DATELINE: 27th June 2002

BSAC COMPLACENCY THWARTS 12-YEAR-OLD CLUB DIVERS
The British Sub Aqua Club has failed to change the rule that prevents 12-year-old divers learning with a BSAC branch, despite a majority of votes in favour.
PADI will teach children at 10, and SSI will take 8-year-olds, BSAC schools are allowed to train 12-year-old divers, but the lower age limit for BSAC branches has stayed at 14.
The campaign to lower the age limit to 12 has been running for a number of years, and at this year's BSAC annual general meeting it was the only motion being considered. Despite 66% of votes being cast in favour of the change, BSAC maintain that a 75% majority is needed because the age limit is part of the organisation's constitution.
According to Alison Boler who is campaigning for the age limit to be lowered, this is not necessarily a barrier to change. BSAC Council could create a new class of membership for 12-year-olds if they wished. "When we have discussed this issue with BSAC members the sentiments they express are totally in favour of reducing the age limit to 12 years, but when it comes to the voting process, apathy or complacency set in," she told Divernet.
The issue is unlikely to go away, as campaigners are determined to keep up the pressure until they achieve either a 75% majority or persuade BSAC Council to act.
"I'll be back!" promised Alison Boler.
The campaign website is here..

---