Archive for the ‘Scuba Diving’ Category
Reopening the National Diving & Activity Centre For Scuba Divers
Thursday, August 13th, 2020
We are excited to announce that there will be an initial phased reopening of the National Diving & Activity Centre for Scuba Diving starting from Saturday 31st October.
Initially the centre will be open for Scuba Diving Only on Saturdays and Sundays. We will be carefully limiting the numbers on the site and will only be allowing visitors who have pre-booked their Scuba diving.
The View Cafe Bar, Gas Room and limited Wooden Wigwam accommodation will also be available for scuba diving visitors. The Wooden Wigwams will initially have a minimum of a 2 night stay in place.
Other activities such as the Wire Zip Slide, Atlantis Aqua Park and Giant 3G Swing will remain closed at this stage, but will be reviewed after we’ve opened for scuba diving.
Scuba Diving entry can be booked NOW on our new Scuba booking system. It will not be possible to enter the site without a booking.
This phased opening and our control measures are under constant review and will follow Government guidelines as they develop.
DATES AVAILABLE NOW!
Book your Scuba Diving Entry online »
Whilst the centre has been closed to the public we have been working hard to implement new procedures and measures throughout the site to protect our visitors and staff.
Online Bookings
All Scuba Diving, Activities, Events and Accommodation provided by the National Diving & Activity Centre are now using an online booking system. The new online booking system for Scuba Diving is now operational for selected dates.
At this stage we are only accepting visitors who have pre-booked online for Scuba Diving.
Paperless Registration Forms
We are pleased to announce that our Diving Declaration forms and Activity Registration forms can now be completed online as part of the booking process. Participants must complete the online form in full prior to any activity at the National Diving & Activity Centre. Without the completed online form you will not be able to take part in the activity.
Face Masks
We want you to stay safe and encourage you to bring and wear your own face covering while visiting us at the National Diving & Activity Centre. Our staff, where applicable, will also be wearing PPE.
On arrival
If you have any of the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) we ask that you do not visit the National Diving & Activity Centre. If you develop any symptoms whilst at the site we request that you leave the site safely, return home and seek medical advice. Our staff may ask you about your health and any Covid19 symptoms on arrival.
Social Distancing
The National Diving & Activity Centre is a large outdoor venue with lots of open space and fresh air for you to enjoy and keep safe.
We will be following social distancing guidelines and request that all visitors stay 2 metres apart. We will also limit the amount of close proximity you will have with our staff where practicable to do so.
There will be lots of new signage in place and we’ll be operating one-way systems where possible to avoid cross-over and assist visitors maintaining social distancing. Some areas, such as toilets, will have limits to the number of people who can enter at any one time.
Increased Cleaning Activity
We already have comprehensive cleaning procedures and checks in place throughout the National Diving & Activity Centre. In addition to these, we will increase the cleaning schedules taking place.
Additional hand-wash, paper towels and sanitising stations are being installed throughout the site and in rest areas.
Shared equipment will be sanitised between each use where possible.
Cashless Site
Activity, Event and Accommodation payments are already taken via the website. We have also introduced an online booking system for Scuba Diving.
The rest of the National Diving & Activity Centre has also transitioned to contactless payments and staff will no longer be handling any cash. This will cover areas such as the View Cafe Bar, the Dive Shop, Service Shack and Gas Room.
The contactless payment machines will be cleaned between transactions if staff/visitors need to use the touchpad.
As well as the safety benefits, we believe this will be convenient for our visitors, speed up transactions and reduce queueing at the site.
Buses
For the Scuba Divers who use our buses to travel between the car park and lake, we have a number of procedures in place.
• Several buses will be made available
• Windows will be kept open for increased ventilation.
• Buses will be cleaned regularly throughout the day
• Hand sanitising stations for use prior to boarding the buses
• Face coverings will be required on the buses
• Reduced number of people on the buses
• People are welcome to walk if they feel able
We value your custom and thank you for your patience and understanding whilst we operate these new procedures and measures. These are under constant review as the Government guidelines are updated. If you have any specific questions or concerns please contact us.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Online Booking System for Scuba Divers at NDAC
Thursday, August 13th, 2020
We are excited to announce that we’ve introduced a new online booking system for Scuba Divers visiting the National Diving & Activity Centre (NDAC).
The booking system is part of our post-Covid 19 procedures to make the NDAC cashless, and brings Scuba Diving inline with our other online booking systems.
Scuba Diving spaces can be booked now for Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday 31st October onwards.
We will use the system to carefully manage the numbers on the site and it will not be possible to enter the site without a booking.
DATES AVAILABLE NOW!
Book your Scuba Diving Entry online »
As part of the booking process, our Diving Declaration forms can also now be completed online.
We look forward to seeing you back in the water soon! If you have any specific questions or concerns please get in touch.
National Diving & Activity Centre to remain closed for 2020 season
Sunday, July 5th, 2020
Update August 2020
We’re pleased to announce that we will be reopening for Scuba Diving from Saturday 31st October.
Initially the centre will be open for Scuba Diving Only and will only be allowing visitors who have pre-booked their Scuba diving.
It’s been a difficult and very worrying year for everyone. COVID 19 has taken more lives and businesses than it should, but thanks to the Government, banks and services, we have managed to remain stable.
As we approach coming out of lockdown and some businesses reopening, we have considered our business reopening. However, we have decided to not open the National Diving & Activity Centre to the general public this year.
Cashless Payments at the National Diving & Activity Centre
Wednesday, May 6th, 2020
We will no longer be accepting cash payments and will only be accepting cashless payments throughout the NDAC.
Most of our activity bookings are taken via the website and the vast majority of onsite payments are cashless already.
We believe this will be convenient for our visitors, speed up transactions and reduce queueing at the site. Studies have shown that a cashless transaction takes on average 1-2 seconds process, compared to 6-7 seconds for cash.
The changeover to cashless payments will start from the date we re-open (following the Coronavirus lockdown).
Coronavirus
Sunday, March 22nd, 2020
Header image credit: kjpargeter – freepik
Last updated 5th July 2020
Sadly we will not be reopening the National Diving & Activity Centre to the general public during the rest of 2020.
Any purchased vouchers, or memberships will automatically be extended to the 2021 season when we will look forward to welcoming you all back.
FearFest-Evil will not be held this year, automatic refunds will be made to your PayPal accounts.
We thank you for all your support, and dedication over the years and look forward to welcoming you back next season to the National Diving & Activity Centre.
Darren & Kaye
Last updated 26th March 2020
Owing to the global coronavirus pandemic and based on the information available to us from the UK Government we believe that the significant risk that is posed to our staff, customers and the local community to which we serve requires us to take decisive action now.
We are a local business that operates predominately outdoors, which by nature is less risk than any other indoor facility.
However, we are mindful, that continuing to operate during this global crisis is not in the best interests of our customers and team at NDAC or to members of the public. It is therefore with a heavy heart we have decided to fully close operations to the public from 22nd March 2020 until further notice.
We would like to thank all our customers for supporting us over the years and we look forward to serving you again. We would also like to thank all our staff and dedicated work force for their commitment and understanding during these really difficult times, and would like to thank all the UK Government services for everything they are doing for our country.
Darren & Kaye
We will keep our Facebook page and website up-to-date with the latest information. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Scuba Diving Equipment Servicing
The National Diving & Activity Centre is currently closed for all equipment servicing.
All booked-in scuba equipment servicing will be completed when the current restrictions are lifted.
We will keep customers informed via our website and social media as further information is released.
We would like to say a huge thank you for your continued custom and understanding during these difficult times for our country. We look forward to seeing you all again in the near future.
If you have any servicing enquiries, please contact us via email on . We are working from home, but will advise the best we can.
Keep safe and look after each other.
Ashley & Nat
Refunds information
What happens to my booking/gift voucher?
We are confident that this crisis, although hugely challenging and difficult to bear for us all, is short term and we remain confident and hopeful that we will commence our outdoor activities and operations to you all again when it is safe to do so and in line with UK Government advice.
We will not be issuing refunds, but please rest assured, you remain very important to us and your booking with us continues to be valid and will merely be postponed until operations are resumed.
We look forward to welcoming you in the near future and to providing you with an extraordinary experience to remember please stay safe!
Useful external links
SUUNTO Dive Computers and Finnsub Torches at NDAC Night Dive
Thursday, February 20th, 2020
We’re pleased to announce that for our last Night Dive before the Summer season, SUUNTO Diving UK will be joining us with a selection of their fantastic Finnsub Torches & Dive Computers. (more…)
Scuba Night Dive March 2020
Thursday, February 6th, 2020
The popular NDAC Night Dives are back, join us on Saturday 14th March 2020.
The adventure, thrill and excitement of night diving can be yours on a NDAC Night Dive. If you have never been on a night dive before, you could consider joining on one of our PADI Night Diver Speciality Courses.
Suunto & Finnsub
We’re pleased to announce that SUUNTO Diving UK will be joining us with a selection of their fantastic Finnsub Torches & Dive Computers.
The EON Steel, EON Core and the newest member, the Suunto D5 will all be available for you to try at the NDAC Night Dive.
Special Offer – Dive For Half Price!
If you dive with us during the day prior to a Night Dive, we can offer you the Night Dive for half price.
(The Night Dive needs to be booked at the same time as the daytime entry when you arrive on site)
Ghost Fishing UK Winter Warmer 2020
Monday, January 13th, 2020
Join the Ghost Fishing UK team for a weekend of diving and socials at the National Diving & Activity Centre.
Included with your ticket:
• Saturday Social: Hog Roast & BBQ (Vegetarian options available)
• Guest Speakers, Q&A Forum
• Half Price Diving entry to NDAC
• Video screenings
• Bar, Band, raffle, auction, competitions and fundraisers
• ‘Try Ghost Fishing’ workshops – (24 spaces, terms apply)
Full details, terms and tickets available on the Ghost Fishing UK website here »
Ticket holders receive discounted diving entry at the gate. This is extra and payable on the day.
Please bring a copy of the email receipt with you (electronic version is fine).
Please note: Tickets are non refundable.
Date & Time
Sat 8th Feb 2020, 09:00 – Sun, 9th Feb 2020, 16:00
About Ghost Fishing
The problem of ghost fishing gear has reached public prominence over the past five years. It is a normal part of fishing that nets, shellfish traps and other equipment becomes lost. This is not a deliberate or careless act on behalf of the fishing community, simply a reality of a very harsh environment. The problem is that the lost gear continues to catch marine life. This has an undocumented effect on the local ecosystem, but is clearly undesirable in any sense. Animals are being needlessly killed.
Ghost Fishing was set up to try to remove this lost equipment from the marine environment. It is a challenging and difficult task. Ghost gear is typically entangled in reefs and wrecks, and its removal can be complicated. The technique involves attaching bags to the gear, which the diver fills with air, making them float. The divers then cut the gear free as close to the seabed as possible. Great care is needed to ensure that the diver does not become entangled with the equipment. This involves a high degree of teamwork, coordination and discipline.
FREE GO Diving Show Ticket Offer
Saturday, January 11th, 2020
Thanks to the guys at Scuba Diver Magazine we’ve a fantastic special offer for our customers.
Spend £50 at the National Diving & Activity Centre Dive Shop or on training from Scubaquest, between now and February 15th 2020, and you can claim a free ticket to GO Diving dive show.
GO Diving is a brand-new show – spearheaded by Scuba Diver Magazine and DeeperBlue.com, and implementing concepts and initiatives from the wider diving community – that is designed to be interesting and entertaining for existing divers while offering a world of possibilities to those keen to learn about all aspects of diving.
As an island nation, the UK has quality diving within a few hours commute of any household, and their goal is to get more people diving through education, inspiration, aspiration and participating!
• Listen to a talk from the legendary presenter Steve Backshall, Andy Torbet, Monty Halls, Miranda Krestovnikoff, Alex Mustard on the main stage
• See the latest gear from AP Diving, Apeks, Aqua Lung, Beuchat, Cressi, Finnsub, Fourth Element, Ocean Reef, Poseidon Diving Systems, Mares, Santi Diving Equipment, Scubapro, Shearwater, Suunto, Tusa, VSM Rebreathers, Waterproof, XDeep + MORE
• Talk training with PADI, SSI, RAID, SAA, NAUI
• Book a holiday with Scuba Travel, Dive Worldwide, Regal Dive, Aggressor Adventures, Diverse Travel, Great Escapes, Sportif
• Get information about destinations from the Bahamas, Malta, Honduras, Egypt, Grenada, Dominica, Belize tourism boards
• Try the 30m caving experience, or have a go on the new technical access to a dive site challenge (a.k.a the climbing wall)
Tickets also include FREE parking.
The GO Diving dive show takes place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Saturday 22nd and 23rd February.
*Terms and conditions apply, visit the Go Diving website to claim your tickets »
National Police Dive Exercise hosted at the National Diving and Activity Centre
Thursday, November 28th, 2019
Words by PC Finnegan
During September, Avon and Somerset Constabulary Underwater Search Unit hosted a National Police dive exercise at the National Diving and Activity Centre (NDAC). This was a great opportunity to work in partnership with other dive teams from around the country.
The exercise was attended by Underwater Search Units from Metropolitan Police, South Wales Police, Devon and Cornwall Police, Yorkshire and Humberside Police along with representatives from Northumbria Police, instructors from Police Scotland dive school, Health and Safety Executive and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DTSL).
The scenario was created to recover of bodies (mannequins), body parts and personal items placed around a variety of the many and diverse dive sites within the NDAC dive site. The exercise gave valuable learning for all involved and created new working partnerships, from the planning phase of the dive operation to the execution of the plans. There were also lectures at the site to Senior Investigating officers and Police Search Advisors around the roles of underwater search units along with demonstrations around new technology from DTSL.
It was an excellent sight to have 4 dive teams in the water at once, working together around multiple sites within the quarry. In the evening there was the obligatory social event, again hosted by the staff at NDAC incorporating dinner, a quiz, a well earnt beer and customary exchange of stories from the past year!
Our thanks go out to Darren and his team at NDAC for making this wonderful site available to us and assisting in the planning and implementation of an extremely successful exercise.
If you would like to host a training event or exercise at the National Diving & Activity Centre, please get in touch.
