The following letter of support for the Association was received from Brian Simpson, UK Member of Parliament, and Member of the European Parliament:
“It has become apparent over recent years that the often dangerous and yet important work done by deep sea and off-shore divers never gets the recognition that it deserves. That is why I welcome a professional association being set up in order that the view of the practitioner can be heard, as well as ensuring a structured dialogue can take place in regard to safety and the operational workings of this sector. That professional voice needs to concentrate on these areas of concern that divers have, as well as working with the relevant authorities to improve safety and in implementing any new measures that may be deemed necessary.
Such a professional Association would benefit both National and European legislator, as they come to terms with this unique and highly skilled sector. The expertise and knowledge of such an Association would certainly assist me and my colleagues in not only ensuring that we have the right legislation in place, but in also being pro-active in addressing future problems and concerns that may arise. In the past it has become apparent to me when calling for improvements in diver safety, that there was a need for one reference/contact point for elected members to approach in order to get the detailed information they required, so that we can campaign from the strong point of having a detailed knowledge of how the industry works from the divers point of view.
As for the future, it is inconceivable that in this day and age that the professional diving sector has never been able to form a strong professional association, who working with trade unions can offer a strong voice for those in this profession. I believe the time is now right to rectify that situation once and for all.â€
Brian Simpson MEP
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