CONFÉDÉRATION MONDIALE DES ACTIVITÉS SUBAQUATIQUES

I. Background

Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques or The World Underwater

Federation was founded in 1959 and by now it comprises over 130 federations from 5 continents.

In addition to organizing international underwater sport events it is at the forefront of technical

and scientific research and development. It can be associated with elaborating one of the oldest

and most extensive dive training systems.

II. History of CMAS

On the 28th of September 1958, delegates from the following Federations: Federal

Republic of Germany, Belgium, Brazil, France, Greece, Italy, Monaco, Portugal, Switzerland,

the United States of America and Yugoslavia met in Brussels on the occasion of the congress of

the independent International Confederation gathering all underwater disciplines.

With this aim, a meeting was held in Monaco on January 9, 10 and 11, 1959 and a decision to

establish the "World Confederation of Underwater Activities" in brief "C.M.A.S.", was

taken.

This Confederation succeeded, specifically in regard to all functions and responsibilities,

the "Comité des Sports Sous-Marins" (Underwater Sports Committee) of the International

Confederation of Sport Fishing founded on the 22nd of February 1952.

III. Board of Directors

The Steering Committee

President: Achille Ferrero

Vice President: Ivan Nyiri

Secretary General: Alessandro Zerbi

President Scientific Committee: Hassen Baccouche

President Sports Committee: Xavier Duran Soler

President Technical Committee: Kevin O‟ Shaugnessy

Treasurer: Alain Germain

Members

Anna Arzhanova Nevel Lukas

Inkilap Obruk Bozana Ostojic

Sameh Nabil El-Shazly Stanislav Predko

Joao Comes Pedro Oscard Enrique Ruiz Cubillan

Natalia Gechikhina Gunnar Jarvholm

Simon Khoury Llias Xiarchos

Byung Doo Lee Shunji Yoshizawa

COMMISSIONS

CMAS is composed of three major committees. These are sport committee, technical

committee and scientific committee.

SPORT COMMITTEE

Apnoea

The term "Apnoea" designates a sports event where the athlete holds his breath keeping

the face below the surface of the water. Free diving is a technique used in various aquatic

activities. While in general all aquatic activities that include breath-hold diving might be

classified as a part of free diving, some sports are better established than others. Examples of

recognized freex diving activities are (non-) competitive free diving, (non-) competitive spear

fishing and free diving photography. Less recognised examples of free diving include, but are not

limited to, synchronised swimming, underwater rugby, underwater hockey, underwater target

shooting, underwater hunting other than spear fishing, and snorkelling. The discussion remains

whether free diving is only a synonym for breath-hold diving or whether it describes a specific

group of underwater activities. Free diving is often strongly associated with competitive breath-

hold diving or Competitive Apnoea.

Aquathlon

Aquathlon is a martial art and combat sport in the water and

under the water. The origins of the name, 'Aquathlon' are

'Aqua' - water and 'Athlon' - wrestling. The object of

Aquathlon is wrestling between two wrestlers wearing

masks, fins, ankle bands and ribbons. They wrestle under

the water and on the surface in order to tear off their

opponent's ribbon from one of his ankle bands.

Finswimming

By finswimming we mean the

progression with monofin or with two fins

either on the surface or underwater, by

means of the swimmers' muscular force only

and without use of any mechanism, not even

muscle powered. For underwater disciplines

with breathing euipment, only compressed-

air sub-aqua equipment is allowed.

Underwater Hockey

The British Navy invented underwater hockey in

the 1950's to keep their divers fit and to improve

their ability to move and work efficiently under

water. The game came to Australia shortly after

and has evolved into a fast, dynamic sport, played

in more than 20 countries. Underwater hockey is

played in a 25m x 15m pool that is between 2 - 4 m

deep.

Orienteering

Competitions in Underwater Orienteering take place in deep, open water bodies and over various

distances, as prescribed in the competition rules. Competitors must, while remaining completely

submerged without any contact with the water surface, reach specific points or pass specified

points.Competitions in underwater orienteering are based on the principle that orienteering and

searching tasks are performed under water with the aid of a compass and distance meter. The

competitor may only use his/her own muscular strength to propel him/herself. The breathing

apparatus used may only be filled with normal compressed air. Enrichment with oxygen is not

allowed. The only contact with the surface of the water allowed is a buoy line and a safety buoy.

A snorkel and/or knife is, despite earlier safety rules, not compulsory.

Underwater Rugby

Under water rugby was

invented in Köln, Germany 1961

and became popular in the Nordic

countries under the name, UW-Polo.

Before the first Championship in

1978 the rules had to be merged

(different number of players, 4 vs. 8,

playing above the surface, etc). The

game has since then evolved and

now involved 13 counties at the

latest championship

Spearfishing

Competitive underwater fishing is defined as the hunting and capture of fish underwater

without the aid of artificial breathing devices, using gear that depends entirely on the physical

strength of the competitor.

Sport Diving

The Sport Diving is: The set of individual or group competitive events, which need of a

technical, tactical and specific psycho-physical conditions, based on scuba diving abilities, skills

and equipment, develop in swimming pool, regulated and institutionalized within by the

Underwater Activities.

Underwater Photography and Videography

Underwater photography is the process of taking photographs while under water. It is

usually done while scuba diving, but can be done while snorkeling or swimming.

Underwater videography is a video production, the branch of underwater photography

concerned with capturing underwater moving images either as a recreational diving or

commercial documentary, or filmmaking activity.

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

Mission Statement

The main focus of the T.C. is with providing the CMAS members with safe diving. This

is achieved through promoting world class standards for all aspects of Scuba Diving and

ensuring adherence of them by member federations and dive providers

Organization:

The makeup and functions of the T.C. is as follows:

President - answers to and is part of the CMAS Steering Committee and Board of

Directors. He leads and guides the T.C. members towards working productively on

projects deemed required by the BOD.

Secretary - ensures the smooth running of the T.C. Organises T.C. meetings, issues

agendas and minutes in a timely manner. Maintains the working files and is the link

between the CMAS Web masters and the T.C.

Standards Director - ensures that the standards created by the T.C. are to a correct

standard and follow world trends.

Education Director- responsible for the teaching material provided to the CMAS

members

Technical Director - concentrates on the aspects of technical diving and supplying this

information to the T.C.

Diving Security Director - ensures that the standards of CMAS are upheld and follows up

on any reported breaches

Special Tasks Director - researches and works on special tasks requested of him by the

president

Members - assist the president and directors in carrying out their duties.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

The main task of the CMAS Scientific Committee is to bring into focus the important

issues related to the marine environment: invasive species, coastal ecosystems, biodiversity

observation and monitoring to divers around the world. In fact, divers are the first and best

witnesses of the underwater environment condition and must play the role as a major and

dynamic actor of marine environment protection. The CMAS Scientific Committee is settling the

basis of this participative approach of divers to the underwater environment preservation

CMAS holds its 2012 Ordinary General Assembly in Rome Italy. Delegates express their higher satisfaction with President's report when compared to reports of previous years

The Ordinary General Assembly of CMAS saw a

rather high, 80 % representation of the

Federations, members of the organisation. They

heard the President's critical and self-critical

report with majority approval. For many years

the first time the report was confirmed with

unanimous vote. Vice-President-prepared Masterplan got a number of written amendments

from federations that will be incorporated into

the final version of the document.

An agreement of cooperation with UNESCO was

signed at the General Assembly after the presentations of that world body's representatives.

Documents were signed by the Confederation President and the President of the Scientific

Committee.

Committees's annual reports were heard with great interest, together with the report of the

Treasurer on last year's accounts. Running year's budget was also supported by the delegates

with a unanimous vote. The quietus to the Steering Board and to the Board of Directors was

approved with no votes against. This is partly due to the fact, that CMAS in the past four years

managed to improve its annual balance by more than a million Euros and the financial future of

the Confederation looks solid.

Report on the new, - long overdue Statutes - provoked the longest and most heated discussion of

the GA, resulting in a unanimous decision of holding an Extraordinary General Assembly by the

end of November. The purpose is to avoid 2013 elections run by the provisions of the present,

majority criticised Statutes. After the Assembly close, an ad-hoc working group was formed that

will send the draft Statutes to the federations before the end-of-July deadline.

For the venue of the 2013 Elective General Assembly four countries presented their candidacy.

The Philippines, Russia, Spain and Tunisia. By the meeting, Tunisia withdrew it proposal, but at

the meeting, Rome as an alternative was included into the voting. Delegates present appreciated

the fair campaigning of the Philippine delegation and gave their confidence the that country by

40 votes, against 32 votes for St. Petersburg-Russia, 30 for Mallorca-Spain and only 23 votes for

Rome-Italy. No wonder the winning delegation started their celebration in the conference hall

already. Delegates left with a firm determination of changing the Statutes by the end of 2012 so

next year could see a fundamental change also in this respect.

The Philippine Association on Underwater Activities Bid to host the

2013 Elective General Assembly of the World Underwater Federation

Arriving early in Rome on the 14th of

April 2012, the PAUA representatives

comprising

of the Association‟s President Mr. Benedict

Reyes, its Vice President Ms. Karen Chan and

the Philippine Finswimming‟s President Ms.

Mary Ann Reyes immediately coordinated

with

the World Underwater Federation‟s

Secretariat office to make sure that all

requirements needed for the presentation are

complete.

Constant communication was made until the day of the presentation – 21st of April 2012

to ensure that all updates and changes are known.

8 countries signified their intent to host the 2013 General Election but only 4 countries

were chosen to present during the assembly: ROME, ITALY; ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA;

MAJORCA, SPAIN; CEBU, PHILIPPINES.

Arriving early at the venue on the presentation day, the Philippine delegation set up the

promo materials and established rapport with other federation leaders from different countries.

The presentation highlighted the beauty of the Philippines – not only it‟s rich and vast

marine resources but also above water; focusing mainly on uniquely Filipino values such as

hospitality, fun-loving and warm smiles. And of course, rallying the new slogan of the Philippine

Department of Tourism – “It‟s more fun in the Philippines”.

After the votes had been cast, the nervous Philippine delegation in all humility has taken

home the title to host the 13th World Underwater Federation Elective General Assembly 2013 in

Cebu, Philippines.

PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION ON

UNDERWATER ACTIVITIES

The Philippine Association on Underwater Activities (PAUA) aims to unify, develop,

and promote the underwater activities in the Philippines. It is further charged with undertaking

marine conservation projects and sports-tourism.

PAUA envisions the Philippines to have internationally accepted standards in relation to

Underwater Activities. PAUA desires to broaden the reach of Confederation Mondiate des

Activities Subaquatiques (CMAS) to some of the most important Government Agencies that

need more comprehensive skills than just recreation. Most of these agencies believe that only

CMAS can offer the precise training needed for them because of CMAS‟ numerous commissions

and focuses.

It is important to raise the standards of the people who deal with public safety and

regulation of the laws. It is also a vision for the scientific related Departments and Bureaus of the

Philippines to be at par with the internationally accepted standards in scientific diving.

PAUA is an organization which bears the CMAS flag through its endeavors in teaching

SCUBA in the premier university in the country – University of the Philippines for almost a

decade. PAUA has also tapped in the University‟s Marine Science Institute to bear the

certification of CMAS.

Moreover, PAUA through the Philippine Finswimming Federation, Inc. (PFFI) has

promoted the Sports of Finswimming throughout all the regions in the country through

organizing Finswimming Competitions which were attended by some CMAS members in Asia

like JSUF (Japan), KUA (Korea), POSSI (Indonesia), HKUA (Hong Kong) to name a few. With

PFFI‟s effort, it has been accepted by some schools to become a staple Physical Education

subject.

PAUA has also established its credibility with its partners. Proof of this is its receipt of

grant by the Asian Underwater Federation (AUF/CMAS Asia) to host the 1st Asian Underwater

Photo Championships from 26 to 30 November 2011 in the Philippine Shores.

SOURCES:

Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques. Retrieved September 30, 2012 from

http://www.cmas.org.

Philippine Association on Underwater Activities. Retrieved September 30, 2012. from

http://paua.com.ph/

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