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Founded in 1952, The Florida Skin Divers Association (FSDA) is a volunteer, non-profit coalition of Dive Clubs and individuals bound together by our common interest in sport, skin and scuba diving. The FSDA is the oldest and largest independent organization of divers in the state of Florida. It is governed by an unpaid board of directors who are active in the diving community. The board works hard to promote diving and organize membership to protect their diving rights.
The FSDA would like to thank Harold Drake and all of its past and present Presidents, Directors, and members for the following achievements:
¨ Influencing dive related regulation/ legislation.
¨ Promoting diving safety through continued education on equipment use and maintenance, and diving techniques and safety procedures.
¨ Supporting and promoting the interests and activities of specialty diving groups.
¨ Supporting the non-destructive use and enjoyment of diving resources by all specialty groups through the encouragement of conservation.
| Some specific FSDA achievements include: |
¨ Organizing, for 40 years, the Southern Open Spearfishing/Photography State Championship, which has included entrants from around the globe.
¨ The pivotal involvement in the transport and placement of the Christ of the Abyss statue in John Penekamp State park.
¨ Instrumental in developing the now universal dive flag, and boating regulations relating to dive flags for the safety of divers.
| Defending Divers Rights by active and successful lobbying efforts including: |
¨ Influencing the Florida Marine Fisheries Commission’s decision to table indefinitely a proposal to place a moratorium on spearfishing for grouper and a proposal to increase the recreation size limit on grouper to 24 inches (August 1992).
¨ Influencing the Gulf of Mexico Marine Fisheries Council’s modification of a proposal to establish ‘rod and reel only’ zones in the Gulf of Mexico to include spearfishing (November 1992).
¨ Organizing FSDA members from both coasts to participate in the South Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council’s Scoping Meeting on Spearfishing Gear (January 1993).
¨ Helping to modify the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Committee’s proposed definition of fishing zones in include spearfishing with rod and reel ‘take’ zones in all areas except those where spearfishing is already prohibited.
¨ Officially endorsing the Florida Coalition of Concerned Sport Divers.
¨ Participating in the Crystal River access hearings.
¨ Organizing and conducting, annually, the Florida Region’s Save Our Seas Poster Contest aimed at educating our youth on the need for continued appreciation of the ocean environment.
¨ Presenting seminars focused on increasing the awareness and appreciation of the public for our sport, its benefits, and the ocean environment in general at trade shows such as the annual Ocean Expo.
| Benefits of FSDA membership include: |
¨ Organized monitoring of legislation which affects our sport and water resources in general. The membership collectively helps influence diving legislation, and all members are encouraged to contribute to this effort.
¨ Camaraderie/networking opportunities with fellow, avid diving devotees.
¨ Membership is required to participate in the Southern Open, State Freedive Championship, and WCC Tournament series.
¨ Receipt of the quarterly publication of the Association featuring: news of upcoming events of interest; educational articles; and updates from each FSDA member club.
| The FSDA welcomes new members with similar interests. To request membership, fill out this application and mail it with your annual dues of $15 to the address on the Membership Form: |
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Click Here to print This Membership Form.
FSDA Membership Application
NAME: .......................................................................................................... ADDRESS: .................................................................................................... CITY:............................................................................................................. STATE:............................................... ZIP: ................................................. PHONE: ......................................................................................................... EMAIL: .......................................................................................................... CLUB AFFILIATION if any: ...........................................................................
Make your $15 check payable to Florida Skin Divers Association, Inc., Mail to: Ken Smith, 1997 Michigan Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33703 |
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The FSDA meets on the second Wednesday of the month 6:30PM at Joe's Crab Shack, 2730 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL |
