How to Join Sunstar Sub Aqua

New members are always welcome, whether they are already qualified divers or new to diving.

We meet on Monday evening at 8.30pm in Fore Street pool, Ipswich and then move to the Lord Nelson pub at 10pm.

Try a Dive

Try-Dive evenings are held at various times throughout the year for newcomers to learn more about the sport and have a go with SCUBA equipment in the pool. If you decide to take up diving we add your name to our waiting list for the next training course. See below for contact details.

Training with Sunstar

We offer a comprehensive BSAC training scheme which runs for 12 consecutive weeks on a Monday evening and courses usually start in January September. A lecture on SCUBA diving and safety at 7.30pm is followed by a pool session from 8.30pm to 10pm and then a de-brief and a friendly chat in the Lord Nelson pub beside the pool.

The full cost for trainees is £242 and this includes one years membership of BSAC and Sunstar, regular magazines, all training manuals, pool entry fees and hire of scuba equipment (subsequent membership renewal costs around £153 a year).

The requirements for a medical examination have recently been relaxed and you can now complete a self-certification form if you are in good health. Alternatively we can put you in touch with local doctors who specialise in diving medicals or you can ask your own GP to give you a medical using a BSAC form.

You will also need to supply your own basic equipment.

Equipment

To commence pool training you will need to supply your own basic equipment comprising mask (typically £30), snorkel (£6) and pool fins (£20). You can wear contact lenses with a mask although most people prefer to get prescription lenses fitted which typically cost an extra £30. All of this equipment (including prescription lenses) are available from Diveline near the bottom of St John's Road, Ipswich (telephone 715533) or Galaxsea in Felisstowe Road, Ipswich (telephone 01473 711818). Alternatively you may be able to buy it second-hand. It is a good idea to put your name on all of your equipment with a waterproof marker pen, so you can identify it.

The club will provide all other equipment during your training. When you have completed your pool training you will need to buy your own suit, which can cost anything from £200 for a wet suit to £600 for a good dry suit. Other equipment can be borrowed from the club, free of charge, although most people prefer to provide their own eventually. A cylinder is typically £120, a demand valve £150-£300 and a buoyancy compensator (stab jacket) another £180-£300. Other items include a weight belt (around £25) and an instrument console (£70). It can be expensive, although much can be bought second-hand if you look around (one club member bought the whole lot for £150!). The training course covers the types of equipment available and the pros and cons. Experienced members of the club are available to advise on equipment and bargains can often be had on one of the club's minibus trips to a dive show in London or Birmingham (see the club diary for dates of the next exhibition.

Joining as a Qualified Diver

If you are already a qualified BSAC diver then you can join by simply paying the annual membership fee of around £153 a year. This includes your BSAC fee, so if you have already joined BSAC this year the membership cost will be reduced accordingly.

If you are qualified with another training organisation then we may ask that you undergo some extra tests or training depending on your qualification.

Who to Contact

If you would like to try a dive in the pool or ask about training please email our training officer at train@sunstar.org.uk

If you would like to join the club please telephone David Parkinson on Ipswich (01473) 253430 or Email info@sunstar.org.uk
Alternatively come along and say hello on a Monday evening in Fore Street pool, but be sure to talk to one of us as it can get quite busy and we'd hate to miss you.