On Sunday the 9th of March, the Diver Emergency Responder course will be run in Lough Ree SAC. The course is been organized and run by Dolphin SAC. There are limited spaces available so please contact your Training Officer Ger Loughnane to ensure that you are included.
This course is the new version of the Diver Medic course and includes AED training.
Regards
Ger C
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
CFT Medicals update
Medical Commission Report January 2008
Introduction
CFT has had a well functioning medical assessment system for many years. Why change it in 2008? The reasons include:
There is increasing evidence and experience in other diving organisations from which we can learn.
It is important that our medical assessment process is linked to health standards that reflect international best practise.
While diving in Ireland is safely enjoyed by thousands of divers, we have sad experience of deaths and other serous incidents some of which may have been influenced by underlying health problems.
At the November 2007 CFT Delegate Meeting in Enniscrone, there was agreement that a new medical assessment system would be implemented. The main objectives of the changes are to ensure that:
CFT divers meet a minimum standard of fitness. This may well be as good a measure of health status as some of the more traditional medical checks.
The expense and administrative difficulties created by the medical assessment system are minimised and that we focus on those activities that are most likely to be beneficial.
That a robust system of regular reviews is put in place that includes self-assessment questionnaires, medical examinations and specialist reviews as required.
A transparent system of medical standards is available to divers and doctors alike.
All of us, as responsible divers, take full responsibility for ensuring that we are fit and well enough to dive safely.
The medical assessment system from 2008
The key parts of the medical assessment will now include:
Fitness test
This will be taken by every active diver every year. The test may be done in the pool (swimsuit) or at sea (wetsuit, fins and mask). It will require a swim of 200m and either a length underwater (pool) or a duck dive to 3m (sea). The test will be organised by the club Diving Officer or his/her nominee and the result (pass or fail) will be reported to Head Office. A more detailed outline of the test will be circulated within the coming months.
Self-assessment questionnaire
This will be completed by every diver annually. The questionnaire will be confidential and returned directly to the Chair of the CFT Medical Commission, a Registered Medical Practitioner. The only information forwarded to CFT Head Office will be a statement from the Medical Commission that a diver is cleared to dive or is not cleared to dive.
The questionnaire will ask about familiar health risks, about the date of your last medical and ask for permission for any issues that arise to be clarified with your doctor.
It is important to stress that the ‘wrong’ answer to a question does not immediately exclude you from diving. Many such issues may simply require clarification with you and/or your doctor. It is essential that all of us complete these forms fully and honestly, if diving safety is to be ensured.
Medical Assessment
An assessment by your own doctor will be required when you join CFT, when you reach age 35 and three yearly until age 55. After age 55, the assessments will be carried out annually. Chest X-rays, ECGs and other investigations will be at the discretion of the examining doctor. The main focus of these assessments will be on the important general risk factors such as heart, lung or neurological diseases or medicines that may create risks. When specific diving related issues are identified, they may require further specialist assessment.
Conclusion
Implementing the changes
The 2007 AGM has approved these changes. During 2008, CFT divers will be asked to comply with the fitness tests and self-assessment questionnaires; the frequency of assessments by your doctor will change in 2008 and the health standards will be implemented. From 2009, it is likely that CFT will require compliance with all of these procedures for any applicant to hold active diver status with the organisation.
In summary
From 2008, CFT divers will be asked to complete a fitness test and confidential medical assessment each year together with a medical assessment by their own GP which will be less frequent than in the past. Easily accessible health standards will provide benchmarks against which divers and doctors can assess the potential effects of health problems on their suitability to dive.
The full report is available in the Winter / Spring 2008 issue of SubSea
Regards
Cian
Introduction
CFT has had a well functioning medical assessment system for many years. Why change it in 2008? The reasons include:
There is increasing evidence and experience in other diving organisations from which we can learn.
It is important that our medical assessment process is linked to health standards that reflect international best practise.
While diving in Ireland is safely enjoyed by thousands of divers, we have sad experience of deaths and other serous incidents some of which may have been influenced by underlying health problems.
At the November 2007 CFT Delegate Meeting in Enniscrone, there was agreement that a new medical assessment system would be implemented. The main objectives of the changes are to ensure that:
CFT divers meet a minimum standard of fitness. This may well be as good a measure of health status as some of the more traditional medical checks.
The expense and administrative difficulties created by the medical assessment system are minimised and that we focus on those activities that are most likely to be beneficial.
That a robust system of regular reviews is put in place that includes self-assessment questionnaires, medical examinations and specialist reviews as required.
A transparent system of medical standards is available to divers and doctors alike.
All of us, as responsible divers, take full responsibility for ensuring that we are fit and well enough to dive safely.
The medical assessment system from 2008
The key parts of the medical assessment will now include:
Fitness test
This will be taken by every active diver every year. The test may be done in the pool (swimsuit) or at sea (wetsuit, fins and mask). It will require a swim of 200m and either a length underwater (pool) or a duck dive to 3m (sea). The test will be organised by the club Diving Officer or his/her nominee and the result (pass or fail) will be reported to Head Office. A more detailed outline of the test will be circulated within the coming months.
Self-assessment questionnaire
This will be completed by every diver annually. The questionnaire will be confidential and returned directly to the Chair of the CFT Medical Commission, a Registered Medical Practitioner. The only information forwarded to CFT Head Office will be a statement from the Medical Commission that a diver is cleared to dive or is not cleared to dive.
The questionnaire will ask about familiar health risks, about the date of your last medical and ask for permission for any issues that arise to be clarified with your doctor.
It is important to stress that the ‘wrong’ answer to a question does not immediately exclude you from diving. Many such issues may simply require clarification with you and/or your doctor. It is essential that all of us complete these forms fully and honestly, if diving safety is to be ensured.
Medical Assessment
An assessment by your own doctor will be required when you join CFT, when you reach age 35 and three yearly until age 55. After age 55, the assessments will be carried out annually. Chest X-rays, ECGs and other investigations will be at the discretion of the examining doctor. The main focus of these assessments will be on the important general risk factors such as heart, lung or neurological diseases or medicines that may create risks. When specific diving related issues are identified, they may require further specialist assessment.
Conclusion
Implementing the changes
The 2007 AGM has approved these changes. During 2008, CFT divers will be asked to comply with the fitness tests and self-assessment questionnaires; the frequency of assessments by your doctor will change in 2008 and the health standards will be implemented. From 2009, it is likely that CFT will require compliance with all of these procedures for any applicant to hold active diver status with the organisation.
In summary
From 2008, CFT divers will be asked to complete a fitness test and confidential medical assessment each year together with a medical assessment by their own GP which will be less frequent than in the past. Easily accessible health standards will provide benchmarks against which divers and doctors can assess the potential effects of health problems on their suitability to dive.
The full report is available in the Winter / Spring 2008 issue of SubSea
Regards
Cian
Friday, February 08, 2008
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Newsletter
Newsletter
January to February 2008
Regional Diving Officer
The Clubs treasurer, and former Diving Officer, Ger Craven has recently been appointed by CFT to the position of Regional Diving Officer for the Midlands Region. Ger’s appointment to this prestigious position is testimony to his overall expertise and the many year’s dedicated service that he given to promoting diving in Athlone Sub Aqua Club and the wider Midlands region. The club wish to congratulate Ger on his appointment as Regional Diving Officer for the Midlands Region and wish him every success in the role.
Subscriptions
Member’s subscriptions are now overdue since 1st January 2008. If you have not yet fully paid your subscription fee then you are not covered to dive, use any club equipment or take any part in training in the pool. The following subscription fee rates apply for 2008:
Member Type and Subscription Fee
Adult Diver €230
Student Diver €150
Senior Snorkeler €100
Junior Snorkeler €70
Associate Member €25
Family membership will be adjusted accordingly.
Members choosing to pay their fees before 31st March 2008 will have to pay the above subscription rates only. If however you pay your subscription fee after the 31st of March 2008 you will be obliged to pay an additional late fee of €50. This late fee is reduced to €25 for student divers.
It is not the intention of the club to generate additional funding through imposing this late fee. Its purpose is to encourage members to pay subscriptions early in order to improve the clubs overall cash flow situation.
Medicals
CFT are coming down hard on medicals. No member will be registered until head office has been given their medical date and date of birth. So if you are due a medical you’ll need to get it done before you can be registered. The club’s DO will be contacting divers whose medical is out of date according to the clubs file.
Dive Fees
It was decided at the AGM in November 2007 to revise the system by which divers pay for their dives. The €10 ‘pay as you dive’ fee is no longer an option. Instead any adult member wishing to dive must pay a dive fee of €100. This fee will cover all your dives for the season. The fee must be paid before you commence diving for the season. This fee will not apply to student divers and divers under 18 years of age. Student divers and divers under 18 years of age will continue to dive for free.
Clubhouse Development
Installation of the clubs new gas heating system and additional shower units is now complete. The club, over the next few weeks, intends to refurbish its lecture and meeting rooms and office facilities. A clean up of the clubhouse was held recently. Thanks to Jim Campbell who organised this.
Fundraising
Just under 4,000 Euros was raised from fund raising activities carried out by the club
Golden Island Shopping Centre Collection (24th November 2007)
Bag Packing, Dunnes Stores, Montree (29th Nov to 1st Dec 2007)
The club has also recently received a €2,000 grant from Westmeath Sports Partnership and a €800 contribution from the Court Poor Box
Club Social Night
A New Year Party was held on Saturday 12th January 2008 in Gertie Brownes. This event, which was organised by Geraldine Fogarty, was well attended by members and their partners and friends and supporters of Athlone Sub Aqua Club. An enjoyable night was had by all.
Operational Plan
The Committee recently approved an operational plan which sets out its objectives for the coming year. The committee will monitor progress against these objectives on an on-going basis. A copy of this plan is available to any club member from the Chairman or the Secretary
Club Policies and Procedures
The Club intend to adopt the following policies and procedures at its February 2008 Committee meeting:
Child Protection Policy
Social Integration Policy
Grievance and Disciplinary Procedure
Policy on Issuing Statements to the Media
Monthly Meetings
Members are reminded that Club Members Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of every month from 8pm sharp to 9pm. All members are entitled and encouraged to attend these Club Members Meetings so that their views and opinions can be taken into consideration at meetings of the Club’s Committee. The Club’s Committee also meet on the first Wednesday of every month immediately following the Clubs Members Meeting
Dive Season
The dive program for the year is currently being drawn up. If there is somewhere you think the club should visit in the coming year then contact the Diving Officer Colm O Reilly.
Web Site Address
Members are informed that the club’s web page can now be accessed through www.diveathlone.com.
Regards
Cian
January to February 2008
Regional Diving Officer
The Clubs treasurer, and former Diving Officer, Ger Craven has recently been appointed by CFT to the position of Regional Diving Officer for the Midlands Region. Ger’s appointment to this prestigious position is testimony to his overall expertise and the many year’s dedicated service that he given to promoting diving in Athlone Sub Aqua Club and the wider Midlands region. The club wish to congratulate Ger on his appointment as Regional Diving Officer for the Midlands Region and wish him every success in the role.
Subscriptions
Member’s subscriptions are now overdue since 1st January 2008. If you have not yet fully paid your subscription fee then you are not covered to dive, use any club equipment or take any part in training in the pool. The following subscription fee rates apply for 2008:
Member Type and Subscription Fee
Adult Diver €230
Student Diver €150
Senior Snorkeler €100
Junior Snorkeler €70
Associate Member €25
Family membership will be adjusted accordingly.
Members choosing to pay their fees before 31st March 2008 will have to pay the above subscription rates only. If however you pay your subscription fee after the 31st of March 2008 you will be obliged to pay an additional late fee of €50. This late fee is reduced to €25 for student divers.
It is not the intention of the club to generate additional funding through imposing this late fee. Its purpose is to encourage members to pay subscriptions early in order to improve the clubs overall cash flow situation.
Medicals
CFT are coming down hard on medicals. No member will be registered until head office has been given their medical date and date of birth. So if you are due a medical you’ll need to get it done before you can be registered. The club’s DO will be contacting divers whose medical is out of date according to the clubs file.
Dive Fees
It was decided at the AGM in November 2007 to revise the system by which divers pay for their dives. The €10 ‘pay as you dive’ fee is no longer an option. Instead any adult member wishing to dive must pay a dive fee of €100. This fee will cover all your dives for the season. The fee must be paid before you commence diving for the season. This fee will not apply to student divers and divers under 18 years of age. Student divers and divers under 18 years of age will continue to dive for free.
Clubhouse Development
Installation of the clubs new gas heating system and additional shower units is now complete. The club, over the next few weeks, intends to refurbish its lecture and meeting rooms and office facilities. A clean up of the clubhouse was held recently. Thanks to Jim Campbell who organised this.
Fundraising
Just under 4,000 Euros was raised from fund raising activities carried out by the club
Golden Island Shopping Centre Collection (24th November 2007)
Bag Packing, Dunnes Stores, Montree (29th Nov to 1st Dec 2007)
The club has also recently received a €2,000 grant from Westmeath Sports Partnership and a €800 contribution from the Court Poor Box
Club Social Night
A New Year Party was held on Saturday 12th January 2008 in Gertie Brownes. This event, which was organised by Geraldine Fogarty, was well attended by members and their partners and friends and supporters of Athlone Sub Aqua Club. An enjoyable night was had by all.
Operational Plan
The Committee recently approved an operational plan which sets out its objectives for the coming year. The committee will monitor progress against these objectives on an on-going basis. A copy of this plan is available to any club member from the Chairman or the Secretary
Club Policies and Procedures
The Club intend to adopt the following policies and procedures at its February 2008 Committee meeting:
Child Protection Policy
Social Integration Policy
Grievance and Disciplinary Procedure
Policy on Issuing Statements to the Media
Monthly Meetings
Members are reminded that Club Members Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of every month from 8pm sharp to 9pm. All members are entitled and encouraged to attend these Club Members Meetings so that their views and opinions can be taken into consideration at meetings of the Club’s Committee. The Club’s Committee also meet on the first Wednesday of every month immediately following the Clubs Members Meeting
Dive Season
The dive program for the year is currently being drawn up. If there is somewhere you think the club should visit in the coming year then contact the Diving Officer Colm O Reilly.
Web Site Address
Members are informed that the club’s web page can now be accessed through www.diveathlone.com.
Regards
Cian
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
