Perth Sub-Aqua club was formed by a small group of enthusiasts in 1963. The first meeting was held in a flat in the New Row, Perth, with an attendance of six. Since then the Club has gone from strength to strength, maturing into one of the most respected in Britain.

In 1966 they joined the National body, the British Sub-Aqua Club, as Branch 218 (there are now 1800 branches!). In 1969 the Club’s Diving Officer was appointed National Coach for Scotland and Northern Ireland - before being made an Honorary Life Member of the British Sub-Aqua Club for his services to the sport.

Mainly through fund-raising efforts and the salvaging of their own 2000-tonne vessel the “SS Island”, a wreck in the Firth of Forth, the Club began to assemble a massive array of diving equipment, their own compressor for filling cylinders, six sets of diving equipment and a boat. Having established themselves, the Club then organised Conferences, from 1969 - 1978, on underwater activities. These were immensely popular, having attendances of over 200 people from all over Britain who were attracted by the versatility of the programmes. Indeed, Clive Cussler, the author of “Raise the Titanic” was the Club’s guest of honour along with David Bellamy at the 1976 Conference. Also in that year the British Sub-Aqua Club presented the Perth Sub-Aqua Club with the “Branch of the year Award” for outstanding achievement in promoting the sport.

The club kept abreast of development in the sport by hosting International Instruction Courses and examinations in Perth. Indeed the Club have had internationally qualified Instructors since the first exam held in Scotland in 1967. In 1972 Club members went on to attain Europe’s highest diving and instructional awards. The Club also had two members sitting on the British National Diving Council for two years.

On other levels the Club have played their part, assisting harbour and Police authorities in recovery and salvage work, the Hydro Board in cable laying in the River Tay, plus laying a water supply to the King James VI Golf Club in icy conditions. As members of the local Sports Council they have assisted in promoting the “Come and Try” events at the Perth Leisure Pool.