Ontario Underwater Council AGM

2026

The 2026 AGM was held on February 7, 2026

President, Heison Chak, presented the following highlights on behalf of the OUC Board:

Membership is off to a good start with almost all clubs and the majority of members renewing in December 2025 to avoid any gaps in OUC liability insurance coverage.
Three levels of protection for members, and an Insurance Reminder, were published. This year there will be further communications to the members to clarify the insurance coverage for Non-Training Clubs.
The List of Clubs on the website indicates if they are a training club or a non-training club.
OUC distribution list – Multiple lists were combined into one “Community” of over 4500 email addresses.
Below the Surface, the OUC newsletter, is published monthly.
Coverage and payment for Fall Students was clarified and updated in January. For Fall 2026, register and pay for Fall Students in the Fall of 2026. They will receive liability insurance coverage until Dec. 31, 2027 (i.e., over 1 year) for no additional fee.
Bulk sanctioning of events is available.
OUC Calendar is published on the website, and available for all Clubs to advertise their events.
By-laws are published on the website.
AED subsidy program from DAN was advertised.
AED loaner program was initiated by OUC with an AED available for free loan to OUC Clubs for their local dives and for international trips.
Coroner’s safety report recommendations have been incorporated into OUC’s recommendations, such as no solo diving.
Oxygen Analyzer Sponsorship Program was initiated by OUC with a $150 subsidy to Clubs or individuals.
Group purchase of Mustang PFD/Lifejackets is in place, including free membership if purchased by March 15, 2026. Current members will receive free membership next year for their PFD purchase now.
OUC tech conversion from our old system to Google Workspace is almost complete with a huge cost savings.
OUC Finances are in excellent health, thanks to Heison, Peter and Dicky.
New business: Discussion to retain members and obtain new members: Suggestions included scholarship program for leadership courses, adding snorkel certification courses, programs to expand group water sports such as underwater rugby, inner tube water polo. Additional suggestions will be gratefully received! Contact us at:
https://underwatercouncil.com/contact-us/
New business: Discussion on OUC’s 70th Anniversary Celebration: Suggestions include a Gala dinner, merchandise such as a rash guard, Tshirt or baseball cap with logo to advertise OUC, history of OUC on the website and other advertising channels. Please send your suggestions to:
https://underwatercouncil.com/contact-us/

2027

Attention OUC Club Presidents:

Notice of OUC Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ontario Underwater Council will be held in February 2027, for the purpose of receiving reports, reviewing financial statements, conducting the business of the Council, and electing the Board of Directors for 2027.

Date, Time and Location: to be confirmed

Zoom Alternative:
For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link will be provided.

Voting Package:
Club Presidents: Check your email in January 2027 — the OUC AGM Voting Member Package will be emailed to you.

Following the AGM:
A group dinner will follow the AGM.

We look forward to your participation!

OUC Release:
If you have not yet done so for the new calendar year, we ask participants at the AGM to review and sign the OUC Release at least 24 hours prior to participating:

When you review and sign the OUC Release:

• Use your full legal name in both “name” fields.
• Use your current year’s OUC number. If you don’t know it, contact
membership@underwatercouncil.com.
• Select your OUC club — and select all other clubs where you participate in
activities.