Archive for the ‘Local Information’ Category
National Diving & Activity Centre to remain closed for 2020 season
Sunday, July 5th, 2020
Update August 2020
We’re pleased to announce that we will be reopening for Scuba Diving from Saturday 31st October.
Initially the centre will be open for Scuba Diving Only and will only be allowing visitors who have pre-booked their Scuba diving.
It’s been a difficult and very worrying year for everyone. COVID 19 has taken more lives and businesses than it should, but thanks to the Government, banks and services, we have managed to remain stable.
As we approach coming out of lockdown and some businesses reopening, we have considered our business reopening. However, we have decided to not open the National Diving & Activity Centre to the general public this year.
Cashless Payments at the National Diving & Activity Centre
Wednesday, May 6th, 2020
We will no longer be accepting cash payments and will only be accepting cashless payments throughout the NDAC.
Most of our activity bookings are taken via the website and the vast majority of onsite payments are cashless already.
We believe this will be convenient for our visitors, speed up transactions and reduce queueing at the site. Studies have shown that a cashless transaction takes on average 1-2 seconds process, compared to 6-7 seconds for cash.
The changeover to cashless payments will start from the date we re-open (following the Coronavirus lockdown).
Coronavirus
Sunday, March 22nd, 2020
Header image credit: kjpargeter – freepik
Last updated 5th July 2020
Sadly we will not be reopening the National Diving & Activity Centre to the general public during the rest of 2020.
Any purchased vouchers, or memberships will automatically be extended to the 2021 season when we will look forward to welcoming you all back.
FearFest-Evil will not be held this year, automatic refunds will be made to your PayPal accounts.
We thank you for all your support, and dedication over the years and look forward to welcoming you back next season to the National Diving & Activity Centre.
Darren & Kaye
Last updated 26th March 2020
Owing to the global coronavirus pandemic and based on the information available to us from the UK Government we believe that the significant risk that is posed to our staff, customers and the local community to which we serve requires us to take decisive action now.
We are a local business that operates predominately outdoors, which by nature is less risk than any other indoor facility.
However, we are mindful, that continuing to operate during this global crisis is not in the best interests of our customers and team at NDAC or to members of the public. It is therefore with a heavy heart we have decided to fully close operations to the public from 22nd March 2020 until further notice.
We would like to thank all our customers for supporting us over the years and we look forward to serving you again. We would also like to thank all our staff and dedicated work force for their commitment and understanding during these really difficult times, and would like to thank all the UK Government services for everything they are doing for our country.
Darren & Kaye
We will keep our Facebook page and website up-to-date with the latest information. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Scuba Diving Equipment Servicing
The National Diving & Activity Centre is currently closed for all equipment servicing.
All booked-in scuba equipment servicing will be completed when the current restrictions are lifted.
We will keep customers informed via our website and social media as further information is released.
We would like to say a huge thank you for your continued custom and understanding during these difficult times for our country. We look forward to seeing you all again in the near future.
If you have any servicing enquiries, please contact us via email on . We are working from home, but will advise the best we can.
Keep safe and look after each other.
Ashley & Nat
Refunds information
What happens to my booking/gift voucher?
We are confident that this crisis, although hugely challenging and difficult to bear for us all, is short term and we remain confident and hopeful that we will commence our outdoor activities and operations to you all again when it is safe to do so and in line with UK Government advice.
We will not be issuing refunds, but please rest assured, you remain very important to us and your booking with us continues to be valid and will merely be postponed until operations are resumed.
We look forward to welcoming you in the near future and to providing you with an extraordinary experience to remember please stay safe!
Useful external links
The Giant 3G Swing Closed Saturday 7th March due to Weather Conditions
Friday, March 6th, 2020
Due to adverse weather conditions at the National Diving and Activity Centre, we have taken the decision to close the Giant 3G Swing on Saturday 7th March 2020.
Seasonal Job Vacancies at the National Diving & Activity Centre
Monday, February 24th, 2020
With our busiest season fast approaching, we have a wide range of seasonal job vacancies at Chepstow’s National Diving & Activity Centre.
These job positions are all on a seasonal temporary contract running from March until September/October (depending on how busy the late season is).
If you think you have what it takes to join our team, please email an up to date CV to in the first instance. Please include the names of two references, one being your current or last employer.
Potential candidates will be invited to attend an interview and references will be required.
Current Vacancies
Supervisor required for View Cafe Bar.
Responsible for the day-to-day opening, closing, and smooth and effective running of the View Cafe Bar and kitchen.
Date Added 22/02/20
General Assistant – Seasonal Cleaning Staff
Seasonal Cleaners required for general centre cleaning, and house keeping duties for the onsite wigwam accommodation toilets, showers and laundry. Experience in cleaning is essential although in house training will be given. It would be an advantage to have a full driving licence and be physically fit and this can be a physically demanding role. The core days would be weekends and bank holidays 8-5pm although shifts would be required weekdays depending on bookings and demand.
Date Added 22/02/20
Seasonal General Assistants – View Cafe Bar
Seasonal General Assistants required to work at the View Cafe Bar, onsite at Chepstow’s National Diving & Activity Centre.
You would be required to work behind the bar, and as such will need to be 18 yrs or over, to work on the food servery and in the kitchen and during events. Core days of work would be Thur – Sun and bank holidays. With some mid week shifts being a combination of day and evening shifts. Experience of working with food and beverage would be an advantage as would having a food hygiene, although training will be given.
Seasonal General Assistants – NDAC Site
Seasonal General Assistants required to work in a variety of areas at the National Diving and Activity centre.
General Assistants for the National Diving & Activity Centre are required to assist with driving scuba divers to and from the water, assisting in the shop and general centre duties. Core days would be Fri, Sat and Sun, bank holidays and school holidays. A full clean driving licence is essential.
Seasonal Outdoor Activity Instructors – Wire Zip Slide & Giant 3G Swing
Seasonal outdoor activity instructors required for the National Diving & Activity Centre to work on The Wire Zip Slide and Giant 3G Swing.
You will need to be a qualified ropes course instructor to ERCA standards.
The Wire Zip Slide and Giant 3G Swing are open all year but we are seasonal and peak season is very busy. You will be required to work every weekend, bank holiday, and all term times which include weekdays and weekends.
Seasonal Outdoor Activity Instructors – Atlantis Aqua Park
Seasonal water assault course instructors are required for the Atlantis Aqua Park at Chepstow’s National Diving & Activity Centre. You will need to be a qualified water instructor with first aid.
The Atlantis Aqua Park runs from April until the end of September and is open every weekend, bank holiday, and term times including weekdays and weekends on a rota basis.
Gas Room & Shop Assistant
Our scuba divers think their air supply is pretty important, so
do we and we hope you do too!
If you know your Trimix from your Nitrox and you want to be part
of a customer focussed team then we want to hear from you.
We are currently looking for a shop and gas blending
assistant to join us at the National Diving & Activity Centre.
SUUNTO Dive Computers and Finnsub Torches at NDAC Night Dive
Thursday, February 20th, 2020
We’re pleased to announce that for our last Night Dive before the Summer season, SUUNTO Diving UK will be joining us with a selection of their fantastic Finnsub Torches & Dive Computers. (more…)
The Wire Zip Slide Closed Weekend of 29th February & 1st March 2020
Monday, February 10th, 2020
Due to predicted weather conditions at the National Diving and Activity Centre, we have taken the decision to close the Wire Zip Slide on Saturday 29th February and Sunday 1st March 2020.
Anyone with a booking for the day will be contacted by phone or email.
We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Scuba Night Dive March 2020
Thursday, February 6th, 2020
The popular NDAC Night Dives are back, join us on Saturday 14th March 2020.
The adventure, thrill and excitement of night diving can be yours on a NDAC Night Dive. If you have never been on a night dive before, you could consider joining on one of our PADI Night Diver Speciality Courses.
Suunto & Finnsub
We’re pleased to announce that SUUNTO Diving UK will be joining us with a selection of their fantastic Finnsub Torches & Dive Computers.
The EON Steel, EON Core and the newest member, the Suunto D5 will all be available for you to try at the NDAC Night Dive.
Special Offer – Dive For Half Price!
If you dive with us during the day prior to a Night Dive, we can offer you the Night Dive for half price.
(The Night Dive needs to be booked at the same time as the daytime entry when you arrive on site)
Half Price Wire Zip Slide & Giant 3G Swing during February half term week at the NDAC Chepstow
Monday, January 13th, 2020
50% Discount on Activities During Half-Term at the NDAC Chepstow
This February Half-Term we have some fantastic discounts on activities at the National Diving & Activity Centre.
For the midweek dates of the February School Half Term we are offering a 50% discount on The Wire Zip Slide and The Giant 3G Swing. This special offer runs from Monday 17th February until Friday 21st February 2020 (Excludes weekends, attractions open selected dates).
To take advantage of these offers please use the discount code HALFTERMFUN when booking online.
Ghost Fishing UK Winter Warmer 2020
Monday, January 13th, 2020
Join the Ghost Fishing UK team for a weekend of diving and socials at the National Diving & Activity Centre.
Included with your ticket:
• Saturday Social: Hog Roast & BBQ (Vegetarian options available)
• Guest Speakers, Q&A Forum
• Half Price Diving entry to NDAC
• Video screenings
• Bar, Band, raffle, auction, competitions and fundraisers
• ‘Try Ghost Fishing’ workshops – (24 spaces, terms apply)
Full details, terms and tickets available on the Ghost Fishing UK website here »
Ticket holders receive discounted diving entry at the gate. This is extra and payable on the day.
Please bring a copy of the email receipt with you (electronic version is fine).
Please note: Tickets are non refundable.
Date & Time
Sat 8th Feb 2020, 09:00 – Sun, 9th Feb 2020, 16:00
About Ghost Fishing
The problem of ghost fishing gear has reached public prominence over the past five years. It is a normal part of fishing that nets, shellfish traps and other equipment becomes lost. This is not a deliberate or careless act on behalf of the fishing community, simply a reality of a very harsh environment. The problem is that the lost gear continues to catch marine life. This has an undocumented effect on the local ecosystem, but is clearly undesirable in any sense. Animals are being needlessly killed.
Ghost Fishing was set up to try to remove this lost equipment from the marine environment. It is a challenging and difficult task. Ghost gear is typically entangled in reefs and wrecks, and its removal can be complicated. The technique involves attaching bags to the gear, which the diver fills with air, making them float. The divers then cut the gear free as close to the seabed as possible. Great care is needed to ensure that the diver does not become entangled with the equipment. This involves a high degree of teamwork, coordination and discipline.
