SAA Policies & Guides

Policy on Disabilities

Although 14 per cent, that is over 6 million of the UK general population have some form of disability, many of the barriers they face are caused by other people's misconception of what they are capable of achieving.

What is Disability?

According to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, disability is:

"any physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long term adverse effect on the person's ability to carry out normal day to day activities".

There are many types of disability, some more visible than others; e.g. wheelchair users (who make up 6% of all disabled people) are more visibly disabled than people with diabetes or a hearing impairment are.

The degree of a particular disability may vary a great deal and a condition may not be stable but improve or deteriorate over time. Someone who has had a disability from birth may have found ways of overcoming the difficulties associated with it, whereas a person who has become disabled later in life may still be learning to cope with the difficulties.

Disability Etiquette - Do's and Don'ts

It is not unusual to be slightly apprehensive when first meeting a person who has a disability. Difficulties can usually be avoided by simply treating any individual in the way you would wish to be treated yourself.

The following points are aimed at highlighting a number of words, phrases and actions that can sometimes cause offence and re-inforces THE COMMON SENSE APPROACH that should be used.

Use of Language

• You should use the term "disabled" rather than "handicapped".
• Try to refrain from using the word "disabled" as a noun, i.e. "the disabled". It implies a homogenous group separate from the rest of society. As an alternative use the term "person with a disability".
• Remember that a person is not a condition. Avoid referring to someone by their condition, i.e. "an arthritic" is a person with arthritis.

People who are Blind or Visually Impaired

• State clearly who you are.
• Before offering any assistance, you should ask the person how you could help. As a rule allow the person to take your arm and set the pace, rather than you taking their arm. If you are guiding someone you should advise on steps or other obstacles as they occur, remembering to say whether steps go up or down.
• When entering an unfamiliar area, give a brief description of the layout and contents. If refreshments are available always explain what is there. The person who is blind or visually impaired may, for instance, be a vegetarian or have a special dietary restriction which some of us have.
• If you are going to shake hands, advise the person what you are doing so they can anticipate your contact.
• To help someone sit down, explain what you are doing and place their hand on the back of the seat or chair.
• Always advise the person when you are leaving, so they don't end up talking into thin air.
• If a Guide Dog is present, always ask the owner's permission before you pat or stroke the dog.

People who use Wheelchairs

• Do not lean on an individual's wheelchair. It can be dangerous, is annoying and is certainly an invasion of their space.
• Try to put yourself at the wheelchair user's level to avoid stiff necks.
• If the wheelchair user does not extend their arm to shake hands, please remember that this may be because they may lack full mobility of the arm or find movement painful.
• Wheelchair users usually prefer to move around under their own power or use powered wheelchairs. Do not push the chair unless you offer assistance and it is accepted.
• Never touch or move crutches or walking frames without the user's consent.

People who are Deaf or Hearing-Impaired.

• Do not be afraid to communicate with a hearing or speech impaired person, even if the method of communicating feels a little strange.
• To attract the attention of the person, lightly tap them on the shoulder or upper arm. This is how people who are deaf attract each other's attention and they are quite used to this approach.
• Ask the person if they lip read as not all deaf people do. Speak clearly and naturally. Do not shout or distort your lip movements, as this will impede understanding. Remember that lip reading is very difficult and only 30% of speech is readable by this process, the rest is highly intelligent guesswork!
• When someone is reading your lips, facial expressions and gesturing can help clarify your words. Face the source of light and keep your hands away from your mouth. Do not wear sunglasses.
• Many people who are deaf use a visual rather than an audible language. Even if you do not know Sign Language many gestures are self-explanatory. Do not be embarrassed to gesture as you would to any other person who does not speak your language.
• A deaf person's first language may be Sign Language and they may find written English difficult to understand. If you communicate in writing keep your sentences simple and direct.

People with Speech Impairment

• Do not finish the end of their sentences or pretend you understand them if you do not. Politely ask them to repeat, even if it takes several attempts.
• If you are still uncertain about what is being said, repeat back what you do understand and be guided by the person's reaction.

Conversation and Common Courtesies

• Remember, not all disabilities are obvious. They may have a hidden disability, such as epilepsy or sickle cell anaemia. Never make assumptions about the existence or absence of disabilities.
• Always speak directly to the person with the disability rather than looking at their companion or the interpreter.
• Many jokes about disability are based on misguided humour that exploits people's differences. These are offensive when they apply to a person's nationality, race, sexual orientation or disability. Jokes of this nature should always be challenged. Silence implies agreement.

Finally… Relax

Don't be daunted by the long lists of rights and wrongs. If in doubt as to how to treat people with disabilities, rely on your own common sense and have confidence to ask them how you can help.

Remember that the expectations of people with disabilities do not differ from those of other people. Most people with disabilities go to school, work, form relationships, do their washing, eat, get angry, pay taxes, laugh, cry, have prejudices, plan, vote and dream just as all we do!

Wreck Diving Policy

Mission Statement<\p>

The SAA is committed to conserving our underwater heritage for future generations of divers to enjoy. The SAA achieves this and the safety of divers by promoting sound and responsible practice through its training programme. The SAA encourages participation by its members in research and adoption of wrecks for research and monitoring purposes.

Introduction

Although wrecks are found throughout the world's seas, it is in UK waters that wreck diving is especially popular. Every wreck has a history, including its sinking, and the curious diver will want to know more. Wrecks are exciting to explore and also make great habitats for fish and other aquatic life.

Most of the wrecks dived around our coast sank during the First and Second World Wars and are now an important part of our history. Not just the history of battles and wars, but also of naval architecture and technology as well. It is fascinating to learn about the development of vessels, which have evolved according to social needs, and the progress of technology.

The seabed holds the remains of many tragedies, for the sinking of a vessel is often accompanied by loss of life. These sunken vessels still claim lives - the lives of divers inadequately prepared for difficult dives. Wreck diving, particularly when wrecks are penetrated, requires a high level of experience and advanced skill training available from clubs within the SAA. Preparation and planning is important and this includes research and local knowledge. Research is always the best way of fully appreciating a wreck, perhaps identifying its name, how it was sunk and understanding the lives of those on board.

There are divers who see a wreck as an area of conquest; they see a remaining porthole as something to take home. Objects removed will deteriorate if they are not properly conserved. These "souvenirs" almost always end up rusting away forgotten in a garage or garden. But more importantly, taking items from wrecks means that there is nothing left of interest for other divers to see. Wrecks are not a renewable resource and the SAA promotes consideration for the majority of divers who want to visit and appreciate intact wrecks. Contemporary standards of behaviour are replacing former unsociable diving activities and only if wrecks are respected will there be anything for future generations of divers to enjoy.

Guidelines and Code of Conduct

Important archaeological evidence will be destroyed by thoughtlessness. If you think that an object or wreck may be of historical importance, then leave it where it lies as it may be fragile. Record its position (depth, GPS, etc) and contact the Receiver of Wreck for advice.

All wreck already belongs to someone. Remember that if you bring anything to the surface, you are required by the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 to report it to the Receiver of Wreck so that its true owner can be found. Sometimes you may be allowed to keep the object or you may be entitled to a reward for restoring it to its owner. Divers who actively remove items from wrecks for commercial gain are diving beyond the limits of the SAA.

Many wrecks of military vessels or aircraft are the last resting-places of those who gave their lives in the Great Wars. War graves should not be entered or interfered with, as is it an offence under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. Imagine the distress that it causes relatives and comrades of those who died. It is like damaging or desecrating a churchyard. Remember that other sunken vessels, such as trawlers or merchant ships, may also be graves from peacetime tragedies and should also be respected.

Other wrecks may have toxic material or munitions on board. As well as injuring yourself, think of the danger you are putting your family, friends and others in if you bring hazardous objects ashore. The acquisition or possession of munitions is a criminal offence under the Firearms Act 1968. For your own safety, it is illegal to dive on some wrecks that contain dangerous material.

It is also illegal to dive on designated historic wrecks that are protected by the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, unless you have been approved by the controlling authority.

Divers now understand the effects on coral reefs of poor diving technique. Wrecks also provide a habitat for marine life which destructive diving or careless anchoring may ruin. Use available fixed shot-lines where possible. If you need to use your own line or anchor, ensure that they are secured off the wreck wherever possible. Use safe diving techniques that will not spoil the site for other divers, whatever their interest.

Clubs and groups of divers are now adopting particular wrecks for research purposes. Some of these divers take part in detailed structural surveys, some undertake historical research and others study the marine life and monitor changes of the ecology of the wreck. The SAA promotes this positive attitude towards wrecks and the environment.

• Get appropriate training before you enter wrecks.
• Research the wreck site before diving on it.
• Leave wrecks intact for other divers to see.
• Know the law - if you must remove an object, you must report it to the Receiver of Wreck. Commercial salvage cannot be undertaken within the SAA.
• Know the law - it is a criminal offence to dive on designated historic wreck sites without a licence or on designated dangerous wreck sites.
• Respect war and other graves beneath the sea.
• Take care on wrecks that contain munitions or toxic materials and leave such materials alone. Acquiring or possessing munitions without authority is illegal.
• Protect the environment.

Look after yourself and look after the environment, so that wrecks may remain, not only as history today, but also as history for tomorrow.

For further information see the leaflet 'Underwater Finds - What To Do' (available from SAA Headquarters and dive shops) or telephone the Receiver of Wreck on 01703 329 474.

Marine Conservation

Content to follow

Policy on Junior Divers (Divers under 18 years)

The SAA advises clubs that they may, if they so desire, accept junior members and train them to dive according to the SAA Training Programme, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS.

• The written permission of the parents MUST be obtained.
• The club DO should exercise his or her discretion and judgement as to whether the particular junior is suitable for diver training.
• The junior MUST be BIG enough, STRONG enough and FIT enough to handle the diving equipment with safety and to pass the tests, including the medical.
• The junior shall receive close supervision. The parents, where suitably qualified, may be used for training, however, it is advisable to use other qualified instructors for the juniors examination and qualification book certification.
• A junior MUST NOT act as a dive leader.
• A junior MUST ALWAYS have a responsible and qualified adult buddy when diving.

Training can commence at 12 years old for SCUBA providing the following recommendations are adhered to.

1. Under 12 Snorkel Training.
2. 12 to 14 SCUBA training with a depth restriction of 15 metres providing qualified as an SAA Snorkel Diver. Highest award that can be made is SAA Open Water Diver with depth restriction of 15 metres.
3. 14 to 16 SCUBA training with a depth restriction of 20 metres. Can qualify to SAA Open Water Diver grade. No requirement for snorkel training.
4. 16 to 18 SCUBA training with a depth restriction of 30 metres. Can qualify to SAA Club Diver grade, but with a restriction on depth and cannot be a Dive Leader.

These recommendations are to be reviewed from time to time along with the UK Sports Divers Medical Committee. Please also see our Child Protection Policy

Child Protection Policy

The SAA in conjunction with the NSPCC and other organisations has developed a child protection and welfare of the vulnerable policy.

For details of this policy please contact the SAA Welfare Officer via head office.

Articles of Association

This document is available to download by clicking the below link. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.

SAA Articles of Association (937KB)

Codes of Conduct

Sites on Shore

Do:

• Seek advice on possible dive sites by contacting the Regional Representative for that area.
• Obtain permission before diving in private waters, estuaries or harbours.
• Always obey local bylaws and harbour rules.
• Remember other users and have consideration for them.
• Use litter bins or take it home with you.

Do not:

• Overcrowd public beaches.
• Obstruct car parks and slip ways.
• Leave equipment lying around on public beaches where it can be a danger to other people.
• Offend other beach users by running your compressor within earshot.
• Spoil the site by leaving litter.

You and the Water

Do:

• Mark your boats with your SAA Number for identification purposes.
• Obtain permission to launch your boat from the Harbour Master, local yacht club or authorised council officials.
• Inform the coastguard of your intentions and book out and in with them.
• Display the International Code Flag "A" at ALL times when divers are in the water.
• Whenever practical divers should use a surface marker buoy to indicate their position.
• Obey ALL regulations regarding the catching of fish and crustaceans.
• When out in a boat always keep a look out for other divers and swimmers and give them plenty of room.

Do not:

• Dive in shipping fairways or in traffic congested areas.
• Dive around fishermen's lobster pots.
• Leave the "A" Flag up when travelling to and from the dive site.

Informal Complaints

Introduction

Effectively used this procedure will demonstrate to the membership the commitment of the SUB-AQUA ASSOCIATION to the principal of equal fairness to anyone who may have a grievance.

This document sets out the procedure for dealing with an Informal Complaint, which may arise from someone feeling, aggrieved about the way in which they may have been treated.

This procedure does not replace or alter any of the Articles of the Association. It is intended that it is to be used along side them.

Guidelines

The Informal Complaints Procedure will deal with any grievance in a fair and just manner with the intention where possible of achieving a resolution within a climate of confidentiality.

It can be used as an initial investigation into any allegations of misconduct and it would form the basis of an enquiry if it were decide to have a full Board of Enquiry.

All complaints should be acted upon as quickly as possible. In any case within 28 days of the complaint being made.

Where possible the matter should be dealt with locally. In most cases by the Regional Representative.

It may be that the complaint is against a Regional Representative or that the Regional Representative is unable to deal with the complaint. In this case the Executive will appoint an independent person, who all parties agree to, to look at the matter.

All parties involved will be made aware of how the procedure works and should be kept informed as to how the enquiry is progressing. Care should be taken to ensure that the reputations of all parties are NOT unjustly affected in any way.

If a complainant wishes to remain anonymous then this should be respected, where practicable.

Examples

The following are some examples of the kind of complaint that may be encountered. This list is by no means exhaustive, not being mentioned here shouldn't mean that the complaint couldn't be dealt with by this procedure.

• Writing letters or making communications abusive of other persons and publishing the same.
• Actively undermines the position of members of the National council or appointed officers.
• Operating outside the rules of the SAA.
• Misuse of SAA National or Regional funds.
• Neglects the duties and functions to be reasonably expected from a council member or appointed officer.
• Amending, for recirculation, circular and publications produced by the National Council or Executive without their authorisation.
• Activities of a nature that would discredit the SAA.
• Discrimination of any kind.
• Harassment, sexual and racial.

The person appointed to deal with the complaint should speak to the complainant and where appropriate the person subject of the complaint in order to familiarise him/herself with the nature of the complaint and will then take immediate action with a view to resolving the problem. This may be achieved without recourse to a written report.

If a resolution is not possible, the person who dealt with the Informal Procedure will submit a written report under confidential cover.

If it is found during an Informal Procedure that the matter is of a sufficiently serious nature. Then the matter will be passed by the person dealing to the Executive Council and will be dealt with under the Articles of the Association.

Whilst it is important that every member of the SAA has the right to be dealt with in a fair and just manner the reputation of the Association MUST also be preserved.

dealing with complaints within this procedure

Those responsible for dealing with a complaint should bear in mind that the procedure is aimed at achieving a resolution rather than establishing innocence or guilt.

• Not necessary for an aggrieved person to prove case beyond all reasonable doubt.
• Each complaint must be decided on the basis of the balance of probability.
• The procedure is intended to provide fairness to all parties including persons against whom the complaint has been directed.

It is not the purpose of this procedure to provide any punishment of the person against whom a complaint is made.

Often, a grievance centres upon the word of one person against another, with little or no supporting evidence.

Any person involved in a complaint has the right to be supported at any stage by someone of his or her choice.

CMAS

The SAA is the UK CMAS Federation and is actively involved with CMAS at a regional and worldwide level.

As well as having representatives on the worldwide Executive Board and the Technical committee the SAA was also a founder member of CMAS-Europe.

SAA members can receive CMAS qualification cards for a range of diving, instructor and skills qualifications.