Argonaut Divers'
History

Early Days (taken from the original club web site)

The Argonaut Divers, Ipswich diving club was originally formed in 1970 by three friends. Here is a brief history of the early years of the club based on an account from the very first club constitution. Some of the accounts are not consistent, so if you can correct any details then please get in touch - especially if you are Terry Burgess, Frank Tusada or Dave Tobin!

Terry Burgess started diving in the warm waters of the Med when he was stationed in Malta with the RAF. When he returned to the UK in 1962, he helped form the"Universal Divers" club with four other divers. "Universal Divers" was originally affiliated to the "British Spear Fishing Association".

In 1968, BSAC announced that CMAS was the driving force in spear fishing, and that only members of the controlling body in the UK (BSAC) would be allowed to enter competitions. After much discussion, Universal Divers affiliated to BSAC. However, some of the members became increasingly disillusioned with the way that spear fishing was being organised, and in 1970 three members - Terry Burgess, Frank Tusuda and Dave "Budgie" Tobin - decided to break away and form their own truly independent club specialising in "spear fishing and deep diving in search of prey". Argonaut Divers was born!

Terry Ambrose joined Universal Divers in 1969, and left in 1970 to form Argonaut Divers. Self-taught snorkelling. Trained on scuba by John Hillard, commercial diver. Speciality: spear fishing, lung diving and boat maintenance. BSAC 3rd Class.

Frank Tusada, from Hawaii, joined Universal Divers in 1968. NAUI certified instructor. Left Universal Divers in 1970 to form Argonaut Divers. Speciality: spear fishing, and deep diving.

Dave Tobin, RAF trained in Singapore. Joined BSAC in 1969, left after a short time then joined the Argonauts in 1970 in its first few weeks of existence. Speciality: lung diving, boat maintenance and mooring work etc.