A New Year's Message from Andy Shenstone, BSAC Chair

As we bid farewell to 2025 and gear up for the promises and challenges 2026 may bring, Andy Shenstone, the Chair of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC), extends his heartfelt gratitude to all the club members for their relentless support and commitment.

Shenstone, who took on the Chair's mantle on the 25th of June, reflected on the exciting journey of the past six months, highlighting the key achievements and the challenges encountered.

The BSAC Shop, freshly revamped with an array of new products, clothing, merchandising, and training materials, was one of the year's significant successes. The shop's new range, which was particularly well received during the extended 'Black Friday' deal, continues to gain popularity among the members.

Another accomplishment was the reformation of BSAC's much-admired Instructor Foundation Course (IFC). The course is now available via eLearning, enabling students to complete it in just one day, provided they undertake prior preparation. The course, which is the first step towards becoming an instructor, saw an exceptional uptake, indicating a strong demand in 2026.

Shenstone, an active open water and twin-set/ADP instructor, expressed his delight over the launch of the new 'Deeper Diver' course and hinted at more exciting developments for the upcoming year.

Also, the university clubs' performance at this year's freshers’ fairs was commendable. They successfully increased their new memberships compared to the previous year, and achieved a 100% adoption of eLearning and digital training packs, paving the way for streamlined training and environmental conservation.

On the environmental front, BSAC's new Marine Champions initiative, launched in August, proved to be a roaring success. The programme now has over 60 Marine Champions nationwide, each dedicated to advocating for healthier seas.

Despite these accomplishments, the year was not devoid of challenges. The launch of the new Sport:80 membership platform earlier in the year initially presented some difficulties. However, Shenstone acknowledged the tireless efforts of the HQ team to ensure a smooth transition and provide continuous support to the members.

Looking forward to 2026, Shenstone outlined a few priorities, such as improving members' services, supporting the Marine Champions programme, and enhancing the Diver Training Programme. He also announced plans to host online updates and discussions alongside BSAC’s CEO, Mary, and to participate in three major diving festivals.

Shenstone concluded his message by inviting those interested in shaping BSAC's future direction to consider joining the BSAC Council. The deadline for the BSAC Council Election 2026 is the 31st of January. He extended his warm New Year wishes to all members and expressed his eagerness to meet more members in 2026.

Author: BSAC HQ | Posted 01 Jan 2026