About the OUC
THE ONTARIO UNDERWATER COUNCIL OBJECTIVES
The Council's objectives are to promote safe scuba diving practices, enhance sport self-governance, encourage environmental awareness, promote continuing education and youth participation.
The many programs and events provided by the OUC rely on a small paid staff and a large volunteer base of committed members.
OUC representation is also called upon by government agencies and the Coroner's Office when scuba diving issues are raised.
Safety is our number one priority. Our scuba diver safety awareness programs, scuba incident reports and recommendations within 72hrs, boater awareness of divers programs, and our drive for hyperbaric facilities for divers; all make Ontario a more safe place for you to dive and enjoy.
Our advocacy role is exercised at all levels of government, including Provincial Ministries of Culture, Natural Resources, and Tourism, and Federal Departments like Transport Canada and Parks Canada. In each of those relationships we endeavour to represent and advance the interests of our Scuba Diving Community (Retailers, Charter Operators, Travel Agencies, Clubs, Divers, etc.).
We also support our Ontario Scuba Community with our comprehensive online Directory. And we promote Ontario's Freshwater Shipwreck Diving locally and around the world with our World's FIRST! (Google-Earth-Powered) Ontario Shipwreck Directory!
In the field of Environmental Awareness, we promote a "leave it better than you found it" philosophy in everything we do, and in Cultural Heritage Awareness we promote "zero-impact diving", or "look, but don't touch" attitudes across our entire Community.
In Ontario, the sport of Scuba Diving is self-governing, and we work hard to earn that privilege every day. We believe that through your strong membership support, and the OUC's Programs and Philosophies, we will be able to retain that privilege going forward.
We believe that in all we do, learning while having fun is what makes life worth living!
If you are interested in becoming a scuba diver, please look in our Scuba Community Directory for the Scuba Retailer or Club closest to you; they'll be delighted to arrange a "Discover Scuba" experience for you and your friends, and tell you about their scuba certification courses!
To view the Ontario Underwater Council By-Laws in WORD or in PDF.