open forum Q+A session at the AGM that the requirement will be in force “imminently” (within 2 – 3 weeks). It is now in place for all future OWI candidates.
Diver Rescue no longer pre-requisite for Dive Supervisor
Another change is that Diver Rescue is now no longer a pre-requisite for Dive Supervisor. This is because it the requirement was viewed as a block preventing divers achieving the higher SAA qualifications. However is it still strongly recommended that all Dive Leaders and Dive Supervisors hold the SAA Diver Rescue qualification.
Master Diver
I have been appointed as National Master Diver Coordinator by Steve Wallis, the NDO.
The MD assessments have not run for several years, for various reasons. The assessments are being re-written and will run again from 2009. It is highly likely that there will be a variety of dates and venues.
The entry criteria will be:-
SAA member for at least 5 years
20 years old minimum
Current medical / self certification
Dive Supervisor for 2 years, plus an additional 100 dives under varying conditions since obtaining 3* diver
Holds Diver Rescue, Oxygen Admin, First Aid, Basic Boat Handling and VHF/DSC certificates
Successful candidates will be awarded SAA Master Diver and CMAS 4* diver on payment of appropriate fees
If any Dive Supervisor in interested in taking their MD in 2009 they should submit a National Course Application Form to me. Further details will be published on the National website, and our site, periodically.
The term "Master Diver" is accurate and reflects the level of the SAA qualification, but it has connotations of PADI's Master Scuba Diver which is a far lower award. If anyone has a suggestion (preferably clean) for a better title for the SAA's highest diving qualification, please let me know.
Steve Love, SAA Y+H Region Rep. 11 May 2008