Our two Advanced Instructors, Denys and Liam, joined members from Darwen, Hartlepool and Buxton BSAC branches for a busy weekend of First Class diver training, held once a year. BSAC has awarded just over 1000 first class diver grades in over 70 years. They were also joined by the First Class Chief Examiners, present and former and the National Instructor Chief Examiner.
The event was held in the Upper Firth of Clyde, West Scotland, with an aim of surveying and mapping unknown sites to produce a dive guide suitable for all divers to follow.
On the Saturday they explored two wrecks, first up was the Wallachia, a single engined cargo steamer, sunk in 1895 due to a collision with another vessel. Next up the Greenock, which sank during a storm in 1974 carrying a cargo of raw sugar for processing. The primary objectives were to create a map of both wrecks, determine the exact position of them and survey any marine life that has found them as it’s new home.
On the second day the main task was surveying anti-submarine netting placed in World War 2 and the marine life around the wreck of the Ganttocks, a passenger carrying paddle steamer which sank in 1854 by running full steam ahead into the rocks. Liam was responsible for taking the boat out and locating the wreckage whilst Denys was responsible for dive management.
Not only did they have a great time diving they also spotted some dolphins during their surface interval… definitely not jealous. Below are some photos that they managed to take in the very limited spare time they had. See some more photos taken by National Instructor Chief Examiner Sophie Heptonstall: FCD Prep Event Photos
Leave a Reply