Simon Campbell

Posted at 1327 hours on 09/02/09 | Posted in Diving

What makes a good NDO?

So, after nearly twelve months on Council, the opportunity has arisen for me to stand for National Diving Officer (NDO) of the mighty British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC). The question is, what makes a good NDO and am I the right man for the job?

I mentioned my thoughts to Angela, my incredibly supportive and long suffering wife. She did ask the poignant question: “What makes a good NDO?” Good point, so I sat down and thought about this and came up with a list of qualities and skills. First I started with the definition:

The National Diving Officer shall be the adviser to Council on all technical aspects of diving and shall be responsible for diving arrangements in connection with BSAC activities. He/she shall prepare diving regulations for approval and publication by Council in which shall be laid down the standards of training and experience and theoretical knowledge required for the purpose of BSAC diving examinations. He/she shall arrange for examinations to be held and certificates of qualification to be issued to those who attain the required standard in such examinations. He/she shall report to the Annual General Meeting on all matters which fall within his responsibilities and may be assisted in his work by such person or persons as Council may approve.

From reading this it’s pretty clear that one volunteer can’t manage all of the work. That’s why the NDO has the National Diving Committee, who are there to assist them dispense their duties! So, bearing this management role and the official definition in mind, I believe a National Diving Officer should:

• understand what the membership want from BSAC and then, most importantly, deliver
• be experienced in every aspect of the organisation, particularly how Council operates: interaction here is vital for the NDO to succeed
• dive regularly, using up to date techniques and equipment, leading expeditions and pushing boundaries
• have a clear understanding of the commercial pressures of the Club to ensure its future success
• be an articulate, enthusiastic and effective communicator across all areas of BSAC and the wider diving community.
• have the full family support and the time to devote to this demanding position
• consider all opinions but then make clear decisions
• most of all, be a real team player with the ability to listen, nurture, manage, motivate and inspire others to perform and achieve their potential.

Over the next few weeks I will be expanding upon these points and also outlining some of my ideas of how I plan to take the BSAC forward… Watch this space, or even better subscribe to my RSS feed where you can receive all the updates as if by magic!

Details of the British Sub Aqua Club 2009 elections for new Council members and the National Diving Officer can be found on the BSAC website.

Please take a look and when the ballot papers arrive, vote, it’s your BSAC!!!

5 comments

1. Simon Campbell on 13/02/09 at 1619 hours

   I have had one or two questions about how people vote.

   All voting papers and a copy of the candidate CV’s will be posted to all voting members with the April issue of DIVE magazine around the 10th March 2009.. Electronic voting is also possible using the information supplied in the magazine…

2. Mike Taylor on 14/02/09 at 0632 hours

   Hi Simon

   Good luck with this.  Given the dedication and desire to succeed in all things diving related, that I have witnessed in these last 12 months or so since we started working together on Triton Oceanic, I can think of no better person for the job.

   Cheers

   Mike

3. Simonski on 14/02/09 at 1007 hours

   Thank you for your support Mike…

4. Ollie French on 18/02/09 at 2223 hours

   Is this the position ‘The Mole’ had?

   Hope all goes well and I can pop over sometime and catch up with Family No.2!!!

   No.1. x

5. Simonski on 19/02/09 at 1156 hours

   Nope, Moley is a steering group leader…

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