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Events 2019

Branch led Open water diving expeditions and instruction courses for 2019

Ad hoc diving expeditions take place every weekend throughout the year; weather permitting. During the summer months, June, July and August, late afternoon and early evening diving may be possible, especially for mid-week enthusiasts, at nearby locations. Confirmation about and last minute changes to club diving expeditions are sent via wattsapp. The emphasis is on safe diving. Plan the dive and dive the plan.

This year’s list of events is a broad overview of envisaged expeditions and locations. Otherwise,expeditions will be planned and expedited by experienced Divers in consultation with the diving officer and members’ wish list for dives and locations.


JANUARY:

Ocean Diver and Sports Diver pool training. Ad hoc shore diving.

FEBRUARY:

Ocean Diver pool training will continue and ad hoc shore / boat Diving will be arranged, weather permitting.

MARCH:

9th: Regional Gas Blender Course at the Belfast SAC premises.

17/18th: “St Patrick’s weekend”. Boat dives in various locations to suit all diver grades.

Date to be announced: The annual diver training weekend at Portaferry, with overnight accommodation.

APRIL:

7th Expedition to the State of Louisiana at Hunter’s Rock launching from Ballylumford.

20th/ 21th:Weekend expedition based in Mullaghmore, to dive wrecks in Donegal Bay.

MAY:

5th May: Expedition to the SS Tiberia in Belfast Lough. For experienced divers only.

25th /26th: Annual Weekend diving expeditions to Co Donegal based at Burtonport. Scenic clear water diving and lots of craic in the pub. Accommodation to be arranged on an individual basis.

JUNE:

2nd: Expeditions to SS Bangor for experienced divers with follow up dives to Inner Lees wreck and other sheltered locations.

9th: Diving expedition to Rathlin Island launching from Ballycastle. First stop, a dive on the SS Loughgarry with a follow up dive on, for example, HMS Drake / MFV Ella Hewett in Church bay or other suitable locations. Refreshments are available on shore.

10th Annual General Meeting at the clubrooms. (Date to be confirmed)

22nd /29th: The club’s traditional “holiday diving” expedition to Gozo: Lots of opportunities for wet suit diving in clear waters. Non divers and family members are most welcome. Members travel and accommodation to be arranged on an individual basis.

JULY:

12th to 15th: following the week long Gozo expedition, ad hoc arrangements will enable keen divers to launch various expeditions to Donegal: Mullaghmore, Killybegs, and St John’s Point etc.

AUGUST:

4th August: a scenic dive for all diver grades is scheduled to explore the gullies around Gun’s Island near Ballyhornan in Co Down, followed by bottle searches at Audley’s Point and other locations in Strangford lough.

18th: Club’s family day out and BBQ at Portmuck. Includes a boat dive on the State of Louisiana and opportunities for shore diving around Portmuck habour and Muck island.

SEPTEMBER:

In September we return to Ad hoc diving arrangements under the supervision of the diving officer: all weather permitting.

OCTOBER:

4th: The club’s annual live aboard diving expedition to Scotland to explore the wrecks in the Sound of Mull. The live aboard departs from and returns to Oban: with a likely visit to scenic Tobbermory on the Island of Mull. Members travel to be arranged on an individual basis.

7th October: Commencement of autumn and winter Pool access at the Grove Wellbeing Centre.

Try dives and enrolment for the BSAC Ocean Diver courses can be arranged by contacting the Club via email.

NOVEMBER:

Ocean Diver training and BSAC Skill Development courses continue.

DECEMBER:

Ocean Diver theory exams and Xmas party and ballot.

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