As a scuba diving club we want to encourage ... you guessed it ... scuba diving! If we're diving more often, diving safely and enjoying ourselves then that's a big part of our mission accomplished.

Our club aims to organise at least one proper dive per month. The trouble is that our plans are often foiled by weather and lockdowns. Many successful trips have been those planned on the fly to take advantage of a clear diving window.

What's a Jump-in trip?

Our club doesn't have its own boat but we have a range of operators who need to fill theirs!

A jump-in trip is where two or more current club members dive together on a commercial trip. To be fair and inclusive the trip should be promoted to the whole club ahead of time and any suitably-qualified club member should have a chance to join in. Afterwards you put some pictures on Facebook and let us know how it went. Participating members can also hire club equipment for a Jump-in trip if required.

It's not a BSAC trip. There's no DM and no club risk assessment. On commercial trips, like any member of the public you follow the operator's directions and you're covered by their insurance. And obviously it's not a training dive - BSAC training can only take place on a BSAC trip.

On the other hand Jump-ins are fast and easy to organise, which can be very appealing in our busy lives!

How do I organise a Jump-in trip?

1. Find a trip that you want to go on. Check there are spots available.
2. Put it out to the rest of the club. Facebook is good for this. An event-organiser can also send an email to the club on your behalf.
3. All participants book and pay the operator directly (if applicable).
4. Have a fun, safe dive within the limits of your certification and current capabilities.
5. Put some pictures up on Facebook and let everyone know how it went.

Will these replace proper club trips?

No. We'll still continue to organise proper BSAC club dives, pool days and training trips.

What about independent diving?

BSAC tries to create thinking, self-reliant divers. While independent shore or boat dives can obviously be done as non-BSAC dives, they're better and safer when run as BSAC dives with a Dive Manager and sound risk management practices in place. Without these key elements it can't be endorsed as a club dive and so is not covered by BSAC insurance. From a safety perspective we’d encourage you to organise such trips through the club.

Questions?

If you have questions call the DO or come along to a club meeting to discuss.

Thanks to Mark Stenhouse for the pic!