CURRENT DIVE CENTRE SERVICES May 21st 2020
Whilst the Dive Centre is closed there are some services that I can still offer.
These services are only currently available Monday to Friday.
These things include: All Equipment Servicing and Repairs, Air and Nitrox Fills, Equipment Hire. You will need to contact me via email on info@oceanviewdiving.co.uk beforehand.
Please do not just turn up at the Dive Centre as we are closed. We can then arrange payment via BAC’s prior to collecting anything. Please bear with me as all of the usual friendly faces that you see at Ocean View are currently on furlough.
I am not on furlough so am dealing with enquiries as well as carrying out the servicing.
Thank you, be sensible and stay safe.
Graeme
Below the update issued on Thursday 21st May
Diving in the COVID/post-COVID era – 21st May 2020
The working group has cautiously welcomed a mindful, progressive return to shore diving, because it naturally lends itself to social distancing above the surface. It is worth noting that below the surface divers routinely dive in full personal protective equipment (PPE).
The BDSG has today issued clear guidance for diving in England. When the devolved Government advice changes in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the BDSG will also amend its advice. The Republic of Ireland resumed limited diving activities on Monday 18 May, eg recreational non-training shore diving to 12 metres.
BDSG Guidance for diving in England, as of 21 May 2020
1) You must follow the Coronavirus (COVID-19) government guidance for your country at all times.
2) You must follow the normal safety protocols recommended by your training organisation, and any special guidance provided by them regarding COVID-19.
3) Without any specific guidance on water sports or diving, it is the BDSG’s interpretation that diving is considered as an outdoor activity and as such, shore diving should be practical if done while following points 5 and 6.
4) Boat diving will be inherently less practical, but some boat operators may be able to meet these recommendations.
5) You can dive with one other person not from your household if you follow the two-metre rule while out of the water.
6) You can dive with anyone from your household and there is no need to follow the two-metre rule while out of the water.
7) If you have had symptoms or positive testing for COVID-19, consult with a doctor before diving, ideally a doctor specialising in diving medicine, eg UK Diving Medical Committee (www.ukdmc.org). In any event, you should be following self-isolation guidelines relevant for your country if you have tested positive for COVID-19, came into contact with anyone tested positive or have any symptoms or suspect that you may have COVID-19.
8) We strongly recommend that only experienced and fit divers return to diving at this stage, due to the limited capacity of the emergency services.
9) Additional guidance and advice on the possible consequences of COVID-19 for diving is available from DAN Europe (www.daneurope.org ‘COVID-19 and Diving Activities: 10 Safety Recommendations’).
At present the BDSG COVID-19 Working Group is meeting on a weekly basis, in order to review this guidance as the situation evolves.
