MASS BAY Divers, INC.
C/O South Shore Divers
147 Bridge Street Weymouth, MA 02189
Last Updated 10-01-07
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this organization is Mass Bay Divers, Inc.
The principle meeting place of this organization is 147 Bridge Street in Weymouth, MA
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
To offer members an opportunity to engage in diving together for mutual enjoyment common activities such as underwater photography, night diving, deep diving, etc. To encourage all members to follow all water safety rules and regulations, especially those related to safe diving. This organization will voluntarily offer its services to the civil defense as well as police and fire departments in land or water emergencies consistent with the training and experience of its members.
ARTICLE III
POLICY
No member, while representing Mass Bay Divers Inc., shall dive for personal or monetary gins under any circumstances during the continuance of their membership.
The Mass Bay Divers, Inc. will at no time authorize diving as a club for remuneration.
Each member must at all times observe and obey all laws pertaining to the taking of game in any waters in any state and its coastal waters.
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be open to all certified divers who are at least 18 years old.
All applicants for membership must complete an application for membership, supply a copy of their certification card and sign an annual release of liability
No member shall misrepresent their level of certification.
Certified divers under the age of 18 may join Mass Bay Divers, Inc. and attend all club functions, meetings and dives only if a parent or guardian, who is also a member, attends the same function and dives with the underage diver.
Action at a Meeting: When a quorum is present at any meeting of the Members, a majority of the Members present and voting on a matter, except where a larger vote is required by law, the Articles of Organization, or these By-laws, shall decide any matter to be voted on by the Members.
ARTICLE V
GOVERNMENT
The government of this organization shall be vested in a board of officers. The officers shall also serve as the directors.
The board of officers shall consist of a President, two (2) Vice Presidents, Treasurer, and Secretary and a Corresponding Secretary.
Officers shall be elected each year. Nominations of officers will take place at the November meeting, with elections held at the December meeting. Elections are open to all members in good standing who wish to serve on the board. Each member present will be able to vote. No absentee ballots will be issued.
The newly elected officers will assume their respective duties January 1st.
Vacancies in the elective officers shall be filled by appointment of the president. Such appointees shall serve only until such time as an election can be held.
ARTICLE VI
MEETINGS
Members attending a meeting shall be informed of the next meeting date prior to the adjournment of the present meeting.
Special meetings may be called by the president, providing each member receives notification at last two days before said meeting.
Meetings will be conducted in the open discussion forum except when the president feels that parliamentary procedure is necessary to govern the meeting.
A quorum of one third of the total paid membership shall constitute a legal meeting.
ARTICLE VII
DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS
The President, in conjunction with the board of officers, shall have the direction and control of the Mass Bay Divers Club, Inc. and may direct such orders as are not in conflict with the by-laws. He/She shall countersign all checks issued and signed by the Treasurer.
The Vice Presidents shall assist the president when called upon and, in the absence of the President, jointly assume and exercise the same powers and duties as the president.
The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of all monies due the club including members' dues. He/She must also keep an accurate record of any and all financial transactions conducted by the club, be responsible for issuing checks countersigned by the president and will deposit all funds in the organizations' depository which will be a bank of the Treasurer's own choice and convenience.
The Clerk keeps an accurate and permanent record of the minutes of all club meetings and board meetings. The Clerk must be a resident of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The corresponding secretary shall handle all necessary correspondence for the club.
ARTICLE VIII
OFFENSES, PENALTIES AND PROCEDURE
Charges may be brought against any individual member for violation of any of the laws of this organization. All charges shall be verified by the Board of Officers.
All charges against a member shall be instituted by setting forth in writing and in clear and concise language the facts alleged to constitute a violation and be submitted to the President. Charges against the President shall be filed with the Vice Presidents.
All accused members shall have the right to a hearing before the Board of Officers. The Board of Officers shall fix the time, date and place of the hearing and notify all parties concerned by mail.
A finding of guilty on any charges brought under these by-laws shall authorize the Board of Officers to act in the best interests of the club.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
These by-laws or any provision therein, may be revised, repealed or amended by a two-thirds vote of the members voting at a regular meeting providing that all members have been notified of an impending vote on an issue either by mail or at a previous meeting.
ARTICLE X
BOAT DIVES
Boat dives are to be planed by a boat dive coordinator. All dives are to be planned based on the interest levels of the membership.
Spots on the boat trips will be reserved on a first come first served basis. Members will reserve their spots on boat trips by providing payment in full .
Members who participate in the boat diving are to be held completely financially responsible from the moment they reserve their spot on any trip. Any member who causes the club to lose money shall no longer be considered in good standing and may be subject to action against them as described in Article VIII of the by-laws.
At any point that the club loses money, because of a lack of interest or for any other reason, the club may vote to disband the boat diving program.
ARTICLE XI
MEMBERSHIP LIST
The Mass Bay Divers Inc. Membership List shall under no circumstances be used as a sales tool. The Mass Bay Divers Inc. Membership List is not to be used by any club individual or individuals for the purpose of personal gain or profit. The Mass Bay Divers, Inc. Membership List shall not be given or sold to any other person, group, organization or commercial venture without express written permission from the officers of Mass Bay Divers, Inc. and the approval of those at the general meeting.
The Mass Bay Divers, Inc. Membership List can and will be used by our club members as a communications tool for any related club activities or social events.
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parties over whom Mass Bay Divers Inc. has no control. Mass Bay Divers Inc. makes no representations as to the accuracy or any
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