News
Deptherapy awarded prestigious Trusted Charity Mark
Scuba Diving rehabilitation charity Deptherapy is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) Trusted Charity Mark. In an unprecedented award, Deptherapy is the first volunteer-managed and run charity ever to receive this Mark.
The award of the Trusted Charity Mark follows several months of rigorous and complex assessment in a process that is normally reserved for larger charities managed and operated by paid employees.
In order to receive the Mark, Deptherapy had to meet the criteria in eleven areas of the quality standard including Governance, Leadership and Management, Managing Money, and Working with Others.
The Assessor praised the “robust leadership” of Deptherapy’s close-knit Trustee Board, which “ensures that the charity is led with transparency and integrity.” He also said that the charity “has developed a very strong reputation as a world leader in adaptive scuba diving techniques and has developed clear and robust policies and procedures to ensure that the organisation is efficiently run and works to a very high standard.”
Daimon Haywood, Vice Chairman and Trustee of Deptherapy, said:
“Jim Lovell, the NASA astronaut said: “There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened. To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen.” We are a charity built on a team that makes things happen. We have received the Trusted Charity Mark through sheer hard work and the dedication of an amazing team of volunteers who change lives.”
Debra Lilley, who became President of Deptherapy in April 2019, said:
“When I was invited to be President of Deptherapy I first wanted to understand their governance; as a Chartered Director this is very important to me. Receiving the NCVO Trusted Charity Mark is official recognition of what I found: a charity run in a way others should absolutely aspire to match.”
The award of the Trusted Charity Mark comes just a month before the charity undertakes its largest expedition yet to the Red Sea with a team of 30 divers travelling to Roots in El Quseir to undertake Open Water Training and Continuing Education up to Adaptive Teaching & Divemaster level.
The team will be joined on this trip by four people from outside the charity who will be undertaking the Deptherapy Education Pros’ Course. Also joining the group are three British instructors, one from Egypt and two from Saudi Arabia, together with photographer Dmitry Knyazev.
On 28th May, Programme Member Tom Oates, accompanied by Deptherapy’s Chairman Richard Cullen, will deliver a presentation to the Board of the Royal Foundation’s Endeavour Fund. Tom and Richard will talk about Team Deptherapy’s commitment to ‘giving back’, with particular reference to the Protecting our Oceans project and how this is being further developed and enhanced.
The Deptherapy Board wishes to thank the Confederation of British Service Charities (COBSEO) for its support during the Trusted Charity Mark assessment process.
For more information about the work of Deptherapy and Deptherapy Education visit www.deptherapy.co.uk.
Blogs
BTM Travel: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Dive Adventures
Who We Are
BTM Travel is a boutique dive travel agency based in Munich, Germany, led by a passionate team of seasoned diving professionals.
- Marcel Wilpernig, our founder, has explored nearly every corner of the underwater world and brings over a decade of experience in the diving industry.
- Tim De Deygere, our product manager, made the bold leap from a successful law career to follow his true passion—diving.
- Simona Hlavova is the backbone of BTM Travel, ensuring smooth operations with her expertise in administration and sales.
While a significant portion of our clientele comes from Germany, our reach extends globally—from Bangladesh to California. BTM Travel is closely connected to Behind the Mask, an underwater videography network that inspires us to bring divers to the world’s most breathtaking ocean destinations.
What We Do
BTM Travel specializes in group diving adventures and tailored big animal experiences:
- Group Travel: We organize intimate trips to premier dive spots, led by expert photographers or wildlife guides for an unforgettable adventure. The vibe? Laid-back and adrenaline-filled.
- Tailor-Made Trips: For seasoned divers, we craft bespoke itineraries, offering insider tips on where to go, when to go, and what to expect. Our expertise ensures realistic expectations and unforgettable experiences.
Our focus lies on big animal diving, delivering the thrill of encounters with marine giants. While we love macro and reef diving, we know our true strength lies in providing high-octane experiences for adventurers.
What Makes Us Different
We take a fresh look at traditional diving industry practices, challenging outdated habits to better serve modern-day customers.
- Authenticity First: We only recommend destinations we trust, avoiding overselling places that don’t offer great value or quality.
- Heartfelt Advice: Our honest approach resonates with clients, building lasting relationships and unforgettable journeys.
Our Mission
Helping divers explore the places we love is not just our job—it’s our passion. Our goal is to remain small, authentic, and dedicated to delivering exceptional dive travel experiences.
Find Out More
For more information about itineraries, destinations, and bespoke dive adventures, contact BTM Travel:
Email: info@behind-the-mask.com
Call: +49 (0) 176 55771225
Website: www.behind-the-mask.com
News
Dive into Adventure: Limited Space Available for January Socorro Liveaboard Trip with Oyster Diving
Socorro Giant Mantas, Sharks and Dolphins – 8-16th January 2025
Oyster Diving is offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary dive destinations – Socorro Island. With only one male space left for this January’s liveaboard adventure, divers are invited to join an exclusive trip to explore the waters of Socorro, renowned for its remarkable marine life and incredible dive experiences.
Unmatched Diving in Socorro
Socorro is home to a unique population of giant oceanic mantas that actively seek interaction with divers and snorkelers, making it one of the best places in the world to encounter these majestic creatures. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the waters surrounding Socorro are also teeming with marine life, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks, over 10 other species of sharks, playful bottlenose dolphins that love to interact with divers, large schools of pelagic fish, and, during the season, humpback whales.
Luxury Aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
Diving in such an extraordinary location is made even more special by the Nautilus Belle Amie. Launched in 2015, this modern, spacious liveaboard yacht is designed with divers in mind, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout the trip. The boat offers various suite options, including twin rooms and superior double suites, all with the ambiance of a boutique hotel. Divers will spend 8 days aboard the Belle Amie, with all meals, guided dives, and soft drinks included.
Pricing and Availability
This exclusive Socorro liveaboard trip is available for the following prices:
- Twin Room (2 people sharing a Stateroom): £3360 per person
- Superior Double Suite (2 people sharing): £3860 per person
Both prices include Socorro Island fees. A port fee of $35 is payable upon arrival.
Additional Costs:
- Return economy flights: Approx. £1,000 – £1,300 per person (prices confirmed prior to booking)
- One night hotel B&B accommodation before the liveaboard: Approx. £100 per person
Book Now
With only one spot left, this opportunity to explore Socorro’s spectacular underwater world is sure to fill up fast. Interested divers are encouraged to get in touch with Oyster Diving Holidays to secure their place today.
For more information and bookings, please contact:
Oyster Diving Holidays
Phone: 0800 699 0243
Email: info@oysterdiving.com
Don’t miss your chance to dive with mantas, sharks, dolphins, and humpbacks in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments!
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