The Royal Naval Minewarfare & Clearance Diving Officers' Association (MCDOA) was founded in 1991 by the incumbent RN Superintendent of Diving Cdr David Sandiford RN (subsequently elected as its first Chairman) and Lt Cdr Rob Hoole RN (subsequently elected as its first Secretary) primarily to formalise previously ad hoc arrangements for gatherings and the exchange of information. The Association currently has over 330 members worldwide including two thirds of all eligible officers serving in the Royal Navy.
The aim of the Association is to perpetuate the "Esprit de Corps" of Royal Naval and certain other Minewarfare and Clearance Diving Officers for their mutual benefit through the frequent exchange of information and regular meetings on both a formal and social basis.
MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA
As
defined in its constitution, the
Association comprises:
Full Members.
Life Members
Associate Members.
Honorary Members.
Full Members. Eligibility for full membership is automatic for all serving and retired Royal Naval Minewarfare and Clearance Diving Officers (MCDOs), Minewarfare Officers (MWOs), Clearance Diving Officers (CDOs), Officers who were qualified in Deep Diving (QDD) and Officers from other Navies who have similar qualifications and who have served with the Royal Navy.
Life Members. Free life membership is granted to those members who have attained the age of 75 or have been qualified for 50 years or more. Life members have the same membership rights as Full Members.
Associate Members. Associate membership, limited to twenty-five percent of the full membership, is awarded to those persons who have made a marked contribution to the Minewarfare and Clearance Diving community and the welfare of its members. Candidates must be nominated by a Full Member and receive the formal unanimous endorsement of the Committee. Associate Members are not entitled to vote or nominate or second other persons for membership.
Honorary Members. Honorary membership may be bestowed on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the objectives of the Association or to the activities of the MCD and MW Officer community. Honorary members pay no fees and are entitled to all privileges of membership except voting rights. Normally, not more than one honorary member is elected annually. Honorary members must be elected by the Full Membership following proposal by the Committee.
PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP
On admission, members are entitled to a copy of the Constitution and a list of members' names and addresses which is updated periodically by the Honorary Secretary. They are also entitled to receive notices of forthcoming events and a copy of Five Bells, the Association's newsletter. Members may apply for access to the Members Only area of the website by clicking the 'REGISTER' button on the website's Home Page and completing the simple form that appears. The webmaster will e-mail applicants when their access has been enabled.
MEMBERSHIP FEE
The current annual membership fee is £10, payable by Standing Order.