European Underwater Federation

Purpose and scope

EUF seeks to be the peak consultative body within Europe in respect of all matters that concerns recreational diving activities, especially those concerning legislation, regulation and safety. By virtue of the knowledge and experience of its corporate members, it claims an area of ​​competency within recreational, cultural and sporting underwater activities in matters of the conduct of diving activities (including competitive activities), access to diving sites, training, all aspects of diving equipment, treatment of diving injuries, teaching and diving. It claims expertise in areas involving commercial or military diving. ^[2] [3]

Members

The EUF has a membership of a broad range of European training organizations, including profit-making and non-profit making bodies. It is incorporated in the UK as a Company Limited by Guarantee . The EUF estimates that its members represent over 3,000,000 divers, 60,000 diving instructors, 5,000 clubs and 2,500 diving schools. ^[2] [4]

Individual training organizations can apply for full voting membership of the EUF as profit distributing organizations and non-profit distributing organizations . Organizations That can not meet the definition of a training organization can apply Either for Associate Membership or Observer status. Two other members also exist: CMAS Europe , which represents the interests of national diving federations located in Europe and who are affiliated to the World Confederation of Underwater Activities ^[5] and RSTC Europe , which represents the interests of for-profit scuba training organizations operating in Europe. ^[6]The membership of the following organizations as of October 2012. ^{[7] [8] [9] [10] [11]}

History

The EUF first became active in its modern form in 1989, initially comprising a number of non-profit distributing European diver federations, then subsequently expanding to include the major profit distributing training agencies. ^[14]

The EUF and international standards

The EUF states that it actively supports the development of both European Norms (via CEN, the European Committee for Standardization ) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for recreational scuba diving. ^[15]

EUF Certification Body

In 2003, the EUF Certification Body was formed, a joint venture between the EUF and the Austrian Standards Institute (ON). The EUF Certification Body, (which is also known as EUF Certification International) is one of the most recognized and reliable methods of scuba diving training based on European and ISO standards. It audits the organizations and service providers, where appropriate, certifies them as complying with the relevant standards. ^[14]

As of January 2016, the following recreational activities have been certified by EUF International Certification since the year 2004: ^[16]

EUF Lavanchy Award

On 18 June 2016 the EUF General Assembly unanimously agreed to a new award in honor of EUF Honorary Vice President, Jack Lavanchy. The award will be presented to the beginning of each year to an individual who has the EUF feel has made a significant and sustained contribution towards the responsible development of the European diving community. ^[17]

Winners:

• 2017 – Deric Ellerby. ^[18]
• 2018 – Martin Parker. ^[18]

See also

• EUF (disambiguation)

References