CSAC - The Committee 2018/19

Simon

Chairman

Advanced diver and advanced instructor – I learned to dive in 1987 with the Essex-based Black Cat Sub-Aqua club (made famous by the cigarettes). I moved to Bristol and joined Clifton in 1990 – despite taking a break from diving 2004 for work and family commitments couldn't stay away and rejoined in 2017. I enjoy all sorts of diving both in UK and abroad particularly wrecks and photography. As Chairman I keep the rabble at bay by observing, delegating, supervising and ensuring efficient conduct of committee meetings, all through exerting minimal effort.

David

Diving Officer

Initially trained to dive leader level with the Sub Aqua Association with Southend Penguins in 2001. Joined Chelmsford BSAC when that club folded. I enjoy most forms of diving but a particular fondness for wreck diving. I joined CSAC five years ago when I moved to the South West because I had the chance to work with Avon and Somerset Police and look after the underwater search team’s medical needs. I enjoy training having been encouraged to finish off my Open Water Instructor qualification and have particularly enjoyed learning to dive from the club RHIB as this is the first club that I have belonged to with its own boat. As diving officer I have overall responsibility for safety on club dives and for diving practices within the club.

James

Training Officer

I trained to Dive Leader with BUOTC while at University and love all forms of diving particularly the small stuff (nudibranchs!), cavern diving, and removing litter from the sea. Since joining CSAC I have learned to use Trimix, accelerate decompression, and have almost completed the journey to become an Open Water Instructor. As training officer I coordinate the clubs training programmes and herd our team of instructors.

Pete

Membership Secretary

I am a longstanding member of CSAC, I enjoy instructing, my favourite diving is anywhere especially remote islands no-one else has heard of and especially Scotland. The Membership Secretary is the Club’s main contact point with the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC), so I am responsible for maintaining the club membership list, ensuring everyone’s subscriptions are up to date and that everyone has a valid medical.

Rachael (?)

Social Secretary

I joined the club in January 2016 as I wanted to learn to dive for an upcoming holiday to Thailand. Since then, with CSAC I’ve progressed from an Ocean Diver to a Sports Diver and I’m currently working towards Dive Leader. I’m enjoying diving both in the UK and abroad, a club trip to El Hierro was a particular highlight as 10 dives in a week really helped me to improve. I’ve been the Social Secretary for about a year and a half, I organise a meal and drinks one Friday a month (Friday Night Shout) and once a year we host a party and an awards ceremony. Any other social suggestions are always welcome. (I’m not that biased), but CSAC is a really social club, and this was also a reason that I joined the club, to meet new people as I was new to Bristol. The only thing that isn’t so good about diving... is that it ruins your manicure!!

Cat

Honorary Treasurer

I started scuba diving when living in Australia in 2016. After a couple of “try dives” on the Barrier Reef I was hooked and completed my PADI Open Water course in Sydney. I switched to BSAC and joined Clifton Sub-Aqua Club in 2017 after moving to Bristol. I’m now qualified to Sports Diver level and I’m working towards Dive Leader. My favourite CSAC trip so far has been the 2017 trip to the Farne Islands - it was amazing to dive with the very friendly seals! On the committee, I look after the money and the budget to ensure the club finances are in order.

Henry

Minutes Secretary

I jointed CSAC in Summer 2016, having never dived before in my life. Having qualified as a Sports Diver, I’m now looking ahead to becoming an Assistant Diving Instructor to help add more BSAC divers to the world and progress my own skills. Diving has introduced me to a wonderfully varied, knowledgeable, and welcome group of friends and broadened my horizons. It’s given me reason to visit parts of the UK and beyond that I’d never previously considered. That said, I still haven’t dived in warm water, giving me reason to believe it doesn’t exist! As Minutes secretary, I’m charged with logging the decisions and actions of the committee and occasionally keeping order in meetings.

Rob

Web Officer

I learned to dive through CSAC and am now a Sports Diver although recently my dive kit seems to be doing more diving than me! I keep the club’s website, mailing list, facebook group, and really anything technology related in smooth working order.

Julia

Equipment Officer

Bio coming soon! [From the members guide, "The post holder ensures that all club equipment other than that associated with the boats is available in full working order whenever required. The post holder maintains a record of equipment issued and collects rental fees. As with the Boat Officer role, technical expertise not essential."]

Chris

Boat Officer

I have responsibility for keeping our dive boat Badger in tip top condition - this entails arranging routine and unscheduled maintenance and visiting the boat regularly to check all equipment is present and serviceable.

2018/19 Committee