History of The Undersea Heritage & Exploration Society (UHEXSO): The Undersea Heritage & Exploration Society originated as the Gulf Coast Working Equipment Group (GCWEG), started by Paul Schenk of Clear lake, Texas. "Working equipment group," or WEG, is the designation used by historical diving organizations that dive antique equipment and that have close ties to the Historical Diving Society in their country. Starting with a core membership of three, the GCWEG was a loose association of divers who enjoyed collecting and diving old gear. As membership grew, activities expanded--from. simple dive rallies in 1995 to marine archeology projects in 1996, then naval reenactments in 1997. GCWEG's membership grew as these activities attracted more individuals who wanted to participate. After completing a project in 1997 with the National Underwater & Marine Agency the core team decided that we needed more control over our projects. With the help of Austin attorney and good friend Wayne Gronquist, UHEXSO was born. The name Undersea Heritage & Exploration Society was selected as more descriptive of the new group's activities than the GCWEG name. Since incorporating in October of 1998, UHEXSO has grown significantly in membership, has attained its IRS 501(c)(3) status, and is developing into one of the premier WEGs in the United States.

UHEXSO Corporate Charter was filed October 15, 1998, as a Texas non-profit corporation with the Texas Secretary of State, Austin, Texas. UHEXSO's corporate office is located in Austin, Travis County, Texas, U.S.A. and we can be reached by e-mail at: UHEXSO@airmail.net

UHEXSO's mailing address is 5624 Lomita Verde Cr., Austin, Texas 78749. IRS 501(c)(3) initial tax exempt status granted on January 15, 1999.

Copies of all books, records and corporate documents are available for inspection by the public, per state and federal law.

Board of Trustees: John F. Hoover, Executive Director & Registered Agent; Russell Miller, Secretary; Rick Kouns and W. Randy Furr, Trustees.

UHEXSO Corporate Mission Statement: UHEXSO exists as an outlet for individuals, groups or organizations interested in the various aspects of diving and maritime history and underwater exploration.

Purpose of UHEXSO: 1) To collect, restore and preserve diving equipment, apparatus, ephemera, writings, publications and images for educational and scientific purposes benefiting the public;

2) to conduct, and participate in historical equipment dive rallies and exhibitions, marine archeology projects and environmental projects benefiting the public;

3) to volunteer the services and expertise of UHEXSO to assist individuals in need, other non-profit organizations, groups and governmental agencies with diving services benefiting the needs of the public and the marine environment.

UHEXSO Non-Discrimination Policy: UHEXSO shall admit as members all individuals of any race to all of the rights, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to individuals through the corporation and that UHEXSO shall not discriminate on the basis of race in the administration of admissions polices, hiring policies, or any other administered programs. UHEXSO's non-discrimination policy shall also prohibit discrimination on the bases of color, gender, age, sexual preference, religion, national and ethnic origin, and physical or mental disability.

Please note: Because of the physical demands and risks associated with diving and diving activities, UHEXSO maintains the right to exclude from active participation in dive rallies or expeditions those individuals who may pose a serious risk to themselves or others. However, this does not bar those individuals from other activities or membership in UHEXSO and each case will be reviewed on an individual basis.

UHEXSO Drug and Alcohol Policy: UHEXSO maintains a zero tolerance policy with regard to the use of illegal or illicit drugs or medications. Individuals caught using or in the possession of illegal or illicit drugs, or determined to be under the influence or impaired will be dismissed from the project, rally or event, banned from any further participation in UHEXSO and may be turned over to law enforcement for investigation and prosecution. The consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden during any UHEXSO-sponsored activity. Any person determined to be impaired through alcohol will be barred from participating in the event and will be subject to UHEXSO disciplinary review. Under age drinking is strictly forbidden.

Disclaimer: Diving and diving-related activities are potentially hazardous and if practiced incorrectly or with incomplete planning and procedures can expose a person to considerable risks including serious injury or death. Diving requires specialized training, equipment and experience. UHEXSO and this web site are not intended to be a substitute for the above or for the individual to abandon common sense in pursuit of these activities beyond his or her abilities, skill and physical capabilities. This web site is intended as a source of information on various aspects of diving and diving-related activities, not as a substitute for proper training and experience. The individuals, companies and organizations presented on this web site are not liable for damage or injury including financial loss or death which may result from any diving or diving-related activity with respect to information contained herein.

Submissions: UHEXSO welcomes contributions for this web site on diving, historical diving equipment, and any other diving-related activity. Submissions are subject to approval and may be edited. For more information regarding submissions, please contact John F. Hoover, Executive Director, at: UHEXSO@airmail.net

Linked Web Sites: Views and opinions are those of the respective authors of linked web sites and are not necessarily the opinions and views of UHEXSO. Web sites linked from this site are reviewed to ensure suitability for younger readers. If you discover that linked web sites contain questionable or inappropriate material, please contact UHEXSO.

Parents: This site is rated "G" and is suitable for all ages, so please share this site with your kids.

Teachers, Educators and Diving Instructors: Feel free to use the information on this site as a teaching aide. If you are located in Texas, we may be able to arrange in-class presentations. If you need additional information or help in contacting similar organizations outside of Texas, contact us.

Contributions: UHEXSO is a IRS 501(c)(3) organization. As such, contributions of monies, services and equipment are welcome. Donors may deduct contributions only to the extent that their contributions are gifts, with no consideration received. Membership dues, event fees and ticket purchases may not necessarily qualify as deductible contributions, depending on the circumstances. Revenue Ruling 67-246, published in IRS Cumulative Bulletin 1967-2, on page 104, gives guidelines regarding when taxpayers may deduct payments for admission to, or other participation in, fundraising activities for charity. If you are unsure, please consult your attorney or CPA. Outside the United States, your governmental laws must be consulted.

Membership: Membership is open to all individuals, groups and organizations. Membership dues are collected and due by February 14th of each year. A membership certificate is issued to you as proof of membership in UHEXSO. Members may receive discounts or special consideration from other organizations and retailers. Dues are used to pay for administrative expenses and purchase equipment, supplies and consumable items associated with UHEXSO activities. No salaries or wages are paid to any officer, director or member of UHEXSO. Membership dues are in U.S. dollars.

Corporate: $50 (or the equivalent in goods or services); Family: $25; Individual: $20; Student and Military: $15. Please do not send cash through the mail. Payment should be made by personal or cashier's check or money order, made payable to UHEXSO. All active members are required to have a current Application Form, Release and Hold Harmless forms on file. You must have a current diver certification from a recognized certification agency to dive at a UHEXSO-sponsored event.

Special Event Fees: Special event fees maybe required to offset costs associated with a specific event or project. This fee may be in addition to the host's fee, if any. UHEXSO tries to keep these fees under $25. Families and special circumstances will be taken into consideration on a case by case basis. However, please note: The member's ability to pay event or training fees shall in no way interfere with participation in training or event if it can be helped. Event fees do not cover travel, accommodation and meals unless stated.

Privacy Notice: UHEXSO does not give or sell information on its members to any outside marketing or retail organization, nor does it collect data on visitors to its web site.