SUB AQUA・SCIENTIA EST (scientia=science)
To all groups and individuals to whom this document is presented, Sir Conrad Marshall John Fisher Swan, Kniqht Commander of the royal Victorian Order Garter Principal King of Arms welcome you! Whereas Deric Ellerby, gentleman, has explained to The Most Noble Miles Francis Stapleton, Duke of Norfolk, Knight of the Most Excellent Noble Order of the Garter, Knight cross Gross of the Royal Victorian Order, Companion of the Most Honorable order of the Bath, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, to whom the Decoration of the Military Cross Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England has been conferred, that in the year 1953 a number of persons interested in the promotion of underwater exploration science, and sport and safety in such activities formed and established The British Sub-Aqua Club, which on the 21st day of January 1979 was constituted a Company Limited by guarantee under the Companies Act 1948-1976, and given the name of the British Sub-Aqua Club.
The objects of which the Club is established are the promotion of underwater sport exploration science and related studies to promote safety in these activities, and by cooperation with other organizations with related objectives to provide the widest range of knowledge and experience therein, and by setting and maintaining the highest standards to be recognized as the governing body for all such amateur activities.
Said, Club, having among its powers the undertaking and execution of any trusts which may be lawfully undertaken by the British Sub-Aqua Club and may be conducive to the attainment of its objectives, appoints certain members of the Club who may encourage further participation by amateur divers in scientific and exploratory projects and expedition as Trustees of the British Sub-Aqua Jubilee Trust. The same being a registered charity which has among its objectives the conservation of the underwater world and all forms of life therein, and the provision of facilities for education and training in all the aspects of diving research and living underwater.
The management of the affairs of the British Sub-Aqua Club is vested in a Council comprised of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and National Diving officer, and not less than nine nor more than fifteen other persons duly elected thereto, with certain other people appointed assigned as provided for by the Articles of Association.
The Council of the British Sub-Aqua Club wishes the establishment and constitution of an Armorial Ensigns and His Grace’s Memorial under lawful authority. Therefore, the Chairman, on behalf of the Council, has requested His Grace’s Warrant to the Garter Principal King of Arms that an Arms and Crest be granted and assigned. And in the same Patent, the Supporters and Device or Badge deemed suitable are to be borne and used by the British Sub-Aqua Club on its common seal or otherwise, all being in accordance with the practice and Laws of Arms.
Forasmuch as the Earl Marshal warranted by his signature and seal bearing the date 27th day of November 1991, I have been authorized and directed to grant and assign the Arms and Crest, and in the same Patent the Supporters and Device or Badge accordingly.
Let it therefore be known that I, the Garter in pursuance of His Grace’s Warrant, and by virtue of the patent letters of my office, granted to Me by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, do by this document, grant and assign unto the British Sub-Aqua Club the following Arms; that is to say: each chevron, Argent(silver in color) and Azure(sky blue), in chief, two blue Dolphins diving downwards, and issuant in the base, the head and shoulders of a male figure representing Neptune proper, bearded crowned with an Eastern Crown. Against his left shoulder mantled the head of a gold trident. For the Crest, upon a helm with a silver and blue Wreath: between two torches, each inclining outward, or an inflamed Diver Bird with a gold-colored mantle representing seaweed.
And by the Authority previously mentioned, I the Garter, do further grant and assign the following Supporters: On the dexter (right) side a sea lion, and the sinister (left) side a Sea Unicorn, both regardant (looking back over the shoulder, or each gorged (pierced) with a silver Cornet trident. Each with its piscine(fish-like) parts blue, their spots silver and tall fins gold. The Compartments are two rocky headlands with sandy beaches at between them a sea of five blue and silver waves. Scattered on each headland is a variety of shells. And on the right headland, coins, a plate and a ship’s cannon; on the left headland coins and an amphora. All are more plainly depicted within the margins of this paper and the following device or badge: that is, Set within and surrounded by fronds of Seaweed (Fucusserratus), or the head and shoulders of a male figure representing Neptune bearded, crined and crowned with an Eastern crown or against his blue mantled left shoulder the head of a gold trident. As more plainly depicted herein, the whole is to be borne and used by the British Sub-Aqua Club on its Common Seal or otherwise, fully in accordance with the Laws of Arms.
In witness whereof, I the said Garter have affixed to this document my name and seal of my office, this 15th day of November, in the forty-third year of the reign of our sovereign Lady Elizabeth the Second, by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of Her other realms and territories, Queen Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, in the year of our lord 1994.
Conrad Swan, Garter.