The Irish Underwater Council (CFT) 2018 AGM and Dive Show took place in Limerick last weekend, which was hosted by the local dive clubs of Aughinish and Limerick SAC’s.
The Dive Show commenced on Saturday morning quietly enough but the stands were much busier on Sunday and it appeared as if business was brisk throughout the day.
The Dive Officer/Training Officer meeting was well attended by club representatives, while Sheephaven SAC club Chairman John Joe Rowland led the Search and Recovery Coordinators meeting on behalf of CFT.
The attendees and delegates at the Irish Underwater Council (CFT) AGM, which was the 56th meeting of the organisation, were informed by Linda Monaghan CFT Officer Manager that we are aspiring to have over 2000 members in CFT and process 700 certificates for various diving and snorkelling qualifications.
Emerging challenges to the organisation included the new Child Protection legislation and General Data Protection Act, both of which will have to be incorporated into the 81 clubs affiliated to the Irish Underwater Council over the coming year.
CFT is itself affiliated internationally to CMAS and a presentation on changes within its organisational structure was also given at the AGM.
Most significant of these changes is the attempt to re-join CMAS with BSAC after their split some years ago, the reason for this return to joint activities is due to the commercialisation of CMAS currently underway.
The other significant news from CMAS is their attempt to have Free Diving included as an Olympic Sport in time for the Paris Olympics. Apparently Free Diving was in the original Paris Olympics and it would be considered timely to have it back by the time the Olympics returned to Paris in 2024.
At the end of the presentations and Reports from the outgoing Officers, in accordance with the CFT rules, there were elections for a number of posts, namely Vice President, National Diver Officer, PRO, Treasurer and Scientific Officer and these positions were filled by Ciaran Kissane, Ray Yeates, Dearn Mc Clintock (in a temporary capacity) and Aine Purcell respectively.
CFT President Jean Kellegher Secretary Sinead Burke, Snorkelling Officer Bernie Larkin, Children’s Officer Fidelma Carroll, Publication’s Officer Martin Baillie Johnston remained in their posts after one year of a two year appointment.
Finally CFT President thanked outgoing Officers, Dermot Moynihan, Karen Furlong and Claire Kavanagh on behalf of the organisations’ members for their commitment and hard work over their term in office.
