The heart of Club activity is a full and active meets programme, a copy of which is opposite. This guide aims to explain the mechanics of meets to aid the uninitiated. Meets are open to all Club members including civilians, and are classified as Service sport. As such there is no requirement to adhere to AT qualification regulations but you must climb at a grade appropriate to your experience with other Club members if you wish to be considered "on duty". If you want to attend a meet just fill in an application form and send it to the organizer, but please let them know if you are a novice or this is your first meet so we can ensure you are looked after; if you have any questions give them a call.

Travel (but not subsistence) at most meets is paid for by the Navy. A few days before the meet the organizer will send out a signal, this is why it is important to include your SMA (Signal Message Address) on the application form. Use this signal to request travel expenses using normal C30 paperwork from your budget holder. In shore establishments the appropriate budget holder is normally the PT staff, onboard ships the Ship's Office. Note that although DNPTS has authorised that travel expenses may be claimed, you must obtain your local budget holder's agreement in advance.

Novices are welcome at most meets. Some meets are marked "particularly suitable for novices" and at these there is a greater focus on looking after new members. If there are lots of novices we cannot promise you will spend every day climbing; we may take you scrambling or hill walking instead, but we will do our best to ensure you have a good time in the mountains and get to know other Club members.

A few meets, because of their serious nature, are marked "not suitable for novices". Unless an experienced Club member has offered to look after you for the whole meet, the minimum experience levels for these are:

• Lundy, Pembroke:Competent HS 4b leader and able to second VS 4c.
  
  
• CIC Hut: Competent in use of crampons and ice axe including arresting. Confident soloing grade 1 ground. Able to tie into a harness and belay.

Expeditions (Ski Mountaineering, Costa Blanca, ColScot) are arranged as Adventurous Training, to obtain funding and diplomatic clearance. AT regulations for leader/instructor ratios need to be followed and unfortunately civilian Club members cannot attend unless reservists. JSAM has its own strict rules for attendance; you require both rock leading and Scottish winter experience and once again civilians (unless reservists) cannot attend. You should contact the JSAM organiser for more advice.

The AGM and Annual Dinner takes place in Wales each October and is the highlight of the Club year. It provides an ideal opportunity for an expedition reunion or to catch up with old friends, but if you are coming on your own it is not recommended for a first meet.

There are 2 Sports (Indoor) Climbing Competitions. The RN/RM competition is open to all comers and has a novice category. The team for the Inter Service Championships is by selection only; if you are a strong indoor climber give the Sports Climbing rep a call if you want to be considered.

Equipment. Whatever your preferred activity in the mountains, bringing the appropriate equipment is very much your responsibility. For example: as a novice rock climber you will not be expected to have a lead rack or rope; however as a minimum you will need a helmet, harness and climbing shoes, which can often be drawn from local AT stores. If in doubt as to what equipment you need just contact the meet organiser for advice.

Friends in the Army and RAF who are members of their Service clubs are welcome at all RNRMMC meets, but if places are short priority will go to Club members.