Report evidence summary
Stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised. 16
Dulwich BSAC 102 Continue encouraging students and qualified divers to follow training and practise regularly with their chosen equipment configuration.
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Dulwich BSAC 102 Seek further BSAC guidance on differing approaches to conducting dives.
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Dulwich BSAC 102 Remind instructors to follow BSAC training-programme guidance.
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Dulwich BSAC 102 Remind all instructors about required instruction and supervision levels.
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Dulwich BSAC 102 Develop a method to record partially completed diver training.
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Dulwich BSAC 102 Seek clear guidance on best practice for DSMB use.
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Dulwich BSAC 102 Seek clarification from BSAC on the sequencing of lessons.
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Dulwich BSAC 102 Advise all members on further BSAC guidance about differing approaches to conducting dives.
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British Sub-Aqua Club Remind instructors to follow Diver Training Programme guidance for skills through Instructor News.
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British Sub-Aqua Club Introduce signed individual-skills records within the revised Diver Training Programme to improve training completion records.
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British Sub-Aqua Club Continue educating divers and instructors about dive planning through member emails, instructor bulletins and SCUBA Magazine articles.
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British Sub-Aqua Club Distribute a table reminding instructors of qualification requirements for teaching each Diver Training grade.
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British Sub-Aqua Club Develop a digital platform integrating training records so instructors, students, branches and BSAC can record skill completion online.
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British Sub-Aqua Club Review website risk-assessment information and assess interactive materials through the new digital platform.
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British Sub-Aqua Club Remind instructors through Instructor News to teach weightbelt removal as required by the Diver Training Programme.
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British Sub-Aqua Club Produce guidance explaining the importance of weightbelt removal.
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× Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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 .
” Is this part of a recurring concern? Yes — Unsafe diving operations .
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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.
” Is this part of a recurring concern? Yes — Unsafe diving operations .
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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 ;
” Is this part of a recurring concern? Yes — Unsafe diving operations .
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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 .
” Is this part of a recurring concern? No recurring-concern membership is currently published.
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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.
” Is this part of a recurring concern? No recurring-concern membership is currently published.
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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 .
” Is this part of a recurring concern? Yes — Unsafe diving operations .
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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;
” Is this part of a recurring concern? Yes — Unsafe diving operations .
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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.
” Is this part of a recurring concern? Yes — Unsafe diving operations .
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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 Continue encouraging students and qualified divers to follow training and practise regularly with their chosen equipment configuration.
Verbatim wording from the response “9) The weight belt and kit configuration is personal choice there are no existing guidelines governing this, the correct procedure for removal of DC’s weights was discussed in the briefing before the divers entered the water and DC informed Phil of the need to remove the harness crotch strap before the weights can be removed. DC also participated in a weight removal exercise that morning were he demonstrated the correct procedure for dumping weights to another diver, stressing the importance of ensuring they are held at arms length away from the body before being jettisoned. It had also been practiced dry and in the pool. We will continue to encourage students and qualified divers to follow their training and to practice regularly with their chosen configuration.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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 Seek further BSAC guidance on differing approaches to conducting dives.
Verbatim wording from the response “6) The BSAC safety manager said that he would not necessarily have carried the dive out in the same way, he subsequently confirmed that dives are carried out in different ways, by different people and this does not make them wrong or unsafe. We will seek further guidance form BSAC and advise all our members accordingly.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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 to follow BSAC training-programme guidance.
Verbatim wording from the response “3) The plan in the briefing was for DC to inflate the DSMB with an Assistant Instructor on hand when ascending from the Stangarth within sight of the fixed shot line (20 metres max or 15 metres from Deck). We had been assured Denis had completed dry practice, used a DSMB in the pool and confirmed to the instructor that he had done it “many times”. We will remind all instructors to follow BSAC guidance in the training programme.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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 all instructors about required instruction and supervision levels.
Verbatim wording from the response “4) DC was accompanied by a Dive leader/Assistant diving Instructor another Assistant Diving Instructor and another Open Water diver, with a Full Instructor/Training Officer on shore. When separated by visibility he was with an Assistant diving instructor and no instruction was delivered from that point. All Instructors within the club have been reminded about instruction and supervision levels.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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 method to record partially completed diver training.
Verbatim wording from the response “1) A training record is kept in every divers log-book that they should have with them on every dive, this details dive time, depth and any training undertaken. The instructor has to sign off exercises. Where partial training has been completed the club will develop a means of recording this.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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 Seek clear guidance on best practice for DSMB use.
Verbatim wording from the response “8) The site is very large and 3 small signs were apparently displayed, one on the back of a door one in the lavatory and one on a map of the lake, none of these areas were visited by any of the divers, it is not a case of ignoring them, it is a case of not having seen them at all. Even if they had seen them the divers were briefed by their Instructor before the dive on what to do if they have a free flow, we do not consider it a “special” risk until 5 degrees C as it can happen at any time. All divers on the day were using regulators designed for cold-water use. There is no temperature ceiling in any BSAC safety diving guidelines. We currently consider it unsafe not to use a DSMB, we are seeking clear guidance on what the best practice is going forward.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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 Seek clarification from BSAC on the sequencing of lessons.
Verbatim wording from the response “2) We will seek clarification from BSAC regarding sequencing of lessons.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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 Advise all members on further BSAC guidance about differing approaches to conducting dives.
Verbatim wording from the response “6) The BSAC safety manager said that he would not necessarily have carried the dive out in the same way, he subsequently confirmed that dives are carried out in different ways, by different people and this does not make them wrong or unsafe. We will seek further guidance form BSAC and advise all our members accordingly.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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 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
×
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
×
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
×
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
×
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
×
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
×
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
×
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 Free-flow was not considered a special risk below five degrees Celsius, and existing cold-water regulators and briefing arrangements were considered adequate.
Verbatim wording from the response “8) The site is very large and 3 small signs were apparently displayed, one on the back of a door one in the lavatory and one on a map of the lake, none of these areas were visited by any of the divers, it is not a case of ignoring them, it is a case of not having seen them at all. Even if they had seen them the divers were briefed by their Instructor before the dive on what to do if they have a free flow, we do not consider it a “special” risk until 5 degrees C as it can happen at any time. All divers on the day were using regulators designed for cold-water use. There is no temperature ceiling in any BSAC safety diving guidelines. We currently consider it unsafe not to use a DSMB, we are seeking clear guidance on what the best practice is going forward.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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 BSAC is responsible for providing the club’s training, advice and guidance on the proposed safety changes.
Verbatim wording from the response “As a branch of the British Sub Aqua Club we are reliant on the organisation for training, advice, and guidance. We understand BSAC have responded to this report and we will follow and comply with any guidance produced by BSAC.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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 second dive was considered safe because correct nitrogen calculations and surface-interval procedures complied with current guidelines.
Verbatim wording from the response “7) This is incorrect, he had dived to 18 metres over 3 hours before, the correct calculations for Nitrogen uptake were carried out before the second dive to ensure a sufficient and safe surface interval for a second dive at 2 metres deeper. This meant the second dive to a maximum of 20 metres was safe in accordance with the current guidelines. Denis was qualified to dive to 20 metres and Phil to 35 metres. It is our usual practice to dive the deeper dive first particularly when the first dive is for instance - a boat dive at 35 metres and the second dive may well be restricted to a 15 metre dive as the surface interval may be restricted due to tides etc. This was not considered an issue when the second dive was only 2 metres deeper than the first and the correct calculations to ensure a safe surface interval were carried out.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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 Weight-belt and equipment configuration was considered a matter of personal choice because no governing guidelines exist and training covered weight removal.
Verbatim wording from the response “9) The weight belt and kit configuration is personal choice there are no existing guidelines governing this, the correct procedure for removal of DC’s weights was discussed in the briefing before the divers entered the water and DC informed Phil of the need to remove the harness crotch strap before the weights can be removed. DC also participated in a weight removal exercise that morning were he demonstrated the correct procedure for dumping weights to another diver, stressing the importance of ensuring they are held at arms length away from the body before being jettisoned. It had also been practiced dry and in the pool. We will continue to encourage students and qualified divers to follow their training and to practice regularly with their chosen configuration.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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 Written risk assessments are not considered necessary at known sites because current guidelines and established dive-planning and briefing practices apply.
Verbatim wording from the response “5) No written risk assessments are currently required when visiting a known site, this is in line with the current guidelines. We always produce a dive plan, log the dive and use a marshalling slate and follow BSAC safe diving practices with a full briefing and buddy checks before the dive.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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 club cannot effectively incorporate many proposed safety changes without further guidance.
Verbatim wording from the response “Dulwich BSAC 102 are keen to engage with and are fully committed to supporting the process of improving the safety of our sport for the future. However we are finding it challenging to see how many of the points raised can be effectively incorporated into recreational diving without further guidance.” Source location Denis-Cronin-Response
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
×
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
×
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
×
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
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