Policies & Procedures FAQ's

All individuals participating in club activities must be members of BSAC. New and returning members must pay the required BSAC membership fees and the club levy. Only members with a current annual Branch and BSAC membership, having paid all fees, are eligible to vote at club meetings.

Members must adhere to all BSAC rules, regulations, and policies, including the BSAC Safe Diving guidelines. Members are expected to act in accordance with the law and cooperate with authorities outside BSAC. All members should respect other diving agencies and individuals, maintaining professional conduct at all times.

Members must comply with BSAC training programs when delivering and receiving training. They have an obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of others by adhering to duty of care principles. Compliance with BSAC's Safeguarding policy is mandatory for all members.

The management of the Branch is vested in a committee, including a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Diving Officer, with the majority being 18 years or older. An Annual General Meeting must be held each year, with notice given to all members at least two weeks in advance. The committee has the authority to fill any vacancies and co-opt up to four non-voting members as needed.

Temporary suspension from activities can be enacted by the activity leader for misconduct, with the incident reported to the Chair or Secretary. The committee may suspend a member's membership by a two-thirds majority vote. The suspended member has the right to appeal at the next General Meeting.

The club/branch may not be dissolved except pursuant to a vote taken at a General Meeting. A proposal to dissolve the club/branch requires a two-thirds majority vote by the members present. If dissolution is approved, the committee shall proceed to realize the value of the property and discharge liabilities.

Memberships must be renewed annually. Notifications will be sent out 30 days prior to the renewal date. Members who do not renew by the deadline will be considered inactive and will lose access to club benefits.

All members are expected to adhere to safe diving practices as outlined by BSAC, SDI, and PADI. Respectful conduct towards other members, instructors, and the environment is mandatory at all times.

All members are encouraged to engage positively on social media platforms. Communications should reflect the values of Staffordshire Divers, promoting safety, inclusivity, and respect.

Anyone aged 10 or over can learn to dive, although there are depth limits for younger divers who are under the age of 16.

There is no upper age limit.

Minimum age is 10 years old, although there are depth limits for younger divers who are under the age of 16

If under 18 years old, the try dive disclosure must be signed by a parent or guardian

For group bookings such as Venture Scouts, the club will reduce the fees

A group leader (for a group such as the Venture Scouts) may act in lieu of a parent or guardian to accompany try divers

The group leader will be responsible for obtaining parental/guardians permission for the try dive

A nominal charge will be made to cover maintenance costs when used for normal diving, the current charges are located here

Members can rent diving equipment for a nominal fee to cover maintenance. Equipment must be returned in the condition it was rented. Any damages beyond normal wear and tear may result in additional charges.

All trips should be publicised at club meetings.

They are also normally sent out to the club mail group, Whatsapp Groups and displayed on the club diary on the website.

Whilst guests are welcome on club trips, club members must have "first refusal" to join the trip.

The club does not subsidise trips or handle cash on behalf of the organiser

If someone books on a trip & then is unable to attend they should inform the organiser ASAP. It is accepted custom & practice that they should either find a substitute, or pay for their share of the accommodation/boat charter, to avoid the organiser or other trip members incurring additional cost

Cancellations made 14 days or more before the trip will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 14 days of the trip are non-refundable unless the spot is filled by another member.