For many Quebec divers, ice diving was a subject best avoided last month. It was very difficult to get any news from the dive industry as a result of the ice storm. Nonetheless, a lot has been happening in various offices across the province.

THE NEW CHANGES AT THE FQAS

The divorce of the FQAS and the Collége des moniteurs (its certification agency) is now official. Both entities are racing to meet deadlines imposed by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. A FQAS's special committee has to table its proposals, relative to regulating the dive industry, before March. The new law should be in effect by late-spring.

The Collége des moniteurs will soon be back at work certifying divers. Only the name and the logo will change. Courses offered by the new certification agency will still be recognized by the CMAS, as was confirmed at a conference hosted by the FQAS and the Collége des moniteurs on January 2, in Montreal.

The president and the secretary general of the CMAS, Mr. Achille Ferrero, and Mr. Pierre Dernier, made a short stopover in Montreal on their way back from DEMA. The FQAS council and CMAS executives discussed, among other subjects, regulating diving in Quebec, the FQAS's new mandate, and CMAS's continued support of the Collége des moniteurs. Their short stay was topped off with a cocktail reception attended by some of the major players of the Quebec dive industry. Renowned photogra phers Michel Gilbert and Danielle Alary, Dr. Louis Jankowski, as well as representatives of the Quebec Government, were some of the most noted guests in attendance.

ARTIFICIAL REEF PROJECT FOR STE-LUCE

A fund-raising campaign has been undertaken in order to help finance an artificial reef project in Ste-Luce. Donation banks, as well as information packages, have been placed in a number of dive shops across the province. The Ste-Luce group plans to sink a decommissioned Canadian destroyer off of Ste-Luce in 1999. The new reef would lie relatively close to the wreck of the Empress of Ireland but should be accessible to divers of all levels of training.

FESTIVAL MONDIAL DE L'IMAGE SOUS-MARINE (ANTIBES, FRANCE)

Photographers Michel Gilbert and Danielle Alary, well-known for their multi-projector presentations, won the Palme d'Argent in the 'Sèrie sonorisèe' category. Their 5-minute slide show, entitled "Magic Moment," relates the encounter between children and manatees in Florida. Representatives of forty-two countries were competing for the coveted 'Palmes' won during this prestigious contest known for attracting the world's best. Congratulations!

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