Diving Officer
WSBA Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC Branch 107(S)
SO2 J2 Security
Headquarters British Forces Cyprus BFPO 53
Telephone:00357 25963303
Military Network: 94120 - 3303
Fax:
00357 25962446
Fax:
94120 - 2446
E-Mail:
BFC-HQ-J2-SO2-SY
Gp Capt R J C Powell OBE
Chairman
Royal Air Force Sub-Aqua Association
Reference:
Aki/Safe Water 2008
Date:
23 Jun 08
APPLICATION FOR SAFE WATER STATUS - WSBA SUB-AQUA CLUB - RAF AKROTIRI
Reference:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
AF/1036/79/C’man dated 14 Jan 07.
Joint Service Sub-Aqua Diving Regulations (JSSADRs) – dated 01 Apr 08.
BSAC DTP 2008.
BSAC Leaflet T12 – Try Dive Guide.
BSAC Leaflet T1 – Pool Safety Officers Guidelines.
1.
Reference A was your letter of approval that confirmed award of Safe Water Status for the
Western Sovereign Base Area (WSBA) Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC Branch 107(S) at RAF Akrotiri. The
Club has a membership with qualifications ranging from Ocean Divers (Under Training) to
Advanced Divers. We currently have a small number of OWIs, 3 AIs and 2 SADS, although this
will reduce to an AI / SADS in the next few weeks.
2.
All Club diving is carried out in accordance with Reference B under the supervision of the
SADS. Although RAF Akrotiri has a swimming pool, the Club is not authorised to use it (for
training) because PEd Staff are concerned that divers could inadvertently damage this heavily
committed facility. Consequently, all Try-dives and Ocean Diver sheltered water training, which
could otherwise be done in a pool under the supervision of a suitable NQI, are necessarily
conducted under the supervision of the SADS, in our designated Try-Dive/Training Area.
3.
The Club Try-Dive/Training Area is a small part of, and sits well within, the wider RAF Akrotiri
Marine Reserve, immediately adjacent to the Club, out to a maximum depth of 4m. The SBA
Ordinances for the Protection of Sea Bathers legislate that the outer limits of all sea bathing areas
are marked by officially placed buoys and movement within such bounded areas, by boats, is
strictly prohibited by law (except where authorised boat lanes exist). The Akrotiri Reserve is fully
contained within that legislated area. When diving is taking place in the Reserve the Club displays
a highly visible A-flag on the shore.
4.
The Try-Dive Route is clearly marked out on the seabed by rope. Club Try-Dive Leaders are
naturally very familiar with the route but are nevertheless briefed, in accordance with local SOPs,
not to stray from the line. Notwithstanding this arrangement, the depth of the sea in this area does
not increase much beyond 6m for some distance offshore. The seabed in the reserve is sand and
rock with small patches of eelgrass. There are some items of interest in the area including
anchors, a fire engine chassis and an old Army Scout Helicopter but none offer an opportunity to
‘swim-through’ or present a significant risk of entanglement. A sizeable and robust raft is anchored
in water of approximately 4m depth on the edge of the designated Try-Dive Route.
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5.
Throughout the summer months, May to Sep, the prevailing wind at RAF Akrotiri is westerly,
generating an offshore breeze on the Club’s beach, which usually guarantees a sea state of flat to
calm in the Marine Reserve. Visibility is typically in excess of 20m and there are no discernible
currents.
6.
We enjoy a constant demand for Try-Dives and always endeavour to meet such requests as
a means to attract both financial income, which helps keep diving costs down and keep the sport
within the reach of junior ranks and their dependants, as well as meeting ever-rising kit
replacement and maintenance costs. Try-Dives are also a very effective means of attracting new
Club members which, given the nature of overseas tours, is a constant struggle if the Club is to
remain viable as a Branch.
7.
Similarly, the constant demand for training within the Branch, particularly at Ocean Diver and
Sports Diver levels, place a significant burden on the SADS to ensure that he is always present to
allow programmed training courses to continue. With only one SADS within the Branch, the entire
training programme is at risk if the SADS is suddenly unavailable due to work commitments etc.
8.
The award of Approved Safe Water Status for our Training Area would provide the Club with
the flexibility to continue such programmed training, under the direct supervision of a NQI, when
the SADS is not available. Therefore we request such authorisation in accordance with the
conditions you stipulated previously in Reference A (reproduced in the boxes below for clarity)
although we would wish you to consider some slight amendments (highlighted):
(a) The authorised safe water period is from the 1 May- 25 Sep 08 and is for try dives and
diver pool training in accordance with Reference C. We do not know of any reason why 25
Sep was set as the cut-off date and would request that this be amended to read 30 Sep.
(b) All diving is to be conducted in accordance with Reference B.
(c) Diver training and try dive sessions, including those of all visiting divers, are to be
approved in advance by the Branch Diving Officer and run in accordance with References CE.
(d) In accordance with Reference B, all diver training and try dive sessions are to be under
the direct supervision of either a registered SADS or BSAC Nationally Qualified (NQI)
Instructor. The supervisor may be in the water provided surface cover is available in
accordance with Para 1f.
(e) The SADS or NQI must satisfy himself that the area in use meets the criteria for the
sheltered water area as per Reference C, prior to any activity taking place.
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(f) For all diver training and try dive sessions, a ‘rescue diver’/lifeguard must be at readiness
and equipped to enter the water as per Reference E. This individual must be a minimum
grade of BSAC Sports Diver, be in current diving practice and have undertaken regular rescue
skills refresher training. All rescue divers are to be authorised by the Club Diving Officer and
have intimate knowledge of the crisis management plan and assistants available to manage
that plan. Rescue equipment including oxygen and first aid is to be readily to hand, all must
be trained in and be current in its use.
(g) All in water training is to be conducted on a 2:1 ratio by a minimum grade of BSAC Open
Water Instructor (OWI). The depth restriction for in water training is 6 metres maximum.
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(h) All Try Dives as per Reference D, are to be led on a 1:1 basis by a minimum of an
Assistant Diving Instructor (ADI) who has been approved by the DO. Terms of Reference for
try dive leaders are to be formalised. These sessions are to be supervised by a minimum of
an NQI with a depth restriction of 4m maximum for Try Dives. We have a distinct shortage of
Instructors but we do have a number of very experienced Dive Leaders who could conduct Try
Dives, under the supervision of the SADS (i.e. only when the SADS is present) if authorised
and approved to do so by the Branch DO.
2.
The floating training pontoon requires to be placed in the 4-metre depth area close to the try
dive line before the reserve can be considered a sheltered water environment. In the event that this
pontoon is removed due to unserviceability the sheltered water authority is withdrawn until it is
repaired or replaced.
3.
Given the overall size of the reserve area and therefore distances involved with gaining the
varying depths required, it is strongly recommended that marking out a set training area be
undertaken. For example the fire engine area could be easily marked out which would give a focus
point for the rescue diver. Such features have now been buoyed.
4.
This authority is for annual review. In the event that access to the Station swimming pool is
granted for diver training, this authority may be withdrawn.
9.
Our location in Cyprus enables us to introduce a significant number of personnel and
dependants to this adventurous activity. Additionally, Try-dives provide a substantial percentage of
the Club’s annual income and if we were to lose that income, membership fees would have to
increase significantly for members and would potentially debar or deter junior ranks from taking up
the sport.
10. We believe that the Akrotiri Marine Reserve, and in particular the area within it used for
training and try dives, presents a very benign environment during the summer months. The
restrictions imposed by operating under Open Water conditions is placing a huge onus on our only
SADS and is severely limiting our training activities. It is therefore requested that the WSBA SAC
be granted authority to use the Akrotiri Marine Reserve as a Safe Water Area for try-dive and diver
training in accordance with the above conditions. This application has the full support of the OIC,
the Training Officer and the Club Committee. If you require any further information or clarification
please contact the undersigned.
Original Signed
K M O’NEILL
Sqn Ldr
Diving Officer BSAC Branch 107(S)
SADS 1344
Copy:
HQ BFC - SO2 J3 Trg
File
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