THE U.S. FREEDIVING FEDERATION IS PART OF THE WORLDWIDE UNDERWATER FEDERATION, THE CMAS ORGANIZATION. Started in 1959 by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and recognized by the International Olympic Committee and UNESCO, CMAS comprises over 130 federations including the United States as one of the charter members. CMAS is a prestigious organization dedicated to the development of all underwater activities and sport disciplines on a worldwide basis. The U.S. Freediving Federation is the youngest member of the CMAS family and happy to help continue the legacy started by Mr. Cousteau. The mission of the U.S. Freediving Federation is to bring awareness to freediving across the United States and support the efforts of all those that engage in the sport, whether it be for self-exploration and adventure, therapeutic benefits, or purely competition – in the safest manner possible.