DIVERS got hands on about safety with a rescue challenge on Portland.

Scuba divers took part in Rescue Challenge UK with an event on Portland thanks to Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) .

There were pool workshop sessions, a five-point assault course and lectures from experts to boost divers’ skills and confidence in rescue and safety.

Keynote speaker Mark Caney, vice president of training and customer services, said: “The rescue challenge is a chance for divers to hear the latest developments in rescue techniques and to try many of them out for themselves.

“Diving has a great safety record but we can never be complacent, as much of the thinking and planning will be concerned with preventing incidents as well as reacting properly if they should occur.

“I’m sure the event will encourage proper awareness in divers and reinforce the importance of them planning their dives with safety foremost in their minds.”

Guest speakers included representatives from the Diving Diseases Research Centre, Maritime Coastguard Agency, Royal Naval Lifeboat Institute and ScubaPro.

The pool sessions covered technical and recreational rescue techniques and egress skills.

A number of teams also took part in a Rescue Challenge UK competition which provided fun entertainment alongside the serious message of diver rescue.