SAA Resources

Manikin Training

Introduction

This training pack has been put together as a result of 12 months of open water trials conducted by a team of SAA Instructors across the UK. They were tasked by the then National Diving Officer, Paul Johnson-Ross, to look at the suitability of manikin use for Controlled Bouyant Lifts and to develop a safe method of deployment.

We woould recommend that SAA Clubs, where practical, use a manikin as a casualty, or if that is not possible use the following guidelines for Casualties<./p>

Download the Hints & Tips document here. Adobe Acrobat Reader will be required

Manikin Hints And Tips PDF (699KB)

manikin contact & cost code details

Contact Details for the Simulaid Ltd Manikins are as follows:

Dan Europe Services (UK) Ltd
Unit 7 Phoenix Park
Telford Way
Coalville,
Leics,
LE67 3HE

For Orders please contact:
Debbie Matthews Telephone 0870 872 8888, Fax 0870 8713333.

For any other information contact:

Chris Aller, Simulaids Ltd,
EMP House,
Telford Way,
Coalville
Leics. LE67 3HE
Tel 0870 8712222, Fax 0870 8703333
Mobile 07989 406 902.
E-mail: chris.aller@simulaids.eu.com or nro@simulaids.eu.com

SAA Clubs please give your SAA Club number when ordering a manikin to get the SAA Manikin pack.
Other diving organisations or groups, the same equipment package is available by using: DR03 when ordering.

The SAA package is as follows:

A 1328 manikin with full cpr
A short wet suit
5 Spare lungs
5 Spare faces
Delivery to your door

The manikin should only be used by suitably qualified divers.

General Forms and Documents

The SAA uses many varied forms, most of which are available for download below. If there is something missing, please do not hesitate to get in contact with the Head Office. All the forms below require the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

SAA New Member Application Form 2008
SAA Additional Membership Form 2008
SAA Insurance documents 2008
Crossover form
CMAS Diver Application Form
CMAS Instructor Application Form
National Course Application Form
Nitrox Crossover Form
Nitrox Instructor Crossover Form
Trimix Crossover Form
Rebreather Registration Form
Incident Forms (Please download all four):

Risk Assessment

The SAA recommends all Dive Marshalls and anyone responsible for a group of divers should carry out a risk assessment of the environment and activities BEFORE any activity occurs. Please download the following documents. All the documents require the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Medical Forms

Before diving all divers must complete a medical form. All the documents require the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Instructor Presentations

Coming soon...

Regional Map

The SAA covers the whole of the British Isles. The regions and who looks after them are shown on the following map, available for download. It requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Download the map PDF here

Photography: Practical Hints & Tips

Introduction

Peter is the SAA Underwater Photographic Co-ordinator. He has been diving since his early teens and taking underwater images for more than 20 years. During this time he has built up a wealth of knowledge about underwater photography and the world below the waves. He gives general and technique talk on underwater photography, writes a regular article for Scuba World and help divers develop their underwater photographic skills.

Peter uses Papilio Natural History Photography Library to market his natural history shots. On a regional and national level Peter's images have won him many competitions. He has represented Great Britain in two CMAS underwater photographic championships, in 1998 in Norway and the other in 2000 in Egypt (Soma Bay Resort Red Sea).

Articles

The following 8 articles were written for Scuba World between May 99' and August 2000 on the basics of U/W photography.

"Although the equipment will constantly change, the physics that govern how light behaves in water doesn’t."

Please feel free to use the information in this course to help you develop your underwater photography skills and maybe improve your pictures.
If you have any questions for Peter, you can contact him using this link.

IMPORTANT: All the picture are in 'thumbnail' format, and will open up in a new screen.
You are reminded these pictures are copyright and are not to be used without permission.

First clicks	Shooting small 01	Shooting small 02	Getting the Big Picture

Building Pictures	Lighting the underwater world	Colouring the Ocean	Balanced Light photography

Conservation

saa conservation officer

If you have any comments or suggestions on the content of these conservation pages, or if you are involved in a marine conservation project, please contact us. Bryony Chapman

Diving and Marine Conservation

A beautiful but threatened world that divers can help to protect…

guidelines and codes for divers

The SAA promotes the principle of diving with respect, and has developed policies and codes to help advise divers how to protect the natural and historical heritage of the sea. These are available in full and summary forms.

In addition, several conservation organisations have produced guidance notes and codes to help divers avoid causing harm inadvertently, and give advice on what to do if we find stranded animals.

SAA Marine Conservation Policy

The Sub Aqua Association recognises the global importance of the oceans, and that the health of the sea and its wildlife is crucial to the enjoyment of SCUBA diving, whatever the diver's motivation. The SAA is committed to promoting marine conservation by raising awareness of marine life and its vulnerability; by promoting sound and responsible diving practice through its training programme; by promoting positive action to minimise any negative impacts of diving and diving tourism; and by encouraging participation of its members in research and conservation projects.

SAA Guidelines and Codes

Basking Sharks:
Shark Trust Guidelines for Watching Basking Shark Downloadable from Shark Trust www.sharktrust.org/

Diving with Tropical Sharks:
Some basic advice from the Shark Trust Downloadable from Shark Trust www.sharktrust.org/

Shark Feeding:
Shark Trust Guidelines, promoting best practice. Downloadable from Shark Trust www.sharktrust.org/

Dolphins and Whales:

WDCS cetacean watching code and policies

WDCS website: www.wdcs.org (whale watching)

Sea Watch Foundation Action List
www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/strandings.htm

United Kingdom Turtle Code:
What to do and where to report entangled or stranded turtles. Downloadable pdf available from MCS www.mcsuk.org

Seahorses:
What you can do to help these creatures
Project Seahorse website ww2.mcgill.ca/biology/labs/vincent/seahorse/howthelp.htm

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DIVING AND CONSERVATION IN ACTION

There are many opportunities for divers to get actively involved in marine life and conservation projects, both here in the UK, and abroad. For dates of courses and project dives, visit the relevant websites, or check the schedule of courses, events, conferences and groups meetings. Some dates will also be notified in the SAA Conservation News and Updates Section.

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TRAINING COURSES:

Seasearch Training and Survey Programme

A marine habitat and species surveying project for recreational divers in the UK, offering a progressive training programme to support surveys at varying levels of detail. A new national training programme was piloted in 2002, and launched in 2003.

For courses in your area, check www.seasearch.org.uk

Contact Seasearch centrally info@seasearch.org.uk. Tel: 07776 142096
MCS, 9 Gloucester Road, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire HR9 5BU

or contact your local Seasearch tutor or organiser:

Sussex - Kate Cole, kate.cole@eastsussexcc.gov.uk Tel: 07786 171465
Dorset - Peter Tinsley, pmwr@cix.co.uk Tel: 01929 481044
Devon - Gavin Black, gblack@devonwt.cix.co.uk
Plymouth - Andrea Crump, mcsplymouthlocalgroup@hotmail.com
Cornwall - Ruth Williams, ruth@cec.gb.com Tel: 01872 245520
Kent - Jon Bramley, jonathan.bramley@btopenworld.com Tel: 07810 278372
Norfolk - Helen Nott, h-nott@talk21.com
Scotland - Calum Duncan, MCS.scotland@care4free.net Tel: 0131 226 6360
North Wales - Kirsten Ramsey, kirsten@menaisubaqua.org Tel: 01248 600035
South Wales - Kate Lock, skomer.mnr@ccw.gov.uk Tel: 01646 636736
SAA - Bryony Chapman, bryony.chapman@virgin.net Tel: 01252 703154

Marine Conservation Society

An organisation dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its wildlife, with local groups around the UK which organise weekend courses specifically for divers.

Marine Life ID Course (2 days)
MCS Marine Life Ecology Course (2 days)
Underwater Photography Course (2 days)

For local courses, visit "Marine Action", "Local Groups" at www.mcsuk.org

MCS, 9 Gloucester Road, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire. HR9 5BU
Tel: 01989 566017

Underwater Photography Training Courses

Many courses to choose from, some including sea dives, others pool practice. Check diving press for adverts.

BSOUP - British Society for Underwater Photographers www.bsoup.org
Gill McDonald, gillymac@catalyst5.freeserve.co.uk.

A series of exotic holidays on offer with stills or video instruction from well-known underwater photographers.

Sea Watch Foundation

An organisation aiming to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face, and by production of material to educate, inform and lobby for better environmental protection.

2 day course in survey techniques, identification skills and conservation issues affecting marine mammals.

Sea Watch Foundation, 36 Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7BX.
Tel: 01865 717276 www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/training.htm

Marine and Coastal Biology Field Study Centres

check FSC www.field-studies-council.org/ and other field centres

Extra-mural courses at universities

Check university websites www.webmaster.bham.ac.uk/ukuwww.html for extra mural programmes.

Nautical Archaeological Society

An organisation formed to further interest in our underwater cultural heritage, offering a progressive training programme in "Foreshore and Underwater Archaeology"

NAS Introduction to foreshore and underwater archaeology
NAS Part I Certificate
NAS Part II Certificate
NAS Part III Advanced Certificate
NAS Part IV Certificate

For further information and available courses, conferences etc, visit www.nasportsmouth.org.uk Tel/fax: +44(0)23 9281 8419 nas@nasportsmouth.org.uk

NAS, Fort Cumberland, Fort Cumberland Road, Eastney, Portsmouth, PO4 9LD

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PROJECT DIVING:

Seasearch

A marine habitat surveying project and training programme for recreational SCUBA divers in the UK, with surveys at various levels of detail, depending on the time you have available and your level of expertise.

Sign up for an organised Seasearch dive
For dives in your local area, check www.seasearch.org.uk

Organise a Seasearch dive in your club
Fill out a Seasearch form after a dive - any dive can be a Seasearch dive!

best to go on a Seasearch course first get a Seasearch dive organisers pack

Contact Seasearch centrally

info@seasearch.org.uk. Tel: 07776 142096 www.seasearch.org.uk

or contact your local Seasearch tutor or organiser:

Sussex - Kate Cole, kate.cole@eastsussexcc.gov.uk Tel: 07786 171465
Dorset - Peter Tinsley, pmwr@cix.co.uk Tel: 01929 481044
Devon - Gavin Black, gblack@devonwt.cix.co.uk
Plymouth - Andrea Crump, mcsplymouthlocalgroup@hotmail.com
Cornwall - Ruth Williams, ruth@cec.gb.com Tel: 01872 245520
Kent - Jon Bramley, jonathan.bramley@btopenworld.com Tel: 07810 278372
Norfolk - Helen Nott, h-nott@talk21.com
Scotland - Calum Duncan, MCS.scotland@care4free.net Tel: 0131 226 6360
North Wales - Kirsten Ramsey, kirsten@menaisubaqua.org Tel: 01248 600035
South Wales - Kate Lock, skomer.mnr@ccw.gov.uk Tel: 01646 636736
SAA - Bryony Chapman, bryony.chapman@virgin.net Tel: 01252 703154

MCS Members Dives

A programme of interesting dives in a variety of locations around the UK and abroad, organised by and for MCS members, all with an interest in marine life.

Sign up for an MCS members dive event or short holiday

For details of dive trips, visit www.mcsuk.org/dives/

MCS, 9 Gloucester Road, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire. HR9 5BU
Tel: 01989 566017 mcs.dives@virgin.net www.mcsuk.org

Nautical Archaeology Society

An organisation formed to further interest in our underwater cultural heritage.

Diving with a Purpose - Dive Slate

Initial recording of sites of archaeological/ historical interest, including species of interest locally.

For details and to order a slate, visit www.nasportsmouth.org.uk/purpose/divingpurpose.htm

Adopt A Wreck . . .

. . . that you dive regularly as a group, club or individual and that you’d like to research or survey .

For details, visit www.nasportsmouth.org.uk/purpose/divingpurpose.htm

NAS, Fort Cumberland, Fort Cumberland Road, Eastney, Portsmouth, PO4 9LD
Tel/fax: +44(0)23 9281 8419 nas@nasportsmouth.org.uk www.nasportsmouth.org.uk

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SET UP A PROJECT - Put your knowledge and skills to use

Develop an interesting project within your club or region, to investigate a local site or a particular species of interest. Get some ideas from projects involving other SAA divers:

HMS Hazardous

Bracklesham Bay Sub Aqua-Holics members have been working on the historic shipwreck ‘HMS Hazardous’ since 1977, undertaking surveys, excavation and recording. This important wreck sank in 1706, and it is protected by the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. Sadly, it is gradually eroding as it becomes exposed in the shallow water. A diver trail has been set up to see the wreck and its marine life.

Mixon Hole

SPRT (SAA’s Scuba Projects Resource Team) undertook initial surveys in the Mixon Hole off Selsey Bill, Sussex, using Seasearch and measured transect survey techniques.

Ayrshire

Sullom Voe Diving Club discovered this wreck and have built a team of skilled and knowledgeable divers through attending NAS courses and summer schools, and have begun to survey the site.

www.swarthoull.com/ayrshire/ www.svsac.org.uk

We would like to add other projects to this list, so please send us details!

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SIGHTING PROGRAMMES

If you are interested in recording a particular type of marine life, or if you see something unusual, someone will be keen to hear from you. . . . .

In order to conserve any wildlife species, it is essential to have information about where it occurs, how it is faring, and whether things are changing over time. This is all far more straightforward on land, where visibility and time are not so restricted, and specialist skills and equipment are not normally required merely to visit a site.

Conservation organisations concerned with marine life need the help of recreational divers - we can play an incredibly valuable role simply by noting when and where we see species of particular interest on our dives and sending this information to the relevant survey or sighting programme. There are numerous programmes dealing with different groups of species, and inevitably there is overlap between some of them. However, local or regional programmes should feed their information into broader, national programmes so it is as widely available as possible for conservation initiatives.

Seasearch

For surveys of seabed habitats and species (further details about this training and survey programme included in Training and Projects).

Seasearch - a marine habitat and species survey for recreational divers in the UK, led by MCS, with support from statutory and voluntary organisations and the major diving organisations, including SAA.

Seasearch, MCS, 9 Gloucester Road, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire. HR9 5BU
Tel: 07776 142096 info@seasearch.org.uk www.seasearch.org.uk

MCS Basking Shark Watch

For sightings around the UK of the enormous plankton-eating basking sharks.

MCS - an organisation dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its wildlife.

MCS, 9 Gloucester Road, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire. HR9 5BU

Tel: 01989 566017 www.mcsuk.org

Turtles and the "UK Turtle Code"

The UK Turtle Code includes details about what to do, and where to report any encounters with turtles in the UK, whether alive, alive but entangled, stranded, or dead. Five species of turtle occur in UK waters, including, most commonly, the leatherback.

MCS - an organisation dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its wildlife.

Contact Marine Environmental Monitoring (Rod Penrose) for all records

Tel: 01348 875000 (24 hrs) www.strandings.com

MCS, 9 Gloucester Road, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire. HR9 5BU

Tel: 01989 566017 www.mcsuk.org

MCS Ocean Vigil

For sightings of marine life, pollution and fishingactivities.

MCS - an organisation dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its wildlife.

MCS, 9 Gloucester Road, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire. HR9 5BU

Tel: 01989 566017 www.mcsuk.org

MCS Fan Shell Survey

For any records of this rare species, which usually occurs in sheltered locations of UK waters, in sand and gravel.

MCS - an organisation dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its wildlife.

MCS, 9 Gloucester Road, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire. HR9 5BU

Tel: 01989 566017 www.mcsuk.org

British Seahorse Survey, Seahorse Trust

For records of old or new sightings of seahorses in the UK and abroad.

Two species of seahorse occur in UK waters.

British Seahorse Survey - set up in 1994, and run by the Seahorse Trust, an umbrella organisation to preserve and conserve the natural world, with its main focus the marine world, using the seahorse as a flagship.

British Seahorse Survey, Seahorse Trust, Middle Earth, Higher Rocombe Barton,

Stokeinteignhead, Devon TQ12 4QL. Tel: 01803 310299 www.theseahorsetrust.co.uk

Project Seahorse

For records of anything of interest related to seahorse distribution or trade, whether in the UK or abroad.

Project Seahorse - an integrated programme of global initiatives to conserve and manage seahorses and pipefishes. Seahorses and pipefishes are heavily exploited around the world, for use as traditional medicines, aquarium fishes, and curios.

Project Seahorse. London Zoo, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY 0171-722-2852 h.hall@ucl.ac.uk
http://ww2.mcgill.ca/biology/labs/vincent/seahorse/project.htm

Sea Watch Foundation

For sightings of whales and dolphins in UK seas, to add to The Joint Cetacean Database (JNCC, Sea Mammal Research Unit and SWF). Sea Watch has a network of regional co-ordinators guiding the activities of its 2,000 volunteers.

SeaWatch - an organisation aiming to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face, and by production of material to educate, inform and lobby for better environmental protection.

Sea Watch Foundation, 36 Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7BX.

Tel: 01865 717276 www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk

Seaquest South West

For sightings in the South West of England of large marine creatures, like dolphins, whales, seals, turtles, basking sharks.

Seaquest - a sighting scheme run by Cornwall and Devon Wildlife Trusts to gather information required for marine life conservation and to raise awareness in the SW.

Seaquest, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Five Acres, Allet, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9DJ
Tel: 01872 273939 www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/cornwall/seaquest.htm

WDCS Whale and Dolphin Sightings

For sightings of whales and dolphinsin European waters.

WDCS - a global charity dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins, porpoises and their environment.

WDCS, Brookfield House, 38 St Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LY

Tel: 01249 449519 info@wdcs.org http://www.wdcs.org

Shark Trust

For sightings of skates and rays, the flatfish versions of sharks. In particular the Shark Trust is seeking information on where mermaids purses (dogfish, skate and ray egg cases) are found - both on beach strandlines and on dives. On dives, do not disturb the purse, but note where it is, and what it is attached to, and take a photograph if you can.

Shark Trust - an organisation set up in 1997 to promote the study, conservation and management of sharks, skates and rays in the UK and internationally.

Shark Trust, National Marine Aquarium, Rope Walk Coxside, Plymouth, PL4 OLF

National Shark Trust enquiry line: 0870 128 3045 www.sharktrust.org

**Sealife Survey, MarLIN / WWF**

For individual records of any UK marine species, can be input on-line.

MarLIN aims to provide the most comprehensive and easily used source of information about marine habitats, communities and species around Britain and Ireland. Contains database of information on UK marine species. Marine link to the National Biodiversity Network.

MarLIN, Marine Biological Association, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB
Tel: 01752 633336 marlin@mba.ac.uk www.marlin.ac.uk

Porcupine Marine Natural History Society

For unusual and interesting records of species distribution around the UK, NE Atlantic and Mediterranean

Porcupine - an informal society interested in marine natural history and recording, particularly in the North East Atlantic region and the Mediterranean Sea.

PMNHS, Cherry Cottage, 11 Ballyhaft Road, Newtonards, Co.Down. BT22 2AW

porcupine@strangford.freeserve.co.uk www.pmnhs.co.uk

Marine Molluscs, Conchological Society

For records of marine molluscs in UK waters, with a particular emphasis at present on the English Channel, with the intention of producing a mollusc atlas for the area.

Conchological Society - founded in 1876, devoted to the study of molluscs and their conservation, through meetings, publications and distribution recording schemes.

CS Marine Recorder, 88 Peperharow Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2PN
Tel: 01483 417782 marine@conchsoc.org www.conchsoc.org

Fish Recording Scheme National Marine Aquarium

For information on distribution and occurrence around the UK of unusual marine and estuarine fish, such as sunfish, triggerfish or even barracuda!

A recording scheme begun in 1998 by the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, aiming to build a comprehensive and accessible database of UK fish distribution.

Fish Reports, National Marine Aquarium, Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 OLF
Tel: 01752 275216 e-mail: fishreports@national-aquarium.co.uk

www.national-aquarium.co.uk

Shorewatch, British Marine Life Study Society

To record wildlife on the seashore.

British Marine Life Study Society - a society to stimulate interest in marine life and related subjects and publish readable, informative articles.

BMLSS, Glaucus House, 14 Corbyn Crescent, Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex. BN43 6PQ :
Tel: 01273 465433 http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bmlss

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MARINE LIFE RESCUE

Mammal Rescue

Learn how to assist in a marine mammal rescue operations on a "Marine Mammal Medic" course with British Divers Marine Life Rescue www.bdmlr.org.uk

Follow the Strandings Action Plan for seals or for dolphins/whales available online at www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/strandings.htm

Report live strandings to enable rescue www.bdmlr.org.uk

BDMLR Hotline 01825 765546
RSPCA 0870 555999

Report dead strandings for research www.nhm.ac.uk/zoology/stranding

The Natural History Museum has been monitoring whale strandings since 1913!

Check "The Collaborative Celtic and UK Marine Strandings Project" for alternative contact numbers in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. www.strandings.com

Turtle Rescue

Follow the United Kingdom Turtle Code, available online at www.mcsuk.org

Report all live strandings/entanglements to enable rescue

England/Wales - RSPCA 08705 555999
Scotland - SSPCA 0131 3390111
N Ireland - Portrush Countryside Centre - 07770 570350
Republic of Ireland - Prof Davenport -00353 (0)21 4904140(w) 00353 (0)21 4897392(h)

Report dead strandings for research
Rod Penrose, Marine Environmental Monitoring 01348 875000

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REPORTING POLLUTION

If you see and wish to report a suspected pollution incident:

Pollution at sea - MCS Ocean Vigil www.mcsuk.org Tel: 01989 566017
MCS, 9 Gloucester Road, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire. HR9 5BU
Illegal dumping
- in rivers - Environment Agency www.environment-agency.gov.uk/
- at sea - English Nature www.english-nature.org.uk/ Tel: 01733 455000
- Scottish Natural Heritage www.snh.org.uk/ Tel: 0131 447 4784
- Countryside Council for Wales www.ccw.gov.uk Tel: 01248 370444
Sewage - Surfers Against Sewage www.sas.org.uk Tel: 01872 553001

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GETTING INVOLVED OVERSEAS:

projects and conservation holidays and expeditions

Coral Cay Conservation

A not-for-profit ecotourism organisation, sending teams of volunteers to survey coral reefs and tropical forests. CCC aims towards conservation of these key environments by working with local communities who depend on them for food and livelihood.

CCC, The Tower (13th Floor), 125 High Street, London, SW19 2JG
Tel: 1070 750 0668 info@coralcay.org www.coralcay.org

Operation Wallacea

Organises a series of biological and social science expedition projects designed to underpin the achievement of specific wildlife conservation aims. Over 20 papers are being prepared for publication from the 2002 research projects alone and the data are being used to achieve conservation objectives.

Operation Wallacea, Hope House, Old Bolingbroke, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4EX
Tel: 01790 763194 info@opwall.com www.opwall.com

Frontier

Frontier Programmes and Expeditions (part of the Society for Environmental Exploration), works in collaboration with tropical developing countries in some of the most valuable and threatened ecosystems in the world. Frontier expeditions initiate baseline data collection and participate in the subsequent establishment of long-term monitoring programmes. The expeditions combine training in expedition and research skills with the conservation of endangered wildlife and threatened habitats.

Frontier, 50-52 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3QP
Tel: 020 7613 2422 becky@frontier.ac.uk www.frontierprojects.ac.uk

Earthwatch Institute

An organisation to promote the sustainable conservation of our natural resources and cultural heritage by creating partnerships among scientists, the general public, educators, and businesses. Expeditions put volunteers into the field to support the work of research scientists worldwide collecting the base line data essential for sustainable management decisions.

Earthwatch Europe, 267 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7HT
Tel: 01865 318838 info@earthwatch.org.uk www.earthwatch.org

Global Vision International

Coral reef research expeditions supporting and assisting the work of local and international non-governmental organisations, government groups, and universities on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Survey. The reef stretches from the northern tip of Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, south through Belize and Guatemala to the coast of Honduras. Expeditions collect coral reef characterisation and monitoring data using SCUBA diving surveys.

GVI, Amwell Farmhouse, Nomansland, Wheathampstead, St Albans, Herts, AL4 8EJ

Tel: 01582 831300 info@gvi.co.uk www.gvi.co.uk

Scientific Exploration Society

Founded in 1969, the SES is especially interested in scientific research, conservation, education, community and medical aid. It is a proponent of innovative expeditions combining science and adventure.

SES, Expedition Base, Motcombe, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 9PB
Tel: 01747 854898 expeditions@ses-explore.org www.ses-explore.org

Shark Research Institute

A non-profit scientific research organisation, created to sponsor and conduct research on sharks and promote their conservation, offering expeditions for divers.

SRI Global Headquarters, PO Box 40, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA

Tel: (609) 921 3522 expeditions@sharks.org www.sharks.org

WDCS Out of the Blue Whale and Dolphin Watching Holidays

WDCS is a global charity dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins, porpoises and their environment.

WDCS, Brookfield House, 38 St Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LY

Tel: 01249 449519 www.bluetravel.co.uk/

Marine Conservation Society Members’ Dives

A series of dive trips organised by and for MCS members, mostly in UK waters, but also venturing overseas to places like the Red Sea and Vancouver.

MCS, 9 Gloucester Road, Ross on Wye, Hereford HR9 5BU

www.mcsuk.org/dives

Moonwrasse Sustainable Diving Programme - for coral reef protection

An organisation dedicated to developing a healthy, sustainable approach to diving in coral reef areas, for the benefit of all stakeholders in the scuba industry. Dive company membership promotes best practice by rewarding dive centres for environmental achievement, integrating the industry with indigenous populations, creating opportunities in environmental education, and supporting local practical conservation initiatives such as installation of mooring buoys.

Individual divers can become members, and are asked to complete a simple environmental assessment of each dive facility they visit in a coral reef area, and this enables Moonwrasse to develop a catalogue of dive centres with a good environmental policy which it promotes, and to work with other centres to improve their operations.

Moonwrasse, 19 Summerlee Avenue, East Finchley, London N2 9QP
Tel: 07786 648711 info@moonwrasse.org. www.moonwrasse.org

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SAA GEORGE ARNOLD TROPHY:

This trophy was presented in memory of George Arnold, a dedicated diver in the SAA who did much to promote marine archaeology amongst his fellow divers.

It is awarded annually at the AGM to the SAA member or club that has made an outstanding contribution to marine conservation, whether in the field of archaeology or marine life.

Please submit nominations by January of each year for the individual(s) or club you think should win this award.

Past worthy recipients of this trophy include:

Val Flanagan and Christine Clarke for their work with the Yorkshire Coast

Group of the Marine Conservation Society in the Flamborough Head

area, undertaking a survey of the marine life of Filey Brigg, instigating the project to convert the lifeboat station to a marine centre, and organising many awareness events.

Sullom Voe Diving Club for their work in the discovery and initial registering and survey of the Ayrshire, a Canadian barque rigged vessel built in about 1845.

www.swarthoull.com/ayrshire/ www.svsac.org.uk

Bracklesham Bay Sub Aqua-holics for their long term survey, recording and excavation work on the historic HMS Hazardous in Bracklesham Bay, Sussex. Very fitting that George Arnold was in fact a discoverer of the wreck, and founder member of the Club.

(see SAA Archaeological pages for further details)

Neil Dobson for his long term dedication and work in promoting archaeology within diving circles, working with the Archaeological Diving Unit, Scottish Institute of Maritime Studies and the Nautical Archaeological Society, and involved in the Mary Rose project and the Duart Point Project in the Sound of Mull.

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MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION ON LAND!

Though not so much fun, it is possible to achieve marine conservation in various ways without getting into the water.

Get your views heard

Collectively, we can have an impact by writing letters or signing petitions to the relevant authorities to voice support for, or concerns about, what’s going on in the marine environment - locally or nationally.

Shark Fins

Support the move to ban shark finning (where the valuable fins are removed and the rest of the shark’s body is dumped unused into the sea).

Download factsheet from www.sharktrust.org/ and sign the Shark Trust petition

Dolphin Disaster

Support The Wildlife Trusts’ campaign to stop the increasing numbers of dolphins being killed in the English Channel in midwater trawler tow nets. Hundreds of dolphins are killed every year, victims of unwanted fishing ‘bycatch’.

Sign the petition to the European Commission to urge them to act now to put a stop to cetacean bycatch in trawlnets; contact your local MP or MEP.

For the petition, draft letters and how to find your local MP and MEP, visit www.wildlifetrusts.org or ring 01636 677711.

South Downs National Park Marine Extension

Support the attempt to include a marine element in the South Downs National Park. (Feb 2003)

www.cnp.org.uk/south_downs_campaign.htm

Participate in Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society’s Active Seas

Various ways you help whales and dolphins explained in the Action Pack.

Visit "Active Seas" at http://www.wdcs.org/

Organise a publicity event promoting conservation

Like the sighting of a huge (model) basking shark in the Thames organised by Mole Valley SAC with the London Aquarium and Shark Trust http://www.mvsac.org.uk

Gather Curio Trade Records

Contribute to the Marine Conservation Society’s survey of gift shops, DIY stores and other UK retail outlets that sell marine curios, such as dried seahorses, starfish etc, most of which are collected and killed specifically for the curio trade.

www.mcsuk.org "Marine Action" "Volunteer Projects"

For dried seahorses specifically, also contact Project Seahorse at the Zoological Society London. ww2.mcgill.ca/biology/labs/vincent/seahorse/howthelp.htm

Celebrate World Oceans Day - on 8th June every year

Join the many groups who organise a marine flavoured event on or around 8th June each year, to celebrate the oceans and promote awareness of their importance for wildlife and all life on earth, and their vulnerability. www.mcsuk.org/action/wod.html

Participate in Beachwatch

on the third weekend of September every year.

Join the thousands of volunteers from all across the UK who visit their chosen beach, remove all the litter from it and record what they find. Through these efforts, MCS monitors litter on Britain’s beaches, raises awareness of the issue of marine debris, and encourages action to reduce marine pollution at source. www.mcsuk.org

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LINKS TO STATUTORY BODIES INVOLVED IN MARINE CONSERVATION

Joint Nature Conservation Committee www.jncc.gov.uk/
Countryside Council for Wales www.ccw.gov.uk
English Nature www.english-nature.org.uk/
Scottish Natural Heritage www.snh.org.uk/
Environment Agency www.environment-agency.gov.uk/

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VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION

Marine Conservation Society

MCS, founded in 1977, is dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its wildlife, highlighting the threats and working with other bodies to achieve conservation, particularly in the areas of sustainable fisheries, pollution and Beachwatch, protection of endangered species, turtles, coral reefs and the aquarium trade. It involves thousands of volunteers in surveys and projects, has a network of local groups, and produces educational materials for schools and the public.

MCS, 9 Gloucester Road, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire. HR9 5BU
Tel: 01989 566017 www.mcsuk.org

The Wildlife Trusts

The Wildlife Trusts partnership is a UK conservation charity exclusively dedicated to protecting wildlife, with a network of 47 local Wildlife Trusts, collectively caring for over 2,560 nature reserves, and lobbying for better protection of the UK’s natural heritage using its grass roots expertise. The Wildlife Trusts’ Joint Marine Programme with WWF-UK is working towards better marine conservation, fighting the threats of pollution, over-fishing and by-catch.

The Wildlife Trusts, The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, Notts, NG24 1WT
Tel: 0870 0367711 info@wildlife-trusts.co.uk www.wildlifetrusts.org

WWF-UK

An organisation which aims to conserve endangered species, protect endangered spaces and address global threats to the planet by seeking sustainable solutions for the benefit of people and nature. Their marine programme addresses marine resource management, protected areas, pollution prevention and awareness.

WWF-UK, Panda House, Weyside Park, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1XR
Tel: 01483 426444 www.wwf.org.uk

IUCN - The World Conservation Union

The World Conservation Union, founded in 1948, aims to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. It brings together States, government agencies and non-governmental organisations in a world partnership with over 980 members in 140 countries.

IUCN, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland.
Tel: +41-(0)22-999-0001 mail@hq.iucn.org, http://www.iucn.org.

Shark Trust

An organisation set up in 1997 to promote the study, conservation and management of sharks, skates and rays in the UK and internationally.

Shark Trust, National Marine Aquarium, Rope Walk Coxside, Plymouth, PL4 OLF
National Shark Trust enquiry line: 0870 128 3045 www.sharktrust.org

British Divers Marine Life Rescue

An organisation which runs Marine Mammal Medic training courses and, with twelve whale rescue pontoons stationed around the UK, operates a 24 hour rescue service for stranded marine mammals.

BDMLR, 39 Ingram Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 1SB
Tel. 01825 765546 http://www.bdmlr.org.uk

Seal Conservation Society

A society set up in 1996 with the aim of protecting and conserving pinnipeds (seals, sealions and walrus) worldwide by monitoring and attempting to minimise threats to their conservation and welfare, providing a comprehensive information and advisory service, producing educational material, and liaising with animal welfare and conservation groups, rescue and rehabilitation centres, research establishments, governments and other organisations.

SCS, 7 Millin Bay Road, Tara, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1QD
Tel: 0128 4272 8600 info@pinnipeds.org www.pinnipeds.org

British Marine Life Study Society

A society to stimulate interest in marine life and related subjects and publish readable, informative articles.

BMLSS, Glaucus House, 14 Corbyn Crescent, Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex. BN43 6PQ :
Tel: 01273 465433 http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bmlss

Sea Watch Foundation

An organisation aiming to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face, and by production of material to educate, inform and lobby for better environmental protection.

Sea Watch Foundation, 36 Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7BX.
Tel: 01865 717276 http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk

Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

A global charity dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins, porpoises and their environment.

WDCS, Brookfield House, 38 St Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LY

Tel: 01249 449519 info@wdcs.org www.wdcs.org

Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit, Scotland

The Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit, formed in 1997, is a small, non-profit research organisation based in NE Scotland, dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises in Scottish waters through scientific investigation, environmental education, and the provision of professional, veterinary assistance to sick, stranded and injured individuals.

PO Box 11307, Banff, AB45 3WB Scotland
Tel/fax: 01261 851 696 mailbox@crru.org.uk http://www.crru.org.uk/

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust has pioneered the study of the whales, dolphins and porpoises found in the waters of the Hebrides, using study techniques that neither harm nor seriously disturb the animals. The research work provides those who manage Scotland’s wildlife and habitats with the information they need to achieve effective conservation, as well as information for environmental education materials, helping to raise public awareness around the UK and educate visitors to this outstanding area about its wildlife.

28 Main Street, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Argyll, PA75 6NU, Scotland.
Tel: 01688 302620 hwdt@sol.co.uk http://whales.gn.apc.org/

Irish Whale and Dolphin Group

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group is dedicated to the conservation and better understanding of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoise) in Irish waters. Originally founded in 1990 to establish an Irish stranding and sighting scheme and to campaign for the declaration of Irish territorial waters as a whale and dolphin sanctuary.

Sunny Brook, Brookhill House, Courtmacsherry, Co. Cork, Ireland

enquiries@iwdg.ie www.iwdg.ie

Surfers Against Sewage

Surfers Against Sewage campaign for clean, safe recreational waters, free from sewage effluents, toxic chemicals and nuclear waste, using solution based arguments of sustainable alternatives.

SAS, The Old Counthouse Warehouse, Wheal Kitty, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0RE

Tel: 01872 553001 www.sas.org.uk

Greenpeace

An active campaigning organisation working to protect the environment from pollution, promote renewable energy, reduce waste, prevent deforestation, prevent release of GM crops into the environment, defend the moratorium on commercial whaling and promote whale sanctuaries.

Greenpeace, Canonbury Villas, London, N1 2PN

Tel: 020 7865 8100 www.greenpeace.org.uk

Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA)

An independent, international campaigning organisation, pioneering the use of undercover investigation to expose the illegal trade in wildlife and other environmental crimes, and seeking lasting solutions. Includes a Forgotten Whales Campaign that seeks protection for all whales, dolphins and porpoises.

EIA, 62-63 Upper Street, London N1 ONY

Tel: 020 7354 7960 info@eia-international.org www.eia-international.org

Access to Marine Conservation For All - International (AMCAI)

Launched in 2001, a non-profit charitable organisation of scientists and educationists who work towards making marine conservation accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. AMCAI aims to maximise and utilise the potential resources of the growing number of disabled SCUBA divers who wish to be active in protection of the marine environment.

AMCAI, PO Box 24223, London SE9 5ZH

Tel: 0208 294 1515 amca.international@btopenworld.com www.amca-international.org

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2003 GROUPS - CONFERENCES - TALKS - COURSES:

Nautical Archaeological Society Annual Conference

Saturday 15th November 2003 Portsmouth www.nasportsmouth.org.uk/

Marine Conservation Society Annual Conference

October 2003 tbc www.mcsuk.org

Porcupine Natural History Society annual conference

14-15th March 2003 National Museums and Galleries of Wales, Cardiff

http://www.pmnhs.co.uk/meetings.htm

Marine Life Talks

Southampton Oceanography Centre

first Thursday of each month at 7.30pm -free, all welcome

6th March 2003 Walking the dog whelk

3rd April 2003 ROV deep sea fish watching
1st May 2003 Fishy Tales

www.mcsuk.org "Local Groups"

South East MCS Group Meetings and Talks

Meets on second Tuesday of each month at 7.30 for 8pm - free, all welcome

Function room at the Holland Club, Imperial College, Kensington, London, SW7

www.mcsuk.org Local Groups e-mail gerry.casey@virgin.net

Plymouth Local MCS Group

Calendar of talks, courses and other events

www.mcsuk.org Local Groups e-mail andreacrump1@hotmail.com

Edinburgh Local MCS Group

Talks and events

Meeting Room, Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL

www.mcsuk.org MCS Scotland e-mail MCS.scotland@care4free.net

Marine Awareness North Wales

Talks and events, courses and dives, Anglesey
http://www.saveourseas.co.uk

Marine Life ID courses - MCS SE Group

Swanage, Dorset
Course Co-ordinator, gerry.casey@virgin.net 01923 231575

Underwater Marine Life Photography - MCS SE Group

Swanage, Dorset
Course Co-ordinator, gerry.casey@virgin.net 01923 231575

BSOUP - British Society for Underwater Photographers

Meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm for 8pm.
Function room at the Holland Club, Imperial College, Kensington, London, SW7
www.bsoup.org

National Maritime Museum - Marine Conservation Course

Open Museum at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London.
Tel: Lyn Stone 020 8312 6747 openmuseum@nmm.ac.uk
www.nmm.ac.uk

Seasearch Surveyor Courses

For more details, contact the local co-ordinator, visit the Seasearch website www.seasearch.org.uk, e-mail: info@seasearch.org.uk Tel: 07776 142096.

Marine Conservation Society, 9 Gloucester Road, Ross on Wye, HR9 5BU

Seasearch Local Contacts

Sussex - Kate Cole, East Sussex County Council - kate.cole@eastsussexcc.gov.uk Tel: 07786 171465 http://www.seasearch.org.uk/Sussex/index.htm
Dorset - Peter Tinsley, Dorset Wildlife Trust - pmwr@cix.co.uk Tel: 01929 481044
Devon - Gavin Black, Devon Wildlife Trust - gblack@devonwt.cix.co.uk
http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/mainframe.php?section=seasearch
Plymouth - Andrea Crump, MCS Local Group - mcsplymouthlocalgroup@hotmail.com
Cornwall - Ruth Williams, Cornwall Wildlife Trust - ruth@cec.gb.com Tel: 01872 245520
Kent - Jon Bramley, BTCV/Kent Wildlife Trust : jonathan.bramley@btopenworld.com Tel: 07810 278372
Norfolk - Helen Nott, MCS Local Group - h-nott@talk21.com
Scotland - Calum Duncan, MCS Scotland - MCS.scotland@care4free.net
Tel: 0131 226 6360 http://www.mcsuk.org/index.htm MCS Scotland
North Wales - Kirsten Ramsey, Menai Sub Aqua Club - kirsten@menaisubaqua.org
Tel: 01248 600035 http://www.menaisubaqua.org/seasearch.html
South Wales - Kate Lock, Skomer MNR - skomer.mnr@ccw.gov.uk Tel: 01646 636736

MCS Members Dives

Programme of dive trips for MCS members in the UK and abroad: www.mcsuk.org/dives

Beachwatch

(An annual event on the 3rd weekend of September, to clean and record litter from our beaches): www.mcsuk.org

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Marine life identification guides

General ID guides, and a few more specific:

Many marine life books are available through MCS Sales
Tel: 01989 566017, or MCS Sales Online at www.mcsuk.org

For more specialised books, check out the following:
AIDGAP publications (Aids to Identification in Difficult Groups of Animals and Plants)

Available from Field Studies Council Tel: 01743 852140, http://www.field-studies-council.org/ or e-mail: fsc.publications@ukonline.co.uk.

Synopses of the British Fauna Linnean Society publications
Available from Field Studies Council Tel: 01743 852140, http://www.field-studies-council.org/ or e-mail: fsc.publications@ukonline.co.uk.

Marine Life - Some General Guides

Guide to Inshore Marine Life. Erwin, D, and Picton, B. (1987). MCS. Immel Publishing.

Sussex Marine Life - An Identification Guide for Divers. Irving, R. (1998). East Sussex County Council.

Collins Pocket Guide - Sea Shore of Britain and Northern Europe. Hayward, P., Nelson-Smith, T and Shields, C. (1996). HarperCollins.

Hamlyn Guide to the Seashore and Shallow Seas of Britain and Europe. Campbell, A.C. (1994) Hamlyn.

Photographic Guide to the Sea and Shore Life of Britain and North-west Europe. Gibson, R. Hextall, B. and Rogers, A. (2001) Oxford University Press.

British Sea Fishes. 2nd Edition. Dipper, F. (2002). Underwater World Publications.

Marine Animals of the South West. 2nd Edition. Naylor, P. (2000). Sound Diving Publications.

Marine Life of the Channel Islands. Daly, S. (1998).

A Student’s Guide to the Seashore. 2nd Edition. Fish, J.D. and Fish, S. (1996). Cambridge University Press.

Handbook of the Marine Fauna of North-West Europe. Hayward, P. J. and Ryland, J. S. (1995) Oxford University Press.

A Key to the Major Groups of British Marine Invertebrates. Crothers, J. (1997). AIDGAP 246. FSC.

The Marine Fauna of the British Isles and North West Europe. Vols. 1 and 2. Hayward, P. J. and Ryland, J. S. (1990) Clarendon Press.

Sea Life of Britain and Ireland. Wood, E. (Ed.) (1998). MCS. Immel Publishing.

Marine Wildlife of Atlantic Europe. Young, A. (1994). Immel Publishing.

Sealife - A Complete Guide to the Marine Environment. Waller, G., Dando, M. and Burchett, M. (1996). Russel Friedman Books. South Africa.

The Species Directory of the Marine Fauna and Flora of the British Isles and Surrounding Seas. Howson, C. M. and Picton, B. E. (eds.) (1997) MCS.

Marine Life Guides - Getting more specific

A field Key to the British Brown Seaweeds Hiscock, S. (1979). AIDGAP 125. FSC.

A field Key to the British Red Seaweeds Hiscock, S. (1986) AIDGAP FSC 13.

Synopses of the British Fauna, No 18: British Anthozoa. Manuel, R. L. (1988). FSC

Sea Spiders. A revised key to the adults of littoral pycnogonids in the British Isles. King, P.E. (1986). FSC 6.

A Key to the Crabs and Crab-like Animals of British Inshore Waters. Crothers, J. and Crothers, M. (1987) AIDGAP 155. FSC

Synopses of the British Fauna (New Series), No. 25: Shallow Water Crabs. Ingle, R. W. (1996) FSC

Synopses of the British Fauna (New Series), No. 15: Coastal Shrimps and Prawns (second edition) Smaldon, G. (1993) FSC

A Field Guide to the Nudibranchs of the British Isles. Picton, B. and Morrow, C.C. (1994). Immel Publishing.

British Bivalve Seashells. A Handbook for Identification. 2nd Edition. Tebble, N. (1976) Royal Scottish Museum. HMSO

A field Guide to the Shallow-water Echinoderms of the British Isles. Picton, B. (1993). Immel Publishing.

Synopses of the British Fauna (New Series), No 1: British Ascidians ( sea squirts). Millar, R.H. (1970). Field Studies Council, Shrewsbury.

British Sea Fishes. 2nd Edition. Dipper, F. (2002). Underwater World Publications.

Fishes of the Sea. Lythgoe, G., and Lythgoe, J. (1991) Blandford Press.

Collins Pocket Guide: Fish of Britain and Europe. Miller, P., and Loates, M.J. Harper Collins

Collins Sharks and Rays. The Ultimate Guide to Underwater Predators. Tricas, T.C., Deacon, K., Last, P., McCosker, J.E., Walker, T.I., and Leighton, T. Harper Collins

A Field Key to the Shore Fishes of the British Isles. Wheeler, A., (1994). AIDGAP 225 FSC.

A Field Guide to the Sharks of British Coastal Waters. Vas, P., (1991). AIDGAP 205. FSC.

Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises. The Visual Guide to all the world’s cetaceans. Carwardine, M. (1995). Dorling Kindersley.

Collins Whales and Dolphins The Ultimate Guide to Marine Mammals. Carwardine, M., Hoyt, E, Fordyce, R.E. and Gill, P. Harper Collins

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Links

In this section you will find links to other useful resources around the internet.

Organisations

British Diving Safety Group www.bdsg.org
RNLI www.rnli.org.uk
Maritime Coastguard Agency www.mcga.gov.uk
DDRC www.ddrc.org.uk
Receiver of Wrecks
http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-environmental/mcga-receiver_of_wreck.htm
SITA www.sita.org.uk
WASAC www.wasac.co.uk

Dive Planning

Inshore water forecast http://www.metoffice.com/datafiles/inshore.html
Inshore Waters Map http://www.metoffice.com/leisure/iswfplace.html
Shipping Forecast http://www.metoffice.com/datafiles/offshore.html
Shipping Areas Map http://www.metoffice.com/leisure/shiparea.html
Tide Tables http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx
UKHO Wreck Information http://www.ukho.gov.uk/wrecks.html