The new rule was voted in by members following a motion put forward by Tameside Snorkel and Octopush Club. Of those who responded, 945 voted for the reduction, 504 against. The result was announced at the club's AGM in late May.
The club's National Diving Committee is preparing training guidelines for 12- to 14-year-olds, and is due to report to BSAC Council near the end of July.
Guidelines will then be issued to branches and the rule will come into force.
Commercial BSAC schools train those under 14 only to BSAC Ocean Diver, a starter level stipulating a maximum diving depth of 20m. The same is expected to apply within branches.
'We're simply bringing branches into line with what has been going on in schools for ages,' Clare Peddie, BSAC National Diving Officer, told Divernet.
'The move is a popular one. As far as I know it is unanimously supported within BSAC Council and it gives the choice to family members of branches who would like to introduce their children to diving at a younger age.'
Related links
BSAC website
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