Mark on dive trip
I am quite a private person and a bit of an introvert, so this is far out of my comfort zone to talk about myself and my inner thoughts. But if sharing this helps someone of a similar nature, or encourages someone else to give diving a go, then it’s worth it.
My SCUBA diving journey began in 2016 with a Try Dive at a PADI Dive Centre in Ipswich. I absolutely loved it, but it was the enthusiasm of the instructors that inspired me to go on and qualify for an Open Water certification. I studied, passed the exam, and decided to travel to Egypt to complete my Open Water dives.
The next few years were spent gaining experience in the warm waters of the Red Sea. My overriding memories from that time include being hauled “dead-fish-like” into RIBs at the end of dives; the moment I ran out of air at 5 metres because the dive boat staff had turned my air off (apparently “checking” my valve) as I boarded the RIB — a major lesson learned there! — and discovering that I could control my buoyancy simply by holding or releasing my breath. A night dive also pushed my underwater fears beyond anything I’d imagined.
Then COVID struck, and my diving adventures came to an abrupt halt. It wasn’t until 2024 that I decided to reconnect with scuba and look for a local club.
I visited a few but was disappointed by their level of engagement with members. Then, I was invited to attend the Witham BSAC club. I still remember that cold Thursday night in January 2025 — I didn’t know a soul, but from the moment I walked in, I was made to feel welcome. What impressed me most wasn’t just the facilities, but the sheer number of members there on a cold winter evening. My mind was made up: this was the club I’d been looking for.
This year, I’ve completed my Sports Diver course and qualified — and I can honestly say that BSAC is the best. I started as a PADI Open Water Diver, but I now realise how unprepared I was back then. I’m not knocking PADI — it has its place in the diving world — but for me, it left gaps in my knowledge, especially in areas such as rescue skills, DSMB use, and controlled buoyant lifts.
Stoney Cove was a completely new environment for me. A weekend of diving before the assessment gave me a taste of what to expect in the colder UK waters. My fears quickly subsided, and my post-dive grin lasted for days. I was hooked!
Since then, I’ve thrown myself into club diving and made some great friends along the way. I’ve learned valuable lessons — from my own mistakes and by observing others — and I’ve enjoyed dives at Stoney Cove, Portkerris, and Tenerife.
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What I’ve Learned This Year
1. Challenge your fears and boundaries. Walking through that door on the first night was terrifying, but everything after that got easier.
2. Get to know other club members. Everyone has experiences and advice to share. Some may seem “offish” or intimidating at first, but all it takes is the right moment to connect. Joining social events and dive trips will open those doors — and often surprise you with how much knowledge others have.
3. Get involved. Attend club activities, both social and diving-related. You’ll gain experience, learn new skills, and build friendships.
4. Ask questions. The “stupid” question is always the one that no one asks — and usually, it’s the one everyone wants to know the answer to!
5. Stay humble. No one knows it all. Learn from your mistakes and those of others. Keep practising emergency drills and core skills — because when things go wrong, your calmness and preparation will make the difference.
6. Be welcoming. If you’re already a club member, make the effort to greet newcomers. People form first impressions within 12 seconds — make those seconds count. They’re nervous and out of their comfort zone; you’re not.
7. Lead by example. Whether you’re an instructor or a buddy, others will copy your habits. Make sure your skills are sharp and your checks thorough. If you cut corners, they will too. As they say — behaviour breeds behaviour.
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My latest challenge is learning to dive in a drysuit, and I’ve recently taken on the role of Club Social Secretary. Hopefully, through this role, I can give back some of what the club has given me — friendship, confidence, and a renewed love of diving.
