The HSE and Dive Clubs

[PeteM]

Originally Posted by Chardy

The club makes profit on every club trip and then purchases kit which it hires out, it is a reasonably cash rich club, thanks for the info

Sounds very close to being a business which will make HSE and the taxman and possibly the VAT man take notice. Be warned the one you don't want to take notice is the VAT man, thier powers are frightening

[PeteM]

Originally Posted by Cheaperhols

Thanks Guys

So there are no HSE rules covering dive clubs, no code of practice regarding dive boats. only the Skippers are Covered under HSE regulations.

If the club charges more for non members than members on the same boat trip does that make it a charter for Profit or are you allowed to over charge by Say £100 to cover club expenses ect.

So there are no HSE RULES that say Dive marshalls must go in last ect

Kevin

HSE = Health and Safety Executive, statutory duty to administer the Health and Safety at <B>Work</B> Acts.

A club is not at work so the HSE can not get involved. However if a group of people are acting commercially it does not matter that they call themselves a club they will be considered a business.

Re the £100 profit - can you substantiate that this only covers expenses for the trip? If not you are stuffed.

Why should the dive marshall go in last? Last one in is generally last out, so if you have not arranged cover whilst they are diving you have no marshall whilst they are under, if you feel you need a marshall on the boat then surely you need one all the time?

[Adrian Kelland]

Originally Posted by Chardy

The club makes profit on every club trip and then purchases kit which it hires out, it is a reasonably cash rich club, thanks for the info

Sounds very commercial to me. After all, this is no different from the behaviour of a shop. That's my take on it anyway.

[Cheaperhols]

The info i needed was, are there any codes of practice that come from the HSE, that are sent out by the HSE for dive clubs.

[Andy the Coastie]

Originally Posted by Chardy

What if the club makes money ?

For example, two boats is £300 per boat per day and the club charges £36 and puts 11 divers on for 2 days and makes £120 per boat ? Would that be different

Paul

Thats classed as an COMMERCIAL OPERATION, and not far off the price of an average charter vessel.

[PeteM]

Originally Posted by Cheaperhols

The info i needed was, are there any codes of practice that come from the HSE, that are sent out by the HSE for dive clubs.

No but...

As a dive club you can ask for the HSE diving at work DVD and they will send it to you for reference

As a dive club HSE have no involvement

[Andy the Coastie]

1) Are you planning this 2 boat trip under a dive club ( BSAC,SAA ) or a club under the Cheaperholidays banner ?

2) Why the need for a dive marshall ?

3) E:Mail me if you want a copy of the Code of Practice that covers charter boats .

Andy

[Cheaperhols]

Thanks Pete
I just need the info to prove a point, as i keep getting, on hse advise ect ect

Kevin

I think the point here is can a club charge more than direct costs for diving trips on hardboats?
The answer AFAIK is a qualified yes, however the extra money over and above the direct costs (ie the boat cost) has to be only for reasonable expenses incurred and you must be able to justify same.
A few quid for phone calls or little bit of fuel for any running about organisisng is acceptable but they must be "reasonable"
This has always been my take on the issue anyway and to save any arguments I never took one penny over the actual expenses for the boat/ accom etc and nothing ever for my expenses organising. It twas easier that way and saved any argument about the issue.

[Andy the Coastie]

Originally Posted by RubberBoy

I never took one penny over the actual expenses for the boat/ accom etc and nothing ever for my expenses organising. It twas easier that way and saved any argument about the issue.

You mean you did it , for JOB satisfaction ?


Andy