European marine features where the activity takes place

Codes of practice

Federation national representative bodies

The British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) membership for 1995 was 52,247 individuals and 1,000 qualified snorkellers (1996). The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) issued 51,741 certifications to UK divers in 1997. In total there are estimated to be 110,000 to 120,000 active divers in Great Britain. Snorkelling is largely an informal activity and participation rates are unquantifiable, other than for those who are members of BSAC.

The table below shows the breakdown of member qualifications for BSAC members in 1996.

European marine features where the activities take place

Whilst snorkelling can take place in relatively shallow water, and therefore could occur in the vicinity of all the intertidal and subtidal marine features, diving is mainly a deep water activity and will therefore take place in the vicinity of deeper mSAC features, such as estuaries and inlets and bays and around deeper reefs and lagoons. The main constraints are the ability of craft to provide access for divers to such features and their attraction for divers. Sea caves are a more specialist diving location.

Navigate with Nature, 1998 – Available from the British Marine Industries

Ten Ways Brochure – Available from Professional Association of Diving Instructors

Project AWARE – Professional Association of Diving Instructors

Numerous Leaflets Available From The British Sub Aqua Club

The Scottish Sub Aqua Club is currently in the process of developing a code of practice

Professional Association of Diving Instructors

Unit 7

St Philips Central

Albert Road

Bristol

BS2 0PD

Tel: 0117 300 7234

Fax: 0117 971 0400

www.padi.co.uk

Characteristics of the activities and management issues associated with sub aqua and snorkelling

Summary of potential environmental impacts associated with sub aqua and snorkelling

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