The Canadian Association for Underwater Science held its 20th annual general meeting in Quebec City in June. Diving Safety Officers from various institutions across the country took part in workshops dealing with scientific diving standards and training curriculum in order to ensure scientific divers work under appropriate and safe conditions. Few Canadian divers realise that scientific diving is in a class of its own, as are recreational diving and commercial diving. Thanks to a lot of hard work and unrelenting efforts, CAUS has made great leaps forward in the last few years so the future looks bright for underwater scientists who clearly require their own set of rules to perform specialised tasks in various environments. CAUS standards are now recognised by the CSA and are law in Newfoundland. They will also become law in Quebec and British Columbia in the coming months. CAUS is a non-profit organization dedicated to safety in underwater research. The association provides a national forum for information exchange and policy making via meetings, symposia and published papers. The next AGM will be in Vancouver in October 2004. Universities and other institutions that conduct scientific work which requires divers should contact CAUS for details: www.caus.ca

A new group of dive companies is now open for business across Canada's Ocean Playground. DiveQuest Halifax, and seasonal outlets in Dingwall and Louisbourg, offer a full range of equipment and training as well as specialised services including dive tours, scientific diving, and movie production. Go online at www.divequest.ca for more details or phone: 902.455.3483.