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
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
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
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Pool Return
Hi Folks
The pool sessions will restart on the 6th of January 2008 at 1:30pm. Lectures will be on before the pool at the normal time.
I need to get subs in asap. If you haven't paid you subs fully then you won't be allowed to use scuba in the pool as you won't be registered with CFT and therefore won't be covered by insurance. CFT will not register any member unless they have your date of birth and your medical date.
New members must also fill out the club membership form. They are available from me at the pool or just drop me an email at hynescian@eircom.net
Also no member can dive or attend any cft course until they have been registered.
So as of the 1st of January only fully registered members will be allowed partake in any club diving activities.
Any queries then just ask me.
Cian
The pool sessions will restart on the 6th of January 2008 at 1:30pm. Lectures will be on before the pool at the normal time.
I need to get subs in asap. If you haven't paid you subs fully then you won't be allowed to use scuba in the pool as you won't be registered with CFT and therefore won't be covered by insurance. CFT will not register any member unless they have your date of birth and your medical date.
New members must also fill out the club membership form. They are available from me at the pool or just drop me an email at hynescian@eircom.net
Also no member can dive or attend any cft course until they have been registered.
So as of the 1st of January only fully registered members will be allowed partake in any club diving activities.
Any queries then just ask me.
Cian
Friday, November 30, 2007
November and December Newsletter
The club held its AGM in the Shamrock Lodge on the 5th of November. The new committee for the coming year is as follows:
Committee 2007 – 2008
Chairman ------------------ Brian Duffy
Vice Chairman ----------- Geraldine Fogarty
Diving Officer ----------- Colm O Reilly
Training Officer --------- Ger Loughnane
Treasurer ----------------- Ger Craven
Secretary ----------------- Cian Hynes
Equipment Officer ------ Aiden Henry
Fundraising Officer ----- Pauric Hynes
P.R.O. --------------------- Cheryl Mellet
Competitions Officer ---- Damien Mellet
Snorkeling Officer -------- Tony Duignan
Search and Recovery D.O. -- Damien Mellet
Delegates --------- Ger Craven and Stewart McMickan
Pool Sessions and Lectures
The pool sessions are back up and running every Sunday afternoon from 1:30 till 3pm. Please come along and give a hand with the training of all the new trainee divers and snorkelers.
Lectures will commence from the 2nd of December at 12pm in the clubhouse. Lecture schedule will run as per the CFT list of lectures. The schedule is now up on the Website and on the Noticeboard. For more information contact Ger Loughnane.
Fees 2007-2008
Subscriptions
The following subscriptions will apply for the coming year:
Member Type Cost in Euros
Adult Diver €230
Student Diver €150
Senior Snorkeler € 100
Junior Snorkeler € 70
Associate Member € 25
Family membership will be adjusted accordingly.
As always, the above fees need to be paid on or before 1st January 2008. If you are not
fully paid up at this point then you are not covered to dive, use any club equipment or partake in training in the pool.
Fees will continue to be accepted after 1st January 2008. If however you pay 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.
Dive Fees
It was decided at the AGM 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. Student divers and divers under 18 years of age will continue to dive for free.
Search and Recovery
Training is happening every weekend. Any member is welcome to come along and participate in the training. The only pre-requisite is that you have to be a club diver or higher to dive. The S/R team are also changing things a bit this year with Nitrox now being used instead of Air. Contact Damien Mellet for any S/R details.
Christmas Social
The Christmas social is being organised at the moment. At the time of printing the date and venue were awaiting confirmation. A club text will be circulated and notices at the pool when these are confirmed.
Member of the year 2007
Many thanks to all who voted in the recent member of the year poll. There were 9 nominees in all but the overall winner was Ger Loughnane. Well done Ger.
As always please check our website for regular club updates and remember that club take place on the first Wednesday of every month in the clubhouse at 8pm sharp. These meetings provide club members with an opportunity to have a say in the running of the club. There has been a low turnout lately at these meetings. In fact the October Monthly meeting had to be cancelled as only 4 club members turned up. Consequently meetings all club members are being encouraged to attend these meetings.
Committee 2007 – 2008
Chairman ------------------ Brian Duffy
Vice Chairman ----------- Geraldine Fogarty
Diving Officer ----------- Colm O Reilly
Training Officer --------- Ger Loughnane
Treasurer ----------------- Ger Craven
Secretary ----------------- Cian Hynes
Equipment Officer ------ Aiden Henry
Fundraising Officer ----- Pauric Hynes
P.R.O. --------------------- Cheryl Mellet
Competitions Officer ---- Damien Mellet
Snorkeling Officer -------- Tony Duignan
Search and Recovery D.O. -- Damien Mellet
Delegates --------- Ger Craven and Stewart McMickan
Pool Sessions and Lectures
The pool sessions are back up and running every Sunday afternoon from 1:30 till 3pm. Please come along and give a hand with the training of all the new trainee divers and snorkelers.
Lectures will commence from the 2nd of December at 12pm in the clubhouse. Lecture schedule will run as per the CFT list of lectures. The schedule is now up on the Website and on the Noticeboard. For more information contact Ger Loughnane.
Fees 2007-2008
Subscriptions
The following subscriptions will apply for the coming year:
Member Type Cost in Euros
Adult Diver €230
Student Diver €150
Senior Snorkeler € 100
Junior Snorkeler € 70
Associate Member € 25
Family membership will be adjusted accordingly.
As always, the above fees need to be paid on or before 1st January 2008. If you are not
fully paid up at this point then you are not covered to dive, use any club equipment or partake in training in the pool.
Fees will continue to be accepted after 1st January 2008. If however you pay 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.
Dive Fees
It was decided at the AGM 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. Student divers and divers under 18 years of age will continue to dive for free.
Search and Recovery
Training is happening every weekend. Any member is welcome to come along and participate in the training. The only pre-requisite is that you have to be a club diver or higher to dive. The S/R team are also changing things a bit this year with Nitrox now being used instead of Air. Contact Damien Mellet for any S/R details.
Christmas Social
The Christmas social is being organised at the moment. At the time of printing the date and venue were awaiting confirmation. A club text will be circulated and notices at the pool when these are confirmed.
Member of the year 2007
Many thanks to all who voted in the recent member of the year poll. There were 9 nominees in all but the overall winner was Ger Loughnane. Well done Ger.
As always please check our website for regular club updates and remember that club take place on the first Wednesday of every month in the clubhouse at 8pm sharp. These meetings provide club members with an opportunity to have a say in the running of the club. There has been a low turnout lately at these meetings. In fact the October Monthly meeting had to be cancelled as only 4 club members turned up. Consequently meetings all club members are being encouraged to attend these meetings.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Club Member of the Year
The 2007 Club Member of the year as voted by the members is Ger Loughnane. Ger has played an integral role within the club in the time he has spent in the club. He has served as both Chairman and Training Officer and had given up a huge amount of time and energy to devote to the club. He is a well deserving Member of the year and he now goes forward as the clubs nomination for National Club Member of the year 2007 at the forth coming CFT AGM.
Well done Ger, well deserved.
Well done Ger, well deserved.
Fundraising events
2 funraising events are to happen in the next few weeks. On November 24th the club are having a collection at the Golden Island Shopping Centre.
On November 28th, 29th and Dec 1st there is a bag packing fundraiser in Dunnes Stores Montree in aid of the club.
Both of the above events are a major source of income for the club and need to be well supported.
The fundraising committee has allocated a timeslot for every member of the club. In order to find out your time please contact Pauric on 0872730412.
It is essential that all club members do their share of fundraising. There is over 100 members in the club yet its the same 10 or 15 members who do all the fundraising. These fundraising events help to KEEP SUBS LOW.
On November 28th, 29th and Dec 1st there is a bag packing fundraiser in Dunnes Stores Montree in aid of the club.
Both of the above events are a major source of income for the club and need to be well supported.
The fundraising committee has allocated a timeslot for every member of the club. In order to find out your time please contact Pauric on 0872730412.
It is essential that all club members do their share of fundraising. There is over 100 members in the club yet its the same 10 or 15 members who do all the fundraising. These fundraising events help to KEEP SUBS LOW.
AGM
Hi Folks
At the recent AGM a number of important things were agreed on.
Subs
The club are expecting an increase in the CFT portion of the sub so it was agreed to raise our sub sligtly.
Adult Diver 230
Student Diver 150
Senior Snorkeler 100
Junior Snorkeler 70
Family membership is adjusted accordingly.
As always, the subs are due before December 31st. After this YOU ARE NOT COVERED FOR AND DIVING RELATED ACTIVITY, either in the open water or in the pool untill you are fully paid up.
The late fee date is the 31st of March 2008. And adult diver paying after this date will incur a 50 euro late fee. Student Divers will incur a 25 euro late fee.
Dive Fees
The club has scrapped both the pre-pay option and the pay as you dive option. There will now be a flat fee of 100 euros per year for dive fees and will apply to all Adult Divers. It will be payable before your first dive weekend. Student divers remain free to dive. This decision was taken by a vote and was agreed by 95% of the present members at the meeting.
New Committee
The new comittee elected at the AGM is as follows.
Chairman Brian Duffy
Vice Chairman Geraldine Fogarty
Treasurer Ger Craven
Secretary Cian Hynes
Diving Officer Colm O Reilly
Search and Recovery Diving Officer Damien Mellett
Equipment Officer Aiden Henry
Training Officer Ger Loughnane
Fundraising Officer Pauric Hynes
Snokeling Officer Tony Duignan
Competitions Officer Damien Mellett
P.R.O. Cheryl Mellett
Ger Craven and Stewart McMickan will serve as the Clubs Delegates.
Thanks to all who turned up on the day.
At the recent AGM a number of important things were agreed on.
Subs
The club are expecting an increase in the CFT portion of the sub so it was agreed to raise our sub sligtly.
Adult Diver 230
Student Diver 150
Senior Snorkeler 100
Junior Snorkeler 70
Family membership is adjusted accordingly.
As always, the subs are due before December 31st. After this YOU ARE NOT COVERED FOR AND DIVING RELATED ACTIVITY, either in the open water or in the pool untill you are fully paid up.
The late fee date is the 31st of March 2008. And adult diver paying after this date will incur a 50 euro late fee. Student Divers will incur a 25 euro late fee.
Dive Fees
The club has scrapped both the pre-pay option and the pay as you dive option. There will now be a flat fee of 100 euros per year for dive fees and will apply to all Adult Divers. It will be payable before your first dive weekend. Student divers remain free to dive. This decision was taken by a vote and was agreed by 95% of the present members at the meeting.
New Committee
The new comittee elected at the AGM is as follows.
Chairman Brian Duffy
Vice Chairman Geraldine Fogarty
Treasurer Ger Craven
Secretary Cian Hynes
Diving Officer Colm O Reilly
Search and Recovery Diving Officer Damien Mellett
Equipment Officer Aiden Henry
Training Officer Ger Loughnane
Fundraising Officer Pauric Hynes
Snokeling Officer Tony Duignan
Competitions Officer Damien Mellett
P.R.O. Cheryl Mellett
Ger Craven and Stewart McMickan will serve as the Clubs Delegates.
Thanks to all who turned up on the day.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Search & Recovery Training
Hi Folks,
Just a note to say SAR training will commence tommorow Saturday the 3rd November at 9.30am. All members are welcome and it is a good oppurtunity to keep water fit over the winter. Here is the Winter Training Schedule.
Rgds,
Ger C
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