Organisation
BACKGROUND
The European Diving Technology Committee (EDTC) came into being in March 1973 as a result of an initiative taken by the United Kingdom’s Society for Underwater Technology (SUT). The Society felt that there was a need to promote good standards for diving, to provide a means of improvement if appropriate, and to coordinate where possible, the different standards which existed around the world.
In view of the great concentration of offshore activities in European waters it was decided initially to seek a consensus for that zone. As a result the EDTC was formed and now has representatives from 17 European countries (2005). Membership also includes representatives from associated European associations and organisations. Observers also attend from countries and organisations outside Europe.
NAME AND SEAT
The Society bears the name of the European Diving Technology Committee e.V, in short: EDTC. It has its legal seat in Kiel, Federal Republic of Germany.
LEGAL STATUS
The EDTC is an incorporated Society (eingetragener Verein – “e.V”) under the laws of Germany.
THE EDTC SEEKS TO REACH ITS AIM BY
- Providing an independent European forum which may make recommendations relating to diving safety, technology and diving medicine,
- Providing a place for discussions on matter related to manned underwater operations and in particular types of diving, types of equipment and their use, together with medical aspects, examination and monitoring for fitness of divers,
- Where applicable, recommending harmonisation so that common standards may be achieved,
- Providing where appropriate, advice to governments, other organisations and individuals concerned with diving,
PURPOSE
The EDTC aims to make European professional diving safer. Its motto is Securitas per unitatem.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to representatives of any country within geographical Europe. Each country may be represented by a single representative from each of the following categories:
- Medical,
- Industry,
- Government,
- Unions.