Recipient

British Sub-Aqua Club

First report 16 Sep 2016•Latest report 18 Nov 2025

Recipient record

Reports, concerns and published responses

Private and voluntary organisations · Maritime sector body. This page brings together reports naming this recipient and response statements clearly connected to concerns raised in those reports.

Reports
2

Naming this recipient

Published responses
50%

Found for named reports

Concerns addressed
9

Across all linked responses

Stated actions
8

Described in responses

Reports over time

Reports over time

Reports naming this recipient by issue year.

Evidence profile

Report topics

Share of this recipient’s reports compared with all other recipients.

50%published responses found
8stated actions described

Topic comparisons are not available in the current evidence snapshot.

Concerns and recipient responses

Statements from British Sub-Aqua Club linked to the concerns in each report. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

  1. West Sussex, Brighton and Hove

    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
  2. Leicester City and South Leicestershire

    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

    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
    Page 2 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    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

    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
    Page 1 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    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

    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
    Page 2 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    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

    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
    Page 2 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    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

    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
    Page 1 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    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

    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
    Page 2 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    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

    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
    Page 4 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    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
    Page 4 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    Open published response

    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
    Page 3 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    Open published response

    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
    Page 3 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    Open published response

    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
    Page 4 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    Open published response

    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
    Page 2 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    Open published response

    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
    Page 4 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    Open published response

    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
    Page 2 · response
    Published 16 September 2016

    Open published response
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Published response patterns

Compared with other recipients in reports included in PFD Monitor

Describes published response evidence, not performance.

Published responses found

50%
50%All other recipients 58%
0%100%

How actions were described at the time

This respondent
25%75%
All other recipients
47%25%27%<1%<1%
  • Completed
  • In progress
  • Planned
  • Unclear
  • Partially completed

Statuses reflect what recipients said at the time. PFD Monitor does not verify whether actions happened.

Types of action described in responses

Percentages use all actions described by each group. An action may have more than one type, so percentages do not total 100%.

Information checked against published PFD reports and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026