The origins of the Hart House Underwater Club (HHUC) go right back to the beginnings of formal diver training in Canada. In the summer of 1961, the University of Toronto and Hart House hosted the first NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) course in Canada. Through that course, Ben Davis, President of the Underwater Club of Canada, became certified as a NAUI Instructor.
Ben just happened to be related to Arnold Wilkinson who was the Warden of Hart House at the time. Hart House member Jack McQuarrie, a former Navy clearance diver, ran some diving instruction at the House in 1962 and 1963 but was not able to certify divers. Warden Wilkinson recruited Ben Davis to give a formal diving course in Hart House.
The course began in the fall of 1964 and in the spring of 1965 four Hart House members successfully completed their training in the Moon River below the Bala Falls. Three of those first four Hart House divers were Dick Booth, John Campbell, and Larry Lundy. Larry was still diving with the club at the 50th anniversary club trip to Grand Cayman Island in 2013.
The Underwater Club was first formed in 1962 as a sub-committee of the Grad Committee. It took some time before The Graduate Underwater Club became a Club of Hart House.
Over the years the Hart House Underwater Club has offered scuba courses in the University community introducing hundreds of members to diving. The HHUC has been recognized as one of the premier clubs in the country. We have had a close relationship with and formative influence on NAUI in Canada.
The club has been a leader and innovator in diving safety. We have hosted seminars for the diving community presenting international experts such as Philippe Cousteau and Dr. Joe McInnis. Our educational curriculum has included introductory, leadership, additional qualification and interest courses.
Proud of its history, the HHUC looks forward to a vibrant future in the University and in the diving community.
