Aquamatic DiagramThe brothers, George and Trevor Davies, pioneered spearfishing in the Newcastle area taking up the sport in 1946. They were certainly talented and inventive. They made facemasks from car tyre inner tubes, started the Newcastle Neptune’s Spearfishing Club, made one of Australia’s first Scuba sets and designed the Aquamatic speargun.
On new years eve of 1960 Trevor was killed in a tragic accident when, whilst filling a cylinder with air, a water trap on the compressor exploded, spraying jagged fragments of metal over a wide area.
Trevor was the inventor and designer, George the engineer. They experimented with several speargun designs and during 1948 the design principles of the Aquamatic were conceived by Trevor and then further refined by George during the next five years.
Over this period every spare minute of the brother’s spare time was put to use with exhaustively testing and refining the gun, experimenting with it until George was satisfied, proclaiming “This speargun is, without fear of contradiction, the most powerful in the world”.
The first Aquamatics produced had a two inch diameter cylinder with a one inch bore and when charged to 359 PSI of pressure contained 45 cubic inches of compressed air. Later the cylinder was changed to one made of stainless steel, one inch in diameter with a one half inch bore. This cylinder, when fully compressed by the spear contained about 1800 PSI.
The gun has an overall length of twenty two inches, with the barrel extending eighteen inches behind the handle. The gun’s barrel was made to take any one of three spear shaft sizes of either five sixteenths of an inch, three eighths of an inch or seven sixteenths of an inch in diameter. Spears were usually 54 inches (four and one half feet) long with 23 loading notches.
To load the gun the trigger is depressed and the spear, with notches facing upward, is pushed into the barrel until it contacts the piston. The lever is then raised and lowered with a pawl engaging the notches and using a ratchet action forces the spear into the cylinder.
The nose of the aquamatic has a line discharge attachment clamped to it. The line is attached to the spear and wound around the rear movable arm and forward to the fixed arm. This is repeated several times with the other end of the line terminating at a reel.
The air in the cylinder lasts indefinitely. The gun has been used continuously for twelve months without any loss of pressure. When fired there is no explosion underwater and no discharge of bubbles as in a CO2 gun. It has tremendous power, propelling a spear for 350 ft out of the water. Its spear, with the head removed, can penetrate two inches of seasoned hardwood.
George considered the main essentials for a speargun were power, accuracy, manoeuvrability, balance, reliability and durability and believed the Aquamatic encompassed all of these traits.
Fifty to sixty Aquamatics were made, with most being sold in and around the Newcastle area. Dick Charles, the founder of the USFA bought one and one was sent to America, however it was never paid for, the purchaser denying ever receiving it. Later a similar gun was produced and sold in the USA as the “Airmatic”.
The Sydney Metropolitan Zone’s Alliman Shield competition is named in honour of Alec ‘Curly’ Alliman.
Curly Alliman, the 1955 NSW Spearfishing Champion, was attending the USFA outing at Malabar on March 11th 1956 and while wearing Scuba was walking up the hill behind the Anzac Rifle Range when he collapsed and died of a heart attack. He was only 26 and had recently passed a medical prior to enlisting in the army.
The following tribute was published in the Australian Skindiving and Spearfishing Digest:-
IN MEMORIAM
Ben Cropp (Left) with Alec ‘Curly’ Alliman (Right)
Curly Alliman (Right) with Ben Cropp (Left)
Whatever our colour, creed or sport, somewhere, sometime we must all leave this world. That is inevitable.
When a man reaches his six score and 10 he is prepared to go, but when it strikes a healthy, happy-go-lucky club mate of 26, there seems a tragic waste. “Curly” Alliman was a club mate in every respect of the word, a good spearman and aqualunger, ready to lend a hand when work was to be done.
Always smiling, Curly’s passing is a big loss to his friends and club.
The first heat for the “Curly” Alliman Memorial Trophy was held on Sunday 8th July 1956 at Bilgola.
It attracted 64 entries with all clubs represented, but with only three feet visibility only four fish were weighed-in, two small groper, one drummer and a Sergeant Baker.
The newly formed St. George club was declared the winner with D. Rowlands 1st with 20 points and N. Shaw 2nd with 6 points.
A meeting following the weigh in confirmed the following rules to apply for future Alliman Trophy competitions:-
Staring time shall be from 10AM – finishing time 2PM.
That the next seven monthly meetings will be conducted by the Branch Club’s Captains, who with their committees, will set down the programme for the day and attend to all amenities etc.
The August Day Outing will be in the hands of “Parramatta”.
Boundaries. No boundaries for monthly competitions, except State Championships.
Australian Junior Spearfishing Champion Gary Hunter and Dick Charles Tallebudgera Qld 1958 – Image supplied by Ron Taylor
With his ever present yachting cap perched jauntily atop his balding head, burly 5 feet 11 inches tall, hazel – eyed Dick Charles was an imposing larger than life character.
Richard Stanley (Dick) Charles was the youngest son of Laura and Edward, a master builder and was born in England at Moseley Worcester on April 23rd 1901. The family moved to Canada and Mexico before settling in Hobart during 1913. Dick was successful in obtaining an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner with the IXL Jam and Sauce company and went on to become an aircraft mechanic, being employed as a ground engineer with the Australian Aircraft Engineering Co. at Mascot, obtaining licence no. 15. During 1923 he married Ruth Kelly and in 1924 they moved to Hurstville where he established a motor trading business.
In 1927 he was a founder of the St. George Motor Boat Club. Having a need for speed he built his own boat which he named the ‘Eagle’. Powered by a 360 hp Rolls Royce aircraft motor it could attain a speed of 89 mph and for a time held the record as the fastest boat in Australia.
In 1937 he began to manufacture and sell caravans from premises in McEvoy street Alexandria. Named the “Charlavan” it was Australia’s first pop – top van (Australian patent no. 3587) and was produced in 3 models, the Charlavan Junior for 67 pounds, the Charlavan Senior for 95 pounds and the Charlavan Senior Deluxe for 120 pounds.
During World War 2 he joined the National Emergency Service and became chief instructor at the Hurstville branch. He heard that the Australian Government was looking for inventions to assist the war effort, so he invented a special pulley system which was used for carrying injured soldiers down the Owen-Stanley Ranges of New Guinea.
During his time with the NES he was informed that Vaucluse Council was in need of cliff rescue apparatus to be used by the Police Rescue Squad to retrieve bodies from the bottom of the Gap.
He drew up plans for a system and was asked to construct it which he did, building it at Hurstville. It was found to be satisfactory and put into use. The apparatus was later improved by Hurstville Council Engineer, Mr. Webster.
It was during 1937 while on a camping holiday to Lake Conjola that Dick’s interest in spearfishing was born. He described it in these words:
I had been out hand fishing in my 10ft dinghy. Coming into the bank, I could see fish darting all over the place – mostly blackfish. On impulse, I got into the water, but as every skin diver knows, you can’t see much with the naked eye.
This set me thinking; you can see alright when you look through the sides of a fish tank, so if you looked through a piece of glass, kept water out of your eyes, you should be able to see under water.
You know what it’s like when you’re away camping, fellas! Something new gets into your bonnet and you can’t rest until you try it out.
By using a round piece of glass, in fact an old mirror with the silver scraped off, fitted into an old tyre tube, I made my first mask and, at the same time opened up an entirely new world to me. I bet all of you got a great thrill out of your first sight underwater! I know I did.
There were all the big niggers swimming about, getting me excited. I grabbed an oar from the boat and tried to stun one underwater. How silly can you get!
Next, I sharpened a six feet stick and prodded at them. I actually hit one, to my amazement, but didn’t get it.
We were due at Burrill Lakes the next day, so we packed our gear and, on the way down, I bought some shark hooks, straightened them out and fixed them on an eight feet piece of wood. There were always plenty of fish under the bridge at Burrill, so I went down after them. I got one or two, but it was always a job to stay down because I was too buoyant”.
Dave Rowling described Dicks first attempt at breathing underwater “Snorkels were unheard of and Dick tried one memorable day at Minnamurra to put a full face contraption on with an air hose attached to a free floating 4 gallon kerosene tin and with a typical ‘she’s apples fellas’ jumped off Minnamurra rail bridge.
It was after that day he became aware it is impossible to suck air down 12 to 15 feet underwater. With 30lb. lead round the middle and safety catches completely unheard of, it was a very bulgy – eyed, purple faced Dick some two minutes later who clawed himself to the mangrove edges’.
At the time Dick began spearfishing there were very few others, but as the numbers slowly grew, so did the complaints and harassment. The angling clubs were up against us and everywhere they went spearfishers were met with a hostile attitude. Finally the last straw came when Dick Charles and Bill Heffernan were spearfishing in the channel at the entrance to Tuggerah Lakes. Hearing a loud voice yelling at them they looked up to find it was the local sergeant of police telling them to get out. They were then told they were being arrested and to get dressed before being taken to the police station. Then the arguments started. Why were they being arrested? Where was the law to say they could not go in the water? Where was the law that they could not spear fish? After quite a lot of argument on both sides the old sergeant didn’t know if he was coming or going and in the end away he went.
The pair then agreed they will have to do something or they will be stopped altogether and the only thing to do would be to form an association to regulate the sport properly and to protect our rights. At the time they only knew two or three other spearfishermen between them.
On going home Dick pondered the situation and then ‘phoned the chief of staff of one of the Sunday papers and told him that a meeting had been called for all those who were interested in spearfishing to be held at 3 pm at Long Reef on April 4, 1948, for the purpose of forming an association. Afterwards there would be a mass dive of over 100 spearmen. The newspaper gave the story a run on their front page.
When the day arrived it was cold and showery and Dick remarked “it’ll be a bit funny if no one turns up”. They arrived early and set up a table and erected a calico sign. Lunch time came and went and it was still raining and no one had turned up. About an hour later cars began to arrive and then more and more cars. By three O’clock there were hundreds of people there and Dick got up and addressed the crowd, telling them why we would have to form an association and band together if we wanted to continue spearfishing. It was a case of “United we survive … divided we fall.”
After a few others spoke it was decided to form the association with Dick Charles being elected the president, Frank Cunliffe and Bill Heffernan vice presidents and Les Hawley Secretary-treasurer. A committee of 15 was also appointed. The meeting was then closed so that about 50 men could brave the shark infested waters. Bill Heffernan created quite a bit of interest with a shallow water diving suit as the public had never seen anything like this before, a large ray was speared and the news boys were having a field day. Everyone had a good time, the association was off to a good start and the newspapers played it up. Dick was well pleased with the way things turned out.
Dick continued to guide the association through its formative years and was president from 1948 to 1953 when he organised the first Australian Spearfishing Championships at Tweed Heads that same year. He donated a perpetual trophy for the event and to this day it still attracts keen competition from Australia’s best.
During the championships Dick Charles chaired a meeting to form the USFA of Australia with representatives from other states. Dick was elected the first President and Dick Barton the first Secretary.
Also during 1953 concerned about the near drowning and tragic deaths of skindivers Dick announced at a USFA meeting that he was working on a device to make spearfishing safer.
Shortly afterwards tragedy struck when at Harbord on Saturday 5th September 1953 a very popular USFA member Merv Caulfield got into difficulties while spearfishing and lost his life. Two others also got into trouble while trying to assist and only just managed to make it to shore. Merv left behind a young wife and infant son.
By October Dick’s device was at the point of going into full production and an advertisement of the time announced “The Dick Charles Safety Belt has been specifically designed for all spearmen and anglers who at times are in danger of losing their lives. A pull of the trigger and you float to the surface. Easy to wear you don’t know you have it on. All belts fitted with shark repellent. The first 500 belts should be ready end of October”.
The Safety Belt was of plastic construction and worn around the waist. It was inflated by triggering a small CO2 cartridge and had a pocket that contained a shark repellent dye of copper sulphate.
During its production it was credited with saving 20 lives and assisting many more in difficulty. Worried about its plastic construction Dick discontinued production, but re-introduced it during 1960 this time made from “the best insertion rubber money can buy’.
Dick withdrew from active involvement after a few years, but always maintained his interest. He suffered a fatal heart attack in July of 1994 and was cremated at Woronora Crematorium.
Spearfishing Competition Procedures and Minimum Standards
Code of Conduct
Code of Discipline
Attachments
1. USFA Schedule of Fees
Abbreviations used in this document
USFA: The Underwater Skindivers and Fishermen’s Association AUF(S): The Australian Underwater Federation – Spearfishing AGM: The Annual General Meeting of the USFA ASAP: – As soon as possible Club: -Shall infer USFA Affiliated Committee: -USFA Committee (the Executive plus one Member per Club) Executive: -USFA Executive as per TABLE 1 (any position cited shall infer USFA. E.g. Secretary = USFA Secretary) EFT: Electronic Funds Transfer Member: Member of the USFA via an Affiliated Club or directly Meeting: General Meeting of the USFA Committee NSW: New South Wales Sport: The sport of skindiving Sub-committee: USFA Sub-committee (appointed by the Committee)
USFA Constitution Proper
1. Association Name The Underwater Skindivers and Fishermen’s Association
2. Office The Office of the USFA will be determined by the USFA Committee
3. Aims and Objectives
(a) To promote and develop the sport and other associated underwater activities (b) To actively implement and promote any and all safety measures applicable to our activities (c) To organise and control any relevant activities within NSW (d) To provide an organisation which can represent the interests of its Affiliated Clubs and their members to the AUF(S), Government, and Regulatory Authorities (e) To establish, promote or assist in the subscription to, or becoming a member of any organisation whose objects are similar to, or in any part are similar to the objects of the USFA and beneficial to the USFA (f) To arrange competitions, conventions, conferences, symposiums, expositions and the like for the members of the USFA and to provide or arrange for prizes, trophies and awards (g) To obtain any acts or legislature, provisional order or other official or Government power or authority licence which may be deemed requisite to the USFA, and to act in opposing any acts or legislature, provisional order or any other official or unofficial power of authority there by Government or any other group or organisation which may be deemed to be against the interests of the USFA or the sport (h) To encourage the uniformity of rules, regulations, codes of conduct, standards and administrative controls of the sport in NSW (i) To purchase, lease or acquire any lands, buildings, easements or properties (real or personal), which may be requisite to the purpose of any of the objects of the USFA (j) To accept subscriptions, donations or bequests (whether real or personal estate) for all or any of the objects of the USFA (k) To regularly publish and distribute an informative journal and to forward any relevant material received pertaining to the sport
4. Changes to the Constitution
(a) The Constitution of the USFA may be altered or changed by Special Resolution and ratified at the AGM or an Extraordinary Meeting of the Committee, subject to the other provisions of this section. Note: The Committee, by definition, signifies the Executive and one Representative from each Affiliated Club, who shall carry the voting power of his Club after consultation with all of its members. The rules covered in Sections 16, 17, 18 & 19 shall be strictly adhered to in the deliberation and final voting on any such alterations. (b) All proposed amendments or alterations shall be delivered in writing or electronically, by the Secretary or his nominee, to the nominated Club Representatives of all of the Clubs and to the Executive, not less than 30 days before the voting is to take place (c) The Public Officer shall send all required documentation concerned with the alterations and lodge any Official Forms, accompanied by any associated fees, to the relevant Government Department within 7 days of the alterations being accepted by the USFA, and in the same time frame will inform the Club Representatives and Executive of all particulars (d) The Secretary shall inform all Club Representatives and Executive within 7 days of receiving confirmation of alterations from the relevant Government Department upon which the alterations will be immediately adopted (e) Any change to the USFA Constitution Proper requires at least 75% of the voting power of the USFA, as set out in Section 19 below, to be in favour of the alterations proposed in order to be carried. (f) The Executive may make, alter or repeal any part of the Constitution, except the Constitution Proper, at any time, provided notice of any change is given to all Clubs and Executive within 14 days of the proposed date of change, after which time the changes shall take immediate effect.
5. Club Affiliation
(a) Any Club or Group associated with any form of underwater activity shall have its application of Affiliation considered by the Committee, provided that the Club or Group satisfies the following conditions:
i. The Club or Group’s Constitution is presented to and approved by the USFA ii. It’s predecessor’s Constitution, i.e. a Club’s Zone, is presented to and accepted by the USFA iii. The Club or Group agrees to abide by the Constitution of the USFA iv. The Club or Group pays in advance the registration fee as outlined in the “USFA Schedule of Fees” v. The Club or Group Nominates a Club Representative.
(b) All Clubs shall pay an annual Affiliation Fee as outlined in the “USFA Schedule of Fees”. (c) Each member of a Club shall pay an annual Member’s Affiliation Fee (as outlined in the “USFA Schedule of Fees”) through their Club to the USFA. It shall be part of their Club Membership and shall not be an optional amount. (d) Notice of Annual Affiliation Fees payable by the Clubs and their members shall be sent prior to the conclusion of the financial year. All Clubs and members must ensure that Affiliation Fees are paid within 30 days of the expiry date. Failure to do so will result in the Club or member being deemed unfinancial. All Fees become due on July 1st of each year. (e) Any Club which becomes unfinancial shall no longer partake in the privileges of membership and nor will its members. (f) In the event a Club remains unfinancial for more than 30 days after the serving of a notice by the Membership Officer, it shall be struck off the list of USFA Affiliated Clubs. (g) A rejoining Fee as outlined in the “USFA Schedule of Fees” may be demanded by the Committee. (h) All Clubs shall accept full responsibility for the actions of their members and shall undertake to administer any penalties or controls as deemed appropriate by the USFA. (i) Should any Affiliated Club fail to abide by the Constitution, its affiliation may be suspended by the Committee. (j) Acceptance of the USFA Constitution implies acceptance of all sections and parts of the USFA Constitution. (k) Conditions relating to payment of annual Individual Member’s Affiliation Fees will be the same as those relating to members of Clubs, except that their fees will be paid directly to the Membership Officer. Failure to pay their fees as set out in Section 5. Part (d) above, will result in action as in Section 5. Parts (e), (f) & (g) above, but pertaining to an Individual Member. (l) Clubs must attend a Committee meeting when a meeting is deemed to be sufficiently important to be rated as compulsory. This may be accomplished by either sending a representative in person or by an electronic link-up. (m) Notwithstanding the above, all meeting minutes forwarded to the Club Representatives will be replied to in the form of a willingness to accept the outcomes of those meetings, or a report tendered on the issues arising from the minutes. These may be offered as agenda for the following meeting at the discretion of the Committee present at the original meeting. (n) Non-compliance with Parts (l) & (m) of this section (above) may result in a fine or suspension of Affiliation at the discretion of the Committee. (o) The Club’s Representative must: i. Forward to each of his Club’s members all correspondence received from the USFA ii. Organise a reply to the USFA when required iii. Organise any member’s voting on any issues tendered by the USFA iv. Report back to the USFA on any voting results v. Forward any issues his Club or any of its members may have vi. Organise any submissions the USFA may have to supply to any authorities from time to time
6. Membership
(a) The Membership categories are as follows: i. Full Membership: e.g. Senior, Lady or Junior ii. Honorary Full Membership: e.g. Patrons of the sport; non-competing office bearers or volunteer helpers iii. Individual: e.g. Social or Independent iv. Life Membership
(b) Clarification and Eligibility Criteria of Membership Categories: i. Any person who is a registered financial member of a registered financial Club. Membership shall be unlimited subject to the Committee’s right to reject any application for membership without any reason being given. The applicant’s Club will be informed of the reason for rejection within 7 days of the refusal. ii. The Executive may approve Honorary Full Membership, at its discretion, in cases such as a new member offer, a prominent individual’s efforts in promoting the sport or non-competing Office bearers and volunteer helpers. iii. An individual may make application directly to the Membership Officer via the Membership Application Form. All rights and obligations as for a Full Member, and as defined in this Constitution, apply. iv. Any person rendering special or important service to the USFA may be nominated for Life Membership. Nominations shall come from the Clubs to the Secretary 30 days prior to the AGM. The nomination shall give a full account of the nominee’s activities in sufficient depth for adequate consideration to be given by the Committee. A nominee will be accepted as a Life Member if a 66% majority of the USFA’s total voting power is in favour. A Life Member shall pay no USFA Affiliation Fees and no Club Membership Fees.
7. Patron
(a) Nominations from Members or Clubs for the position of Patron of the USFA shall be considered by the Committee at the AGM. (b) A patron is a person of note who may or may not be a member of the USFA and has performed functions or delivered statements which have brought repute to the USFA. (c) This position is purely Honorary but will be in keeping with the dignity of the USFA.
8. Rights of USFA Membership
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and the regulations set up from time to time, every Member shall be entitled to use all premises and facilities of the USFA, and to participate in any activity, competition or event conducted by, or under the auspices of, the USFA. (b) Every Member is eligible to contest any election into any Position of Office in the USFA. (c) Every Member shall be entitled to add agenda to any proposed meeting of the USFA within the specified timeframe, attend any meeting of the USFA, and may address any meeting of the USFA with the permission of the Chairman. (d) Every Member is entitled to view any records of business, or otherwise, of the USFA by appointment with the Secretary of the USFA.
9. Rights of USFA Affiliated Clubs
(a) Each Club, provided all other conditions contained herein are satisfied, shall be entitled to vote on matters determined at any General Meeting or Extraordinary Meeting of the USFA, or any Special Resolutions offered. (b) As per Section 8. Parts (a), (c) & (d) above
10. Structure of the USFA
(a) The administration, control and direction of the USFA shall be the responsibility of the Executive, except during the course of General Meetings, Extraordinary Meetings, and an AGM at which the Committee presides, and whilst dealing with any Special Resolutions. (b) The Executive will consist of all position holders as detailed in TABLE 1. (c) The Committee shall consist of the Executive and one representative from each financial Club. (d) The Committee may, at any time, appoint or delegate its powers to any Sub-committee and may regulate and determine the procedures and duties of such Sub-committee. (e) The Executive may appoint persons to hold any positions in the USFA deemed necessary for the correct and efficient running of the USFA. Any duties related to, and any powers implied by such appointment will be circulated and clearly defined to the USFA Membership within 7 days of such appointment.
11. Authority and Responsibility of the Executive
(a) When the Committee is not in session, the Executive shall assume the general authority. (b) The Executive may not take action that involves changes to: the Constitution Proper; any major policy; or any issues denoted as a Special Resolution without first advising all the Clubs of the intended action and being guided by the decisions of the Clubs, except as laid down in this Constitution. (c) The Executive shall settle all and any disputes arising from any Clubs’ or their Zones’ interpretation of this Constitution. All decisions made shall be final. (d) Directions from the Executive to the Clubs, their Members and their Zones are binding. (e) The USFA Executive shall neither have authority over, nor be held responsible for the financial management of the Clubs or their Zones, except as laid down in this Constitution. (f) The Executive may, without prior warning, remove from Office any member of the Executive who: through misconduct, mismanagement or omission, fails to carry out their duties in a proper manner. The Executive may then appoint a person to hold that position temporarily until an election for that position takes place. Appeals outlined in Section 14 below. (g) The Executive may, at any time, call upon any Club to account for its actions and may, if so decided, suspend the Club until an enquiry into its actions is satisfactorily completed. (h) Any Club failing to account in full for its actions, or attempting to hinder the work of the USFA at any time, shall be considered contemptuous and be liable to imposition of a penalty or suspension as at the discretion of the Executive. (i) The Executive must ratify any recommendations, public statements or business, submissions and the like, by any Member or Sub-committee before they are implemented as USFA Official. (j) Each member of the Executive shall provide an Annual Report for the AGM electronically forwarded to the Secretary no later than 7 days before the meeting. (k) If any member of the executive resigns before the AGM, they shall send a letter of resignation to the Secretary. (l) The Chairman of the USFA may appoint a replacement until such time as an election may be held to fill the position.
12. Authority and Responsibility of the Committee
(a) The Committee shall assume the authority of the USFA, and the specific authority of the Executive, when it is in session. (b) Any member of the Executive considered as failing to carry out his duties in a satisfactory manner by the remainder of the Executive and/or the Committee, or bringing by his actions, statements or otherwise, disrepute upon the USFA, shall be requested by the Executive or Committee to show acceptable reasons for his actions. Failure to respond to such a request in a satisfactory manner shall result in his removal from Office by the Committee. (c) Any Committee member suspended under Part (b) above, or Section 11. Part (f) above, may appeal at the next Committee Meeting or by direct contact to all Clubs and each member of the Executive for deliberation. (d) The Committee may impose any of the following penalties:
i. Temporary or permanent suspension of Affiliation ii. Temporary or permanent suspension of a Member iii. A fine as per “USFA Schedule of Fees”
13. Executive Positions and Responsibilities of Office
TABLE 1
POSITION
JOB DESCRIPTION
Chairman
The chief Executive member and spokesman of the USFA -Authority to convene all meetings of the USFA
Preside at all meetings of the USFA, maintaining order and correct procedure -Authorise all statements for publication or public release in conjunction with the Secretary
Acting USFA representative at all official functions
Conduct himself in a manner to bring credit to the USFA
Motivate the Executive in a positive way and engender team spirit – Ensure that a culture of good governance exists within all record keeping, systems, processes, projects and financials of the USFA
May appoint a stand-in when required – usually, but not necessarily, the Deputy Chairman
Deputy Chairman
Assist the Chairman as necessary
Stand-in for the Chairman when required
Be equally responsible for all duties of the Chairman
Secretary
Keep a true and accurate record of all business carried out by the USFA
Keep a true and accurate record of all policies of the USFA
Make any appropriate records available to any member
Confer with the Chairman in times of emergency -Conduct all general correspondence of the USFA
Ensure all communications are in keeping with the professional expectations and brand identity of the USFA.
Prepare the agenda and business for, and advertise all meetings of the USFA
Prepare, or have prepared, and distribute minutes of all meetings of the USFA -Compile an Annual Report of the activities of the USFA: usually for the AGM
Inform all Clubs of all relevant matters, protests, meetings, motions, disputes
Assistant Secretary
Assist the Secretary in all his duties.
Stand-in for the Secretary when necessary
Treasurer
Keep true audited books and accounts of the USFA’s financial affairs -Oversee all banking of the USFA’s monies
Be a signatory (one of at least two) on the USFA cheque account
Keep an accurate record of all payments of accounts and fees
Prepare a progressive report for meetings of the USFA and whenever required
Prepare a budget for the USFA as required
Register USFA Account signatories with the bank at the commencement of term
Advise or seek advice on any financial matter as required
Assistant Treasurer
Assist the Treasurer in all his duties
Stand-in for the Treasurer when necessary
Membership Officer
Maintain procedures for the attracting of new members
Maintain procedures for the renewal of memberships
Seek new improved methods for the above -Recognize the needs and implications of the expanding base of Independent divers
Collect and receipt all Membership fees and present to the Treasurer
Pursue short and long-term activities that support the implementation and ongoing effectiveness of a self-regulating diver accreditation scheme for USFA Members and potentially others within the spearfishing community
Provide strategic support to related initiatives Strategic Planning
As part of a Committee assist in setting the direction and mission of the USFA in light of virulent competitive forces and emerging threats
Identify and workshop strategic issues through a forum that augments the objectives of the Executive
Discuss current or prospective issues and assist in the formulation of relevant action plans
Report to the USFA Executive
Sports Secretary
Keep a record of results of all USFA, AUF(S) and CMAS skin diving Championships and Competitions
Keep a record of all past and present holders of perpetual trophies
Keep a list of trophy donors
Keep a record of the Competition history of the USFA
Recall all perpetual trophies before the following year’s event
The transport, cleaning, repair and engraving of all perpetual trophies
The receiving of nominations and applications for any perpetual USFA award
The submission of the preceding to the USFA Committee for evaluation
Website Manager
Organize material into a logical layout -Monitor and regularly update the website
Source interesting material
Arrange for approved material to be posted as required
Ensure the website remains functional
Continually improve ways to attract & hold the interest of relevant audiences
USFA Magazine Officer
Source and organize material
Edit and produce the magazine on a quarterly basis
Ensure all material is fit for distribution or approved by the Executive
Distribution of the finished article
Fundraising Officer
Actively seek fundraising opportunities
Identify where funds are needed
Organize the event via suitable means such as advertising, crew selection, sourcing of necessary equipment and location, etc
Collection and accounting of all monies and delivering to the Treasurer
Grants Coordinator
Keep informed of available Government Grants
Identify projects which require funding
Enlist reliable personnel to carry out the task involved
Make applications
Monitor the implementation of the task making sure it remains on track and within the stipulated contract
Provide relevant assistance to project officers engaged in assignments
Deliver any required reports
Historical Officer
Keep all historical records of the USFA
Research historical data as required by the USFA for certain events or occasions
Inform the Executive in advance of any key historic milestones
Public Affairs Officer
Respond to any adverse issues directly concerning the USFA
Respond to any adverse publicity directed at the USFA or any of its members
Confer with the USFA Executive before making any response or action
Provide assistance to officers requiring assistance on PR related matters
Act on opportunities with potential for positive publicity or outcomes
Education Officer
Provide literature and tuition to members or prospective members
Source appropriate and interesting material to facilitate the above
To advise Club officials on the setting up and running of a Club educational program that covers all aspects of safety and the indoctrination of new members
Report material and proposed delivery methods to the USFA
Recognized Training Officer
Organize the training of members or prospective members via accredited tutors and instructors
Organize accreditation of members as trainers
Report proposed training schemes to the USFA
Spearfishing Records Officer
Keep a complete up-to-date list of all record sized speared fish
Be totally responsible for liaison between Members, Clubs, USFA, AUF(S) and CMAS on matters concerning records
Make available to Members the correct procedure for claiming a record
Process any record applications promptly, professionally and with diplomacy
Data and Research Officer
Collection of competition data
Scientific assessment of competition data
Writing of any appropriate reports
Scan for research relevant to USFA and source as necessary
Report all results to the USFA for assessment prior to any other use
Endangered Species Officer
Proactively liaise with relevant regulatory bodies
Scientific assessment of endangered and protected species
Submit any reports to the USFA prior to any other use
Keep members informed of any changes in regulations
Environment Officer Advisory Council Liaison Officer
-Identify and keep records on all Advisory Councils -Identify any which require USFA representation -Lobby to Facilitate USFA representation – Ensure USFA representation is maintained -Source and assess suitable candidates
Marine Parks Liaison Officer (Far North): from QLD border to Port Macquarie
Keep all records on Marine Parks -Seek involvement in any review processes
Organize meetings with the MPA
Organize submissions when required -Keep the USFA fully informed at all times
Marine Parks Liaison Officer (North): from Port Macquarie to Gosford
AS ABOVE
Marine Parks Liaison Officer (Central): from Gosford to Shoalhaven Heads
AS ABOVE
Marine Parks Liaison Officer (South): from Shoalhaven Heads to VIC border
AS ABOVE
Public Officer
Lodge all appropriate USFA documentation and records with the relevant Government Department
Members Liaison Officer
Maintain direct contact with the nominated Club representative of each Club
Ensure that any important correspondence from the USFA has been received
Ensure that the nominated Club representative reports to all his members
Ensure that any task required by the USFA is completed by the Clubs
Report all outcomes to the USFA
14. Appeals
(a) Any Club which has disciplinary action taken against it or any of its members may appeal to all Clubs and the Executive within 30 days of imposition of penalty, and with the prescribed bond as outlined in “USFA Schedule of Fees”. (b) Clubs shall have the option of appealing for their members or not: at their discretion. (c) All correspondence pertaining to appeals, suspensions and voting shall be deemed as “A” Class correspondence.
15. Committee Meetings
(a) The Committee shall meet at least 4 times a year including the AGM. (b) The Quorum shall consist of at least 6 Committee members with a minimum of 4 to be Executive. (c) If a Quorum is not present within 30 minutes of the advertised starting time of the Meeting, that Meeting shall be adjourned. (d) That Meeting shall be rescheduled to a date not exceeding 14 days from the original meeting date. (e) If a Quorum is not present within 30 minutes of the advertised starting time of the rescheduled Meeting, or if a suitable date cannot be agreed upon at the original Meeting, that particular Meeting shall be cancelled. (f) In the absence of both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman at a Meeting and providing a Quorum being present, those present are to elect a Chairman for the Meeting. (g) The Secretary shall issue a Meeting notice and call for Agenda to all Club Representatives and Executive not less than 30 days prior to the Meeting. (h) The Club Representatives and Executive shall deliver all Agenda to the Secretary not less than 15 days prior to the Meeting. (i) The Secretary shall publish and distribute the final Agenda not less than 10 days prior to the Meeting. (j) Items for inclusion on the Agenda of any Meeting may be submitted at the Meeting but any Members present may exercise their right to veto any such item if the item is deemed to be better served under a Special Resolution or if limited by available time remaining. (k) All financial Members shall be eligible to attend any Meeting, (l) Any Meeting (except the AGM) may, upon a motion being duly moved and carried, be adjourned to enable a meeting of any Sub-committee to be convened if deemed necessary to facilitate proper decision making on any issues presented. (m) Voting on any general issues, not deemed to be better served under a Special Resolution, shall be restricted to one vote per Committee member. Club Representatives shall have the authority to vote without consulting their Club. The Chairman must abstain but may lodge a casting vote in the case of a deadlock. (n) Voting on a Special Resolution shall be carried out in strict accordance with Section 19 or 20 below. (o) Any Member ruled to be disorderly by the Chairman, shall be removed from the Meeting and their vote (if any) curtailed until a replacement Representative is appointed. If none available, the Meeting will continue without their Club’s representation. There will be no replacement offered in the case of the Member being an Executive Officer. (p) A copy of the Minutes shall be sent to all of the Executive and Club Representatives within 30 days of the meeting. The Club Representative must adhere to the provisions of Section 5. Parts (m) & (o)i. above.
16. Annual General Meeting and Elections
(a) The AGM shall follow all provisions of Section 15 above, except part (l). (b) The business of the AGM shall be the notification and ratification of action taken during the year by the Executive, any business that any Member wishes to place on the Agenda, and the election of the Executive for the next term of Office. (c) Nominations for members of the Executive shall be received by the Secretary, duly nominated, seconded and signed or approved by the nominee, up to the conclusion of the AGM. At this time the Chairman shall declare all Offices vacant and a returning Officer shall be appointed to conduct the election of the USFA Chairman who shall then complete the election. (d) Voting shall be by a show of hands or by secret ballot at the discretion of those present. (e) The Chairman of the elections will have no vote except as a casting vote in the case of a drawn result. (f) If there is only one nomination presented in accordance with part (c) above for a particular position, then the nominee shall be deemed duly elected into that position. (g) Any positions left vacant at the completion of the elections shall be advertised by the Secretary with the view of seeking nominations. Notwithstanding the provisions of Part (f) above, the nominations shall be dealt with in accordance with Section 20 below.
17. Extraordinary Committee Meetings
(a) An Extraordinary Meeting of the Committee, or any Sub-committee, may be called at any time by the Executive or upon receiving a request from Clubs representing at least 50% of the voting power of the USFA. (b) Notice of the Extraordinary Meeting is to be served to all Executive and Club Representatives not less than 30 days prior to the meeting. (c) The Chairman of the USFA shall have the authority to call an Extraordinary Meeting with limited notice in times of emergency.
18. Special Resolutions or Notices of Motion
(a) Any matter or issue presented to the Executive or Committee that is over and above the matters and issues related to the every day running of the USFA, or any matter or issue which would be deemed to require a broad response, shall be deemed a Special Resolution. (b) A Special Resolution is to be referred to a Meeting or an Extraordinary Meeting or be dealt with electronically. (c) A Special Resolution is to be voted on in accordance with the provisions of Section 19 or 20 below.
19. Voting Rights and Voting
(a) The voting power of a Club shall be calculated on the basis of every full 10 members of a Club shall gain that Club one vote. E.g. 9 Members – no vote; 20 Members – 2 votes; 47 Members – 4 votes etc. (b) Voting on general issues not deemed a Special Resolution shall be carried out in accordance with Section 15. Part (m) above. (c) No Club shall hold a total voting power in excess of 15 votes. E.g. 160 Members – 15 votes; 200 Members – 15 votes. (d) The Executive shall hold only one vote as a whole, being a casting vote only. (e) A simple majority shall decide if a motion is to be carried or defeated. (f) If voting reaches a deadlock, the Executive shall clear the room to discuss and vote on the motion in order to deliver the casting vote. (g) If Part (f) above eventuates, the Chairman shall only carry a casting vote as part of the Executive vote. (h) Any Member involved in the voting on any issues relating to the business of the USFA must declare if a conflict of interest exists in any issue, and, if one does exist, that Member must abstain from the vote on that issue.
20. Electronic Voting
(a) If the Committee or the Executive require a matter dealt with between Meetings, they shall inform the Secretary who shall, within 14 days, advise all Clubs and the Executive of the details of the matter in the form of a Notice of Motion. (b) Upon receiving such notice, the Club Representative must carry out his duties as outlined in Section 5. Part (o) above. (c) The Club Representative must return his Club’s vote in writing to the Secretary within 30 days: being the validity date. Any Club votes received after this date shall be declared invalid and an explanation may be sought by the Executive. (d) The Executive shall consider and decide the matter from the indication of votes received from the Clubs. This decision shall be final and shall be circulated by the Secretary within 30 days of the validity date. (e) Any Club wishing to amend the Notice of Motion shall record its amendment with its vote for the consideration of the Executive. (f) The Executive may issue a notice of motion at any time. (g) Voting power shall be determined by the secretary from the provisions contained in Section 19 above. (h) All Parts contained in Section 19 above, are to be adhered to. (i) All records of the abovementioned are to be placed on file by the Secretary and produced at the next Meeting if required.
21. Correspondence
(a) Correspondence shall be treated in 3 priorities: “A” Class; “B” Class; or “C” Class. (b) “A” Class correspondence shall be considered of greatest urgency and shall be replied to ASAP, but not more than 14 days upon receipt of the communication by the Club representative. (c) “B” Class correspondence shall be considered of medium urgency and shall be replied to ASAP, but not more than 21 days upon receipt of the communication by the Club Representative. (d) “C” Class communication shall be considered of least urgency and shall be replied to ASAP, but not more than 30 days upon receipt of the communication by the Club Representative. (e) The Chairman or Secretary may classify outward correspondence if deemed necessary. (f) The Chairman or Secretary may classify inward correspondence if deemed necessary, and the Executive shall be bound by the provisions of this section: Parts (b), (c), & (d) above. (g) Any communication not replied to within 7 days of its due date, shall be followed up by the Members Liaison Officer. (h) Any communication deemed “Confidential”, shall not be transmitted beyond the bounds of the Executive until such time as deemed cleared for general distribution.
22. Notices
(a) A Notice may be served upon any Member either in person, by mail, or electronically, and shall be classified as “A” Class correspondence. (b) Any Notice served by mail or electronically shall be deemed to have been served at the time when it would have been delivered in the normal course of events. (c) The Members Liaison Officer shall follow up on any Notices served within 7 days of the serving to ensure; firstly – it being received; secondly – it being treated as “A” Class by the recipient; and thirdly – the recipient understands the content of the Notice.
23. Finance
(a) All finance shall be under the control of the Committee. (b) All monies for the USFA shall be paid in full to the Treasurer who shall bank such monies within 7 days of receipt. (c) All accounts payable by the USFA shall be paid by cheque, which shall be signed by the Treasurer and one other member of the Executive (being a nominated signatory on the account), or EFT using 2 factor authentication (a one time password generator), which only allows the EFT to take place with one Executive member as the originator, and one Executive member as the authenticator. (d) The financial year shall be from 1-7- preceding year to 30-6- following year. (e) In the case of any new applications for affiliation or Membership being received before and near to the end of a financial year, thus leaving insufficient time to complete the transaction and associated accounting, the fees payable will be accounted in the next financial year but full Membership rights shall be extended in the interim. (f) The assets and income of the USFA shall be applied solely in the furtherance of its specific authority, and no portion shall be distributed directly or indirectly to the members of the USFA, except as bona fide compensation for services rendered or expenses incurred on behalf of the USFA. (g) The Executive may receive, upon the direction of the Committee, payment for services as a condition of appointment, or reimbursement for travelling or other legitimate out of pocket expenses or costs incurred in carrying out the functions or responsibilities of Office. (h) The allocation of USFA funds for any purpose, including State Team subsidies, shall be controlled by the Committee. (i) All claims for reimbursement shall be made to the Secretary at regular intervals. (j) All payments shall be made in accordance with Part (c) of this section, above.
24. Employment of Staff
(a) Upon the recommendation of the Executive, staff may be employed on a part or full time basis to assist the Executive in carrying out its function and responsibilities with respect to the USFA. (b) Conditions of employment and payment shall be as decided by the Committee.
25. Liabilities of the Executive
(a) If the Executive as a whole or any member of the Executive in his Office as such has paid, or is liable to pay, money for any act, default or omission of any other Member or Members of the USFA, such money shall be refunded to him, or them, by the USFA, or such money shall be paid by the USFA. (b) Payments made shall be in accordance with Section 23. Part (c). 26. Levies (a) Should the USFA bank balance fall below a figure determined by the Committee, a levy as determined by the Committee shall be placed upon all the Clubs. (b) The levy value shall be placed on the “USFA Schedule of Fees”. (c) The levy shall be paid within 30 days of invoice.
27. Audits
(a) The Executive shall appoint auditors who shall have the authority to call for the production of all books, papers and accounts relating to the affairs of the USFA. (b) The accounts shall be audited annually and at any other time deemed necessary by the auditors. (c) Any Member or Affiliated Club may order an audit at any time by the submission of a written requisition to the Secretary, and the placing of an Audit Bond as outlined in the “USFA Schedule of Fees”. (d) Any Member or Affiliated Club who shall cause such audit will be exclusively liable for all and any fees and expenses incurred during said audit if all books and processes are found to be in order.
28. Dissolution
(a) The USFA may be dissolved voluntarily whenever a Special Resolution is carried requiring the USFA to be dissolved. (b) Such a Special Resolution must be dealt with at an Extraordinary Committee Meeting convened for that sole purpose. (c) In the event of the USFA being dissolved, the funds and property remaining after such dissolution, and the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, shall be transferred to any Affiliated Clubs of the USFA: such Clubs being organisations not carried on for the profit or gain of its individual Members. Said distribution shall be made in such a way that each Club receives an amount equal to the proportion of its Members as a percentage of the total Affiliated Club Membership of the USFA.
In February of 1951 the Underwater Spear Fishermen’s Association (USFA) produced its first magazine, “Spearfishing News”. With USFA secretary Jim Ferguson as editor this publication consisted initially of 6 typewritten pages. Produced monthly it contained hints on spearfishing and equipment, information on rules, monthly and committee meetings, clubs, trophies and a Man of the Month section.
Spearfishing News continued being produced by the committee every month until September of 1952 when it first appeared as a commercial publication of 24 A5 pages. After the first 2 issues, Jim Ferguson wasn’t happy with the new format and reverted to a roneo’d publication for the November issue.
At the November committee meeting of the USFA Jim Ferguson was requested to outline his plan for the future of the magazine. As the committee wished to continue with a commercially printed publication Jim Ferguson resigned and a magazine committee consisting of Edward Du Cros (Editor), Keith Vagg (Associate Editor ) and Jeff Jackson (Advertising) was elected with their first issue being in December of 1952 and with a cover price of one shilling.
In July of 1953 the magazine finances were investigated and found to be chaotic. Over a period of 8 issues the magazine had suffered an average loss of 52 pounds per issue with the June issue recording the largest loss of 76 pounds with a net cost of One shilling five and a half pence per issue. It was recommended that the sale of magazines to shops at 9 pence each be discontinued. It was also recommended that drastic measures be taken to remedy the losses immediately as the financial future of the association was in jeopardy.
In September of 1953 Secretary, Dick Barton reported on the reaching of satisfactory financial arrangements and the production of the September issue with a name change to the Australian Skin Diving & Spearfishing Digest and in November of 1953, Keith Vagg took the reins of Editor.
Producing the magazine continued to be a struggle and in July 1954, the production and Editorial role for the magazine passed to Phil Knightly. Unfortunately, this did not work out and in November 1954 he was replaced with Richard Dreyfus, who worked in the Mirror office. Richard Dreyfus was empowered to produce the magazine on the USFA’s behalf on the same conditions as agreed to with Phil Knightly.
Australian Skindiving and Spearfishing Digest 1958 November
By January of 1955, it was reported that the handling of the magazine was unsatisfactory and the services of Mr Dreyfus were dispensed with. An endeavour will be made to obtain the services of some other interested person in the spearfishing world. The Feb-March 1955 issue was produced by Dick Barton as temporary editor until September of 1955 when Ray Cooper became the editor. In August 1956 John Thompson as the USFA’s Business Manager took on the task of producing the magazine, until October of 1960 when H.R.Smith & Biro with Bob Smith as Editor produced the magazine for the USFA.
Once again this commercial agreement did not work out and in March of 1961 the USFA again resumed control with a new editor and a new name. With Jack Evans as editor and the title, Australian Skindivers magazine production ran smoothly under his stewardship until he reluctantly relinquished his position as editor due to overseas commitments. Jack Evans last magazine was the June/July 1969 issue.
Australian Skindivers Magazine 1969 – July-August – First cover in colour
John Gillies was then appointed editor with the July/August 1969 his first issue and also a first for the ASM, a coloured front cover. However, by July of 1970, a financial storm was gathering. As always finances were very tight and with the production of Australia’s first commercial magazine in the offing, advertisers became reluctant to pay. The USFA was then in the position of not being able to pay the printers for the release of the June/July 1970 issue.
Australian Skindivers 1970 Vol 20 No 6 June,July – Final Edition
In July of 1970 Skindiving in Australia hit the newsstands and advertising support for ASM completely dried up. Meanwhile, payments owing from advertisers were pursued and several months later enough money was in the kitty for the release and circulation of ASM’s final issue. The irony of the situation was such that if advertisers had met their commitments and paid their accounts on time, ASM would have continued.
I had joined the USFA in 1962 as an 18-year-old youth and recall how eagerly I awaited each monthly issue of ASM. With regular contributions by Ben Cropp, Ron & Val Taylor, Wal Gibbins, John Harding and a host of others, I would dream of being able to take part in similar adventures.
In December of 1970 “Fathom” magazine appeared in newsagent’s stands. Produced by Gareth Powell with John Harding as Editor and Roy Bisson in charge of design, Fathom set new standards in production and design and continued for 10 issues until early 1973.
The USFA continued to pursue its own publications. In 1972 Norm Leibick produced several issues of a USFA Newsletter followed by Bill Suters reverting to the ASM name, producing several typewritten issues with the USFA’s Gestetner printer.
In May of 1974 Merv Sheehan began producing Skindiving News from the Metropolitan Zone and with its adoption by the state became Skindiving News from the NSW Zone with its Jan/Feb. 1979 issue with a name change to The NSW Skindiver with the July/August 1988 issue with the final issue in June 1998.
With Shane Spicer as Publicity Officer, several issues of Scale Tales were produced with issue 1 appearing in 1999 and issue 4 in December 2000. Then with Merv Sheehan as Editor and Adrian Wayne supplying the facilities of Waycon Pty. Ltd. The Underwater Fishing and Free Diving Magazine was produced for three issues between December 2001 and Feb. 2003. In March 2004 Oliver Wady as editor and Adrian Wayne’s staff at Waycon produced Spearfishing, Free Diving and Film Fishing News.
With this issue of “Australian Skindivers Magazine” we enter an exciting new era of production of a news magazine for our membership. With everyone’s help, long may it continue.
Aquamatic DiagramThe brothers, George and Trevor Davies, pioneered spearfishing in the Newcastle area taking up the sport in 1946. They were certainly talented and inventive. They made facemasks from car tyre inner tubes, started the Newcastle Neptune’s Spearfishing Club, made one of Australia’s first Scuba sets and designed the Aquamatic speargun.
You must be logged in to post a comment.