Argonaut Divers,
the costs, 2008

Medical requirements:

Diving can be a physically demanding sport, and it is the requirement of the Argonauts that every new member must have a Full Diving medical before diving in open water.

A ‘UK Sport Diver Medical Form’ should be included with your membership pack.  This form describes some of the more common medical problems which may cause problems for divers, or even disqualify them from diving altogether.

You will need to book an appointment for your medical with a GP with an interest in diving medicine or a suitably qualified hyperbaric specialist.  Fill in Section A on the front page of the form and take it with you.

Dr Simon Rudland is a GP at the Stowmarket Health Centre.  He is a qualified Royal Navy Ship’s Diving Officer and was Senior Medical officer on HMS Challenger (Saturation diving and seabed operations vessel).  He has also been Medical Officer on HMS Dolphin, the submarine escape establishment.  His secretary, Claire Piper can be contacted weekday mornings on 01473 217592 for bookings or the Health Centre number is 01449 776000.  A urine sample and completed medical form will be required.  The cost is £55.00.
 
Periodically, you will need to renew your medical certificate.  The certificate is valid for 5 years up to the age of 40,  3 years if you are between 40 and 50 years, and every year thereafter.  Note that the examining doctor can restrict the certificate to a shorter period if deemed necessary.  New medical forms can be obtained from the Club Secretary.

Following this, you may elect to follow the ‘Self certification’ Medical procedure.
You will be required to complete a full checklist sheet and sign your acknowledgement of compliance.
Self Certification forms are available from Club Secretary.

This self certification option is open to you under current SAA rules. But you are encouraged to have a Full Diving medical if you are unsure of any condition.

Membership of the SAA:

If you are training with Argonaut Divers, or you wish to use your SAA qualifications while diving, you need to maintain SAA membership. If you are a member of other SAA clubs you only need to pay SAA membership once, through Argonaut Divers or another club.

If you have other qualifications (e.g. PADI or BSAC) then you do not need to join the SAA, though you will need third party liability insurance to dive with the club.

We are trying to encourage members of Argonaut Divers to pay their subscriptions by standing order. This method of payment allows us to collect subscriptions regularly and efficiently, and allows members the peace of mind of knowing they will always be up to date!  This facility is available for UK residents only.If you have any questions about this, please address them to the treasurer.

Membership for Argonauts and SAA runs from January annually.   

New Members joining the SAA are required to purchase the New Student Starter Pack (£30) which includes a manual (£15), Buhlmann Dive Tables (£8) and Tool Book (£15).   These books are not compulsory if already qualified under another dive organisation such as PADI, CMAS or SSI, etc.  

Annual subscription rates are as follows:  

Club membership:

Annual subscription rates are as follows:

Reductions:

Club boat:

SCUBA equipment for training:

Equipment hire fees for 2007

All equipment is free to use, the club pays for and maintains the kit - hurrah

ALL members of the club are expected to have their own mask, fins and snorkel by the end of their first month’s training.  Please discuss these items with your instructor before purchasing them.

Charges for equipment have been stopped since AGM November 2007 except for stolen or damaged equipment.  Cylinders should be returned to the club fully charged (ie 180 bar or more).

Equipment available:

See the Equipment Officer, for Equipment requirements. Equipment and Air fills are available from:

Diveline, St. Johns Works, St. Johns Road, Ipswich, Tel 01473 715533
Or
Galaxsea Divers, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich Tel 01473 711818