Southern Ocean Diving Society Principles
The following are the foundation principles that we have chosen to base our society on. The board of the Southern Ocean Diving Society pledge to uphold these values in every decision taken in the interests of the society. Any member looking to join SODS will also uphold these values whilst their membership is valid.
1. Go Diving!
What is the point of a diving club that doesn’t dive? For SODS, diving’s what it’s all about! As a club we will organise at least one trip per month, to either local sites or further afield. These may take the form of shore dives, river or lake dives or we may choose to charter a boat for a coastal or ocean dive. Any member is welcome to attend these dives and all levels will be catered to. This is the basic foundation of our club and the single most important thing to us!
2. Become better divers.
SODS recognise that no one diver is all knowing and unable to learn new skills (However much we may like to think we are!). Through our network of existing dive professionals (Instructors, Divemasters, Charter / Shop Owners etc) and our experienced members we will strive to assist all of our members learn new skills to help them develop after their OW course. Through mentoring and skills sessions we look to create safer, more confident divers who continue to participate in our sport.
3. Socialise!
SODS are a friendly bunch and we actually enjoy hanging out with each other and talking about all things...including diving! We will have at least one social event per month for our members to attend, including organising dinners, club talks from members or guests or just about anything else that gives us the excuse to talk about diving and have a beer whilst doing it! As active SODS we would hope that you would be able to join us during at least one of these events a year, non-diving partners are very welcome!
A regular newsletter will be emailed to you keeping you abreast of any important SODS news and developments.
4. Getting the best deal
Surely something we all want? SODS will look to leverage our buying power with local shops and Dive Operations to always get the best deals for our members. This could take the form of discounts at Charter Operators or getting enough members together for a particular item of kit and negotiating a bulk discount rate. Our aim is for our members to get the best value, and fairest price in the market. Let’s use our money for what it really needs to be used for...Going Diving!
The club will also work towards acquiring some things to help us dive more often and make it easier for us all to do so, such as a club boat, club equipment, compressor etc. These are future plans and require a certain amount of funding, fundraising and upkeep costs which are being investigated currently. They are definite goals for the club. Any major purchase would be given full consideration and planning by the board before acquisition.
Joining SODS will have an annual fee of $36. What will you get for this?
How about the following for starters...
- Access to a network of passionate, experienced and friendly divers
- Discounts at certain charter operators in NZ and the benefit of group buy discounts for equipment or trips
- A regular email newsletter
- The benefits of our club mentor system for new divers – helping you to get basic skills practiced and improved
- A bespoke SODS website for all the most up to the minute information relevant to you as a SODS member.
As we grow in numbers and reputation we will look to always extend our member benefits.
Full details of all fees and terms and conditions to the club can be found in the club rules posted in this forum.
So, does this sound like something you would like to be involved in? If so, contact us at
info@sods.co.nz or fill in the easy membership enquiry form on the website
www.sods.co.nz . We look forward to hearing from you and getting out diving with you!
For any of you who have already signed up by the contact form now is the time to formally join SODS...by paying your first years subs!
To make payment you can either complete a bank transfer to our offical accounts - a/c number is 03-1527-0023334-00 or send a cheque, payable to Southern Ocean Diving Society to me at
Alex Lawson
92 Arthur Street
Onehunga
Auckland
Please don't send cash by post.
For everyone already on these forums you have until October 31st 2007 to make your first years payment before we start to restrict access to all the forums to paying members only.
Our financial year will be November 1 - October 31 and subs will be paid at the start of each year.
Alternatively, you can PM myself, Packhorse, Azza or Lunababe for more information regarding any of the points above.
We look forward to welcoming you.
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