Trip planning for Dummies!

Anyone in the club can plan a trip, it doesn't need to be a week long expedition to dive the wrecks at Truk lagoon (although if you want to organise one, put me on the list), most club trips are weekends in the UK and daytrips to local sites are also popular. If you've never organised a trip before this quick guide shows you how to do it!

    Is it Feasible?

  1. Decide where you want to go
  2. The Expedition Officer has loads of books, or you might get an idea from chatting to other divers or from a Dive magazine or something on TV - anywhere you think can think of! There are details of sites we dive frequently here.

  3. Decide when you want to go
  4. It's your trip, go when you want!

  5. Decide how you're going to dive the site
  6. Is it a shore dive or do you need to take a charter boat?

  7. How many people do you want to go?
  8. It's up to you.

  9. How many people are interested?
  10. Send preliminary email to the club indicating possible intention and asking for level of interest (not binding at this point), feedback or comment. There is an example email here which you can adapt if you want.

  11. How much will it cost?
  12. Send email to the committee presenting the provisional plan with costs and a request for approval by the committee. (click here for another example email - feel free to use as a template). There are tips on working out costs here, or talk to a committee member.

    Putting it together.

  13. Start collecting deposits!
  14. Send an 'official' email to the club with the approved plan, cost and invitation to register. The terms and conditions should be referenced at this point - there is another email example here.

  15. Start booking!
  16. Making it happen

  17. Start to organise transport etc.
  18. Send the final details.
  19. Once all the participants have registered, paid and the plans have been finalised, you should send an email like this to the participants.

  20. Organise kit hire.
  21. Enjoy your trip!
  22. After you get back

  23. Send out final bills
  24. Bask in the appreciation of your friends and the knowledge of a job well done.....
  25. Go to step 1.