Concerns raised 1 Overreliance on self-declaration questionnaires without further enquiry or access to previous medical history View source
No linked response statements No action or position from this recipient is clearly linked to the concerns in this report.
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AI-generated summary
Dominic Edward Arthur HURLEY · Prevention of Future Deaths report
This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.
Report summary
On 8 July 2024, Dominic Hurley became unwell during an offshore dive, made a rapid uncontrolled ascent, became unconscious, and later died in hospital. The principal concern was that he had not disclosed a previous serious diving incident and cardiac history when renewing his diving licence, with reliance on self-declaration questionnaires without further enquiry or access to previous medical history identified as a potential risk.
Read the report on judiciary.uk
× Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to British Sub-Aqua Club; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Overreliance on self-declaration questionnaires without further enquiry or access to previous medical history
Wider context from the report “In 2018 Mr Hurley suffered shortness of breath and pulmonary oedema during a dive in Malta. This led to him having a heart bypass on his return to the UK. There was significant family history of cardiac related issues.
Time passed but in 2021 and 2023 Mr Hurley sort to renew his diving licence. Mr Hurley completed his self declaration questionnaire. At no stage did he declare the events in 2018 in relation to his dive and nor did he discuss this with the Dr assessing him. It is likely that he Dr been aware of the previous diving incident a different course of action may have taken. There is currently too much reliance placed on the self declaration questionnaire without any further enquiry or access to previous medical history. This leads to a false sense of reality and put the diver and others at potential risk of death on further dives.
” Open source report
Concerns raised 9 Failure to match permitted dive depth to diver experience and currency View source Failure to properly plan dives View source Training failing to comply with BSAC Sports Diver training requirements View source Failure to conduct the DSMB inflation exercise at the required training depth View source Permitting instruction by divers without necessary qualifications and experience View source Foreseeable risk of difficult release from the belt configuration View source Failure to complete written dive risk assessments View source Failure to read important safety information displayed at the dive centre View source Lack of training and practice records View source See 6 more concerns
Actions described in response An action is something this recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised. 8
Action
Remind instructors to follow Diver Training Programme guidance for skills through Instructor News.
View source
Action
Introduce signed individual-skills records within the revised Diver Training Programme to improve training completion records.
View source
Action
Continue educating divers and instructors about dive planning through member emails, instructor bulletins and SCUBA Magazine articles.
View source
Action
Distribute a table reminding instructors of qualification requirements for teaching each Diver Training grade.
View source
Action
Develop a digital platform integrating training records so instructors, students, branches and BSAC can record skill completion online.
View source
Action
Review website risk-assessment information and assess interactive materials through the new digital platform.
View source
Action
Remind instructors through Instructor News to teach weightbelt removal as required by the Diver Training Programme.
View source
Action
Produce guidance explaining the importance of weightbelt removal.
View source See 5 more actions
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AI-generated summary
Denis William Patrick Cronin · Prevention of Future Deaths report
This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.
Report summary
Denis William Patrick Cronin drowned after a dive at Stoney Cove on 26 April 2015. The report identifies concerns about inadequate risk assessment, training and supervision, dive planning, failure to follow BSAC guidance, and weight-belt configuration that created a foreseeable risk it could not be released.
Read the report on judiciary.uk
× Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to British Sub-Aqua Club; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to match permitted dive depth to diver experience and currency
Wider context from the report “7) Mr Cronin had previously dived to a maximum depth of 16.5yet he was permitted to dive to 20 metres after an 8 month gap since his last open water dive .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to British Sub-Aqua Club; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to properly plan dives
Wider context from the report “6) The dive was not properly planned . A Safety and Development Manager employed by BSAC said he would not have done the final dive in the way that it was planned and conducted.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to British Sub-Aqua Club; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Training failing to comply with BSAC Sports Diver training requirements
Wider context from the report “2) Training was not in accordance with BSAC Sports Diver training ;
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to British Sub-Aqua Club; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to conduct the DSMB inflation exercise at the required training depth
Wider context from the report “3) The plan for the second dive was for Mr Cronin to inflate the DSMB from a depth of around 17 metres. It took place at 20 metres . The BSAC instructions for Sports Diver are for the exercise to be conducted at 10 metres .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to British Sub-Aqua Club; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Permitting instruction by divers without necessary qualifications and experience
Wider context from the report “4) A diver without the necessary qualifications and experience was permitted to teach Mr Cronin with no instruction otherwise.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to British Sub-Aqua Club; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Foreseeable risk of difficult release from the belt configuration
Wider context from the report “9) The belt configuration meant that there was a foreseeable risk that it could not easily be released .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to British Sub-Aqua Club; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to complete written dive risk assessments
Wider context from the report “5) No written risk assessments / templates were completed to ensure those responsible for the dive have focused their minds to relevant circumstances;
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to British Sub-Aqua Club; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to read important safety information displayed at the dive centre
Wider context from the report “8) Signs containing important information and clearly displayed at several sites at the Dive Centre were not read . Evidence was heard that it was believed that there was not a need because it was not the first visit to the Dive Centre and a map of the site had been printed off the internet in advance of the visit. One witness said that if he had seen the signs then it would possibly have made him think twice about doing the DSMB inflation exercise on another day.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to British Sub-Aqua Club; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of training and practice records
Wider context from the report “1) No training record is kept to evidence when training / practice took place ;
” Open source report
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Remind instructors to follow Diver Training Programme guidance for skills through Instructor News.
Verbatim wording from the response “3. The plan for the second dive was for Mr Cronin to inflate the DSMB from a depth of around 17 metres. It took place at 20 metres. The BSAC instructions for Sports Diver are for the exercise to be conducted at 10 metres.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Introduce signed individual-skills records within the revised Diver Training Programme to improve training completion records.
Verbatim wording from the response “Currently other than recording ‘completed’ training it is correct that there is no formal method or rolling programme of recording training. BSAC is currently rewriting its core Diver Training Programme. As part of the new programme a skills sheet for instructors to sign off individual skills rather than full lessons is to be provided for each grade to facilitate keeping an accurate training record in the branch. Additionally the proposed modularisation of aspects of training will further improve recording of any partial training completion. This skills record will be implemented upon release of the new Diver Training Programme. An initial release of the revised Ocean Diver syllabus is planned for early 2017 with other grades to follow over a period of 2017-2019.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Continue educating divers and instructors about dive planning through member emails, instructor bulletins and SCUBA Magazine articles.
Verbatim wording from the response “6. The dive was not properly planned. A Safety and Development Manager employed by BSAC said he would not have done the final dive in the way that it was planned and conducted.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Distribute a table reminding instructors of qualification requirements for teaching each Diver Training grade.
Verbatim wording from the response “4. A diver without the necessary qualifications and experience was permitted to teach Mr Cronin with no instruction otherwise.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Develop a digital platform integrating training records so instructors, students, branches and BSAC can record skill completion online.
Verbatim wording from the response “BSAC is also working to develop a new digital platform with which the organisation plans to make training records an integral part of the process so instructors can confirm diver’s skill completion online in order” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Review website risk-assessment information and assess interactive materials through the new digital platform.
Verbatim wording from the response “5. No written risk assessments/templates were completed to ensure those responsible for the dive have focussed their minds to relevant circumstances.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Remind instructors through Instructor News to teach weightbelt removal as required by the Diver Training Programme.
Verbatim wording from the response “9. The belt configuration meant that there was a foreseeable risk that it could not easily be released.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Produce guidance explaining the importance of weightbelt removal.
Verbatim wording from the response “9. The belt configuration meant that there was a foreseeable risk that it could not easily be released.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Site signs were considered awareness measures, while operators acknowledged their warnings were overly cautious for year-round cold-water DSMB practice.
Verbatim wording from the response “8. Signs containing important information and clearly displayed at several sites at the Dive Centre were not read. Evidence was heard that it was believed that there was not a need because it was not the first visit to the Dive Centre and a map of the site had been printed off the internet in advance of the visit. One witness said that if he had seen the signs then it would possibly have made him think twice about doing the DSMB inflation exercise on another day.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Progressing from 16.5 to 20 metres after a gap was not considered unreasonable, and no evidence showed the recommendation posed diver risk.
Verbatim wording from the response “7. Mr Cronin had previously dived to a maximum depth of 16.5 yet he was permitted to dive to 20 metres after an 8 month gap since his last open water dive.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation The weightbelt and BCD configuration was considered uncommon as a safety concern.
Verbatim wording from the response “9. The belt configuration meant that there was a foreseeable risk that it could not easily be released.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Conducting Sports Diver lessons out of sequence was considered reasonable because prerequisite skills are taught at Ocean Diver level.
Verbatim wording from the response “2. Training was not in accordance with BSAC Sports Diver training.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Existing training requires practising removal of divers’ own and buddies’ weightbelts at every stage and encourages regular practice.
Verbatim wording from the response “The weightbelt and BCD configuration is not uncommon. BSAC training already requires practice of removal (own and buddy’s) at every stage of the Diver Training Programme (DTP) and encourages regular practice (especially with new equipment). BSAC will feature weightbelt removal and its importance by producing a guidance document by February 2017 and subsequently remind instructors in the next issue of BSAC Instructor news about the importance of teaching this skill as outlined in the DTP.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation No single or simple message could highlight the specific dive-planning concern because dives vary with conditions and individual skills.
Verbatim wording from the response “6. The dive was not properly planned. A Safety and Development Manager employed by BSAC said he would not have done the final dive in the way that it was planned and conducted.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response2
Open published response
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Information checked against published PFD reports and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations