Dive Industry Articles

Diving Industry Professionals Gather to Strategize Future Growth at 2020 Vision Sessions

(Dive Travel Business News - Wednesday January 23, 2013) --The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) has been conducting 2020 Vision brainstorming sessions in several locations during 2011 and 2012 and additional sessions are planned for 2013. Conceived as a means by which DEMA Member input could help steer the direction of the Industry and Association, information from the DEMA 2020 Vision Sessions are part of the strategic planning process used by DEMA’s Board of Directors.

Ideas and priorities from these brainstorming sessions help the Board understand the needs of Members on the ground. It is from these sessions that ideas such as the owner and employee health insurance program and the worker’s compensation insurance program, both open to DEMA Members, originated. read more »

DEMA Announces Disaster Assistance Program for Show Exhibitors, Attendees Impacted by Hurricane Sandy

(Dive Travel Business News - November 1, 2012) -- The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) announced today that the DEMA Board of Directors has approved the activation of the Disaster Assistance Program to assist those DEMA Show Exhibitors and Buyers impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

DEMA's Disaster Assistance Program contains funds specifically for companies that planned to exhibitor buy at DEMA Show but which were subsequently impacted by a natural disaster. Based on their exhibit size as contracted by close of business on Monday, October 22, 2012, each exhibitor involved from affected locations as outlined below, may apply for funds to help them get to the trade show. Buyers who planned to attend DEMA Show can also apply for funds to assist in staying onsite at DEMA Show 2012. read more »

Advanced Risk Management seminars for Dive Professionals at DEMA Show 2012.

(Dive Travel Business News -- October 20, 2012) -- Insurance Management Services will present two Advanced Risk Management seminars for Dive Professionals at DEMA Show 2012 to be held Nov 14-19 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, NV. Presented by Carol Christini, President of Insurance Management Services Inc., the seminars are offered to Dive Businesses, Industry Professionals and Charter Operators regardless of training agency affiliation.

Seating capacity is first-come first-served for these free seminars scheduled from 12-2pm on Wed Nov 14 and Sat Nov 17. Dive Professionals will discover new risk management tools, and learn advanced concepts in risk management, critical thinking, decision making, causes of accidents, professional responsibility, levels of responsibility, common areas of concern in diving, and what to do in an emergency. read more »

DivingGlobal Pioneers Cloud Service for the Diving Industry.

(Dive Travel Business News - October 9, 2012) -- DivingGlobal, has announced the release of a pioneering cloud service designed to revolutionize the diving industry, with the release of its flagship CRM application. DivingGlobal’s technology provides dive store owners the ability to engage their customers through open, mobile and social channels, allowing the seamless integration of IT management solutions across all lines of business from anywhere in the world. As a result, dive store owners will be in a position to radically improve time management, develop a more holistic connection with customers and restore the demands of running a dive store to its exciting and dynamic origins.

When asked about the value that DivingGlobal’s cloud solution is poised to deliver to the diving industry DivingGlobal’s Founder and CEO Michael Amico stated, We provide retail store operators the ability to engage their customers and grow revenue through open, mobile, and social channels. Our App allows retailers one place to access all of their crucial business systems from anywhere on the planet on any device." read more »

Women Divers Hall of Fame Launches Underwater Calendar 2013

(Dive Travel Business News - October 2, 2012) -- The Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF)has created a 2013 calendar featuring stunning underwater photography, where 100% of proceeds from each calendar sold will be applied to WDHOF scholarship and training grant programs.

Each calendar is 12" x 12" (opens to 12" x 24") and is individually shrink wrapped for protection. Cost per calendar is $15 with a discounted price of $12 each if a dozen is ordered. Calendars may be ordered online at www.wdhof.org through the WDHOF secure NY Charities site by following the link on the WDHOF home page. For those attending DEMA Show 2012 November 14 - 17 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, calendars may be pre-ordered for pick-up at WDHOF Booth #3150. For international orders contact Bonnie Toth at bonnietoth@earthlink.net. read more »

DEMA Expands to New Social Media Platforms

(Dive Travel Business News - October 1, 2012 ) -- DEMA has shut down its current “DEMA Assn” Facebook page and switched to a new Facebook page, “DEMAorg”. All “DEMA Assn” Facebook followers are encouraged to "Like" the new “DEMAorg” Facebook page so as not to miss out on any important news or information.

“We use the handle ‘DEMA Org’ on most other social networks and decided to make the switch on Facebook to create some consistency amongst all of our profiles and pages,” explained Nicole Russell, DEMA Managing Director. “We expect this should help the Industry professionals connect with DEMA and other professionals more easily as they move amongst different social media platforms.” read more »

DEMA-Sponsored Seminars at DEMA Show 2012

(Dive Travel Business News - September 14, 2012) -- DEMA Show 2012 will offer four educational tracks in its DEMA-Sponsored Seminar Program as part of the educational programming for dive professionals. The DEMA-Sponsored Seminar Program is the packed with sessions for every business type and size. Business education tracks include: Track 1: Understanding Your Customer, Track 2: Better Business Performance, Track 3: Strategies to Acquire New Divers and Track 4: Strategies to Retain Your Current Customers.

(Dive Travel Business News - September 10, 2012) --The Women Divers Hall of Fame ™ (WDHOF) has announced the scholarships and training grants available in 2013 to support those following a marine-related career. The application deadline is November 15, 2012 at midnight U.S. Eastern Standard Time.

WDHOF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and raising awareness of the contributions of outstanding women divers provides educational, mentorship, financial, and career opportunities to the diving community throughout the world. Each year, WDHOF awards scholarships and training grants that provide financial and educational support to individuals of all ages, particularly those who are preparing for professional careers that involve diving. read more »

Pioneer Shark Expert Ron Taylor Dies

(Dive Travel Business News.com -- September 9, 2012) -- Australian marine conservation pioneer and renowned shark expert Ron Taylor has died at the age of 78. He suffered myeloid leukaemia for two years and died peacefully at a private hospital near his Sydney home.

Taylor first became fascinated with marine life in the 1950s as a champion spear fisherman, but later decided to "hunt with a camera" instead of a spear. Considered amongst the world's premier shark experts, Ron Taylor and his wife Valerie are regarded worldwide as pioneers in underwater cinematography and known for their groundbreaking marine documentaries like Inner Space. read more »

Women Divers Hall of Fame Announces Dates for High Profile Event at DEMA Show 2012

(Dive Travel Business News - August 13, 2012) -- The Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) has announced the date of its upcoming annual Tropical Dreams and Paradise Sunsets: The popular event will be held on November 14 at Harrah's Las Vegas during the DEMA Show 2012. World renowned marine artist Wyland will be the celebrity emcee for the night and will be auctioning off dive trips and other big ticket items. A silent auction, raffle, door prizes, food, drinks and live music will round out the evening where attendees can hob-nob with a 'who's who' list in diving. read more »

SDI/TDI: One Dive at a Time on Malapascua Island

(Dive Travel Business News - July 17, 2012) -- SSI/TDI -- If you were to ask Matt Reed, SDI TDI Instructor Trainer, or David Joyce, SDI TDI Instructor of Evolution Diving, what they were going to do on a precious day off, one would expect to hear “go diving of course!” seeing that Malapascua Island, which is located on the northern most tip of Cebu in the Visayan Sea, is known for its Thresher sharks and mantas. Instead, you’ll find David and Matt assisting the Bantay Dagat in the collection of Crown of Thorns (COT) starfish off of local reefs. The Bantay Dagat, loosely translated as “Sea Watch” is a marine preservation organization that not only works to preserve the reefs, but also acts as a deterrent to illegal fishing tactics. read more »

Scuba Diving Inspiration for Cancer Survivors

(Dive Travel Business News - June 14, 2012) -- Examiner.com --

Brandon Bethea of San Diego based Fin Forward, featured on San Diego 6 News in the Morning, shares shark diving with cancer survivors and why fitness is important to Fin Forward.

"Fin Forward focuses mostly on the emotional and therapeutic benefits gained from a shared group experience or life-changing adventure such as shark diving. Nonetheless, fitness is a key element of everything we do. As we see it, our trips are all about recreation (having fun!), resolution (sense of accomplishment), and rehabilitation (feeling better). Resolution could mean as in a bucket list item or an inner (or physical) resolution of courage, determination, can-do attitude, etc. read more »

Scuba Diving Hall of Famer Neville Coleman Passes

(Dive Travel Business News - May 7, 2012) -- AUSTRALIA -- The diving community mourns the loss of a great underwater explorer and naturalist who dedicated his life to the World of Water. Neville Coleman peacefully passed away Friday morning. With over 1000 published articles in over 150 magazines, in excess of 100,000 images and more than 60 marine life natural history books to his credit, Coleman was one of the most accomplished underwater educational authors in the world.

Coleman's impressive career in underwater photography spanned over 45 years of underwater exploration, photographing over 450 new species of marine life. A multi-award winning photographic environmentalist, Coleman begann documenting the aquatic wildlife of the Asia/Pacific region in 1963. read more »

DEMA Invites Industry to 2020 Vision Brainstorming

(Dive Travel Business News - May 25, 2012) -- DEMA’s 2020 Vision brainstorming sessions were conceived as a way to get member input on the future needs for the diving industry which could be utilized by the DEMA Board of Directors as strategic plans are made for the future of the diving industry, and have been conducted in several locations this year. In order to keep up with the changing needs for recreational diving DEMA is actively soliciting industry member’s input so that DEMA can be both proactive and responsive to the needs of Members.

These sessions help the DEMA Board formulate future purpose, plans and programs as the industry evolves and moves into the future. Input from Members is valuable in formulating strategic plans for the association to assist in providing what is needed by the industry.

These sessions have generated lots of interesting discussions about the industry and the needs of dive businesses everywhere as well as how to meet those needs. read more »

PADI approves brand new ScubaFit® Diver Distinctive Specialty Course

(Dive Travel Business News - May 3, 2012) -- Dive and fitness instructors alike can now become certified to teach fitness to divers. The Padi ScubaFit® course was developed by Gretchen M. Ashton, a certified fitness trainer and Stephen Mendel, a multi agency scuba instructor.

The PADI ScubaFit® Diver Distinctive Specialty Course offers new opportunities for instructors and dive shop owners to improve the health, performance and safety of their diving clients and increase diving participation. Divers who are fit are much more likely to enjoy their diving experience and to dive more often. ScubaFit's first three students have successfully completed the course, and more classes are filling now. read more »

Reef Ministries offers New Leader Program

(DIve Travel Business News - May 2, 2012) -- Reef Ministries, a ministry dedicated to showcasing the underwater world as the handiwork of God, is announcing its new program for Christian instructors and divemasters called Reef Ministries Leader. Reef Ministries Leaders are dive professionals who have a strong faith and a desire to combine that faith with their professional diving activities.

“We have seen tremendous interest from church groups, ministries, youth groups, homeschoolers, and Christian schools for scuba and snorkeling services offered by Christian dive professionals” states Tec Clark, director of Reef Ministries “so, the Reef Ministries Board of Directors voted to expand the ministry internationally by creating this new program.” read more »

DEMA Vision 2020 continues at The Scuba Show, Long Beach CA

(Dive Travel Business News - April 25, 2012) -- In 2011, DEMA and industry professionals from around the world came together to brainstorm about the future of the diving industry. From these brainstorming sessions, key action items were determined as outlined below.

Now, in 2012, DEMA is now asking for the industry's ideas on how we can implement these items: read more »

Capt. Albert Falco has Returned to the Silent World at Age 84.

(Dive Travel Business News - May 1, 2012) -- Albert Falco, the former captain and chief diver of Jacques Cousteau's R/V Calypso, died on April 21st at the age of 84. Capt. Falco was a pioneer scuba diver, legendary mariner, oceanographer and long-time champion of underwater conservation. Falco was also on the Ocean Advocacy Advisory Board of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a non-profit ocean conservation organization.

The officers and the crew of the Calypso inspired two generations of divers and conservationists. Captain Falco saw the diminishment of biodiversity in our oceans over a span of nearly seven decades. He was dedicated to the protection of life and habitats in the sea.

Captain Albert Falco was born in Marseille, France on October 17th 1927. He died in Marseille.

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Total Diving give 101% to Marine Conservation.

Dive Travel Business News - April 21, 2012) -- Located in Montreal, Canada, Total Diving, has become the first dive centre in the world to join 1% for the Planet, Total Diving will generously donate 1% of their revenue to ocean protection.

“As the first dive center in the world to join 1% for the Planet, we are breaking new ground for businesses whose survival and profitability depend on the wellbeing of the oceans,” said Darcy Kieran, owner of Total Diving.

Says Kieran, "It's not just about preserving scuba diving sites around the world, it’s a great fit and it’s a good feeling to know we are working together to ensure our underwater playground is protected for future generations.” read more »

Project AWARE Welcomes New Executive Director

(Dive Travel Business News - April 20, 2012) -- Project AWARE Foundation is honored to welcome Alex Earl as Executive Director. A committed marine conservationist and enthusiastic diver, Alex has lived and worked in four countries and dived in many regions of the world including the Philippines, Australia, Tanzania, Fiji, Tahiti, Canada and the United States.

Alex draws from an extensive background in global non-profit management, strategic planning, program development, campaigning, fundraising, and business development as well as extensive cross-cultural and international experience. Earl has learned first-hand that the challenges of protecting and conserving the marine ecosystems that provide these experiences are growing exponentially year by year. read more »

Rebreather Forum 3 to be held May 18-20, 2012

(Dive Travel Business News - March 19, 2012) -- Experts from around the world are gathering in Orlando, Florida on May 18-20, 2012 to examine the state of rebreather use and to develop protocols and recommendations to improve user safety. Co-sponsored in part by DAN, PADI and the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), the Rebreather Forum 3 is a three-day program featuring rebreather specialists, experts, manufacturers, training and education leaders, scientists and dive safety researchers.

Over the course of the three-day program, participants will have the chance to hear presentations on topics such as the state of recreational rebreather technology, a review of the available data for accident analysis, a review of the training and operational protocols, and an examination of the considerations for conducting extreme exposure dives. read more »

Sunset House now a dual PADI / International Yacht Training Facility.

(Dive Travel Business News - March 30, 2012) -- Sunset House, Grand Cayman’s Hotel for Divers, by Divers, has become one of the first dual International Yacht Training (IYT)/Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Training Centers in the world. International Yacht Training is a fully approved training company by the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) amongst others. This allows Sunset Divers (Sunset House’s elite Dive Center) not only to train dive professionals as Diveboat captains, but are authorized to train and certify non-dive related candidates, IYT/MCA nautical qualifications through their new IYT instructors Robert Hopwood and Peter Foster-Smith .

All Sunset Divers’ captains have been certified as PADI/IYT Diveboat Coxswains. Sunset Divers has become one of the first dive operators to certify to the new, high standard to training and certification for Diveboat operators.

The program:
• PADI/IYT Diveboat Mate – qualified Diveboat crew and captain in training read more »

DEMA Presents Board of Directors and Committee Chairs for 2012

(Dive Travel Business News - March 23, 2012) -- The latest DEMA Board of Directors Election has brought two newly elected members to the Board.. Darcy Kieran of Total Diving in category A4 and Jenny Collister of Reef & Rainforest Worldwide Adventure Travel in category A5 join existing Board Members for 2012. Relected Board Members include Stephen Ashmore of Tabata USA (TUSA) in category A1, Jeff Nadler of PADI in category A2 and William Cline, Cline Group Advertising in category A3.

Other board members currently continuing their term on the DEMA Board of Directors are: read more »

Women Divers Hall of Fame Announces Honorees for 2012

(Dive Travel Business News - February 1, 2012) -- An international non-profit professional honor society dedicated to recognizing the outstanding contributions of women divers, the Women Divers Hall of Fame™ (WDHOF) has announced the WDHOF Class of 2012. The five new members will be celebrated at the Beneath the Sea Dive & Travel Show at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey March 23 - 25, 2012.

The honorees are: read more »

Diving Legend Neal Watson Re-elected President of the Bahamas Diving Association.

THE BAHAMAS—JANUARY 24, 2012— Dive legend and businessman Neal Watson has been re-elected for another two-year term as President of the Bahamas Diving Association.

Stuart Cove, owner of Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas in Nassau and Stuart Cove’s Tiger Beach Safaris on Grand Bahama Island, was re-elected vice president.

Watson and celebrated marine artist, scientist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey joined forces last year to open Neal Watson’s Dive Bimini at the Bimini Big Game Club in Alice Town. read more »

Global Social Network brings Divers and Dive Pros Together.

(Dive Travel Business News - January 25, 2012) -- For dive travel professionals looking to grow their business by expanding their social networks, DiveBuddy.com is a fun and viable option. A global online scuba community, DiveBuddy.com began in 1998 as a simple listing service for scuba divers who needed a dive buddy. Founder and Member #1, Greg Davis bought the domain name and created the website in 2006 when his dive buddy Dad moved away, and he needed a new dive buddy. Today, the social networking site has over 17,000 registered scuba divers from all over the world.

Scuba divers use DiveBuddy.com to: read more »

EGA Group Unveils Innovative GAME Plan for Dive Travel Suppliers

EGA Group Team helps market Dive Travel Professionals

(Dive Travel Business News - May 30, 2011) -- The EGA Group recently released details of its GAME Plan marketing and advertising program. The Group Advertising and Media Exposure (GAME) Plan is designed to combine a variety of promotional elements into a comprehensive and targeted strategy, EGA Group officials have made the GAME Plan an option most travel operators and destinations can’t afford to overlook.

According to EGA Group President Ernie Arellano, “The GAME Plan originated as a way to help our resort and travel clients maximize their marketing efforts. We give GAME Plan participants the best exposure available while also saving them time and money. It’s the best way for our clients to ‘up their game’ – literally.”

Arellano said the GAME Plan concept is simple. Working together with major industry media outlets including Sport Diver magazine, Scuba Diving magazine, Dive Training magazine and others, the EGA Group secures premium advertising placement that offers maximum exposure at a huge savings to GAME Plan participants. read more »

SSI Showcases Swim-Snorkel-Scuba Business Model at DEMA Show 2011

(Dive Travel Business News - December 1, 2011) -- Scuba Schools International (SSI), the premier education and business support company came to DEMA to reinforce and build on its new business model for the recreational sport diving industry – Swim, Snorkel, Scuba. SSI advises the industry on some of its strategies for success here:

Swim, Snorkel, Scuba Model – The idea of a swim, snorkel, scuba model is keeping customers involved for life. Start them out young in swim, brand them to your business and the love of water, graduate them to Snorkel or Scuba Rangers, then to Freediving or Open Water Diver, Specialties and Xtended Range diving. Check into the new standards and exciting changes that Mike Ange has brought to SSI TXR and how this well-rounded range of products can extend the time customers stay in diving. read more »

Dive Industry Association Celebrates 10 Years Serving Dive Professionals

(Dive Travel Business News - January 6, 2012) -- Founded in 2001, the Dive Industry Association recently celebrated 10 years as a Marketing and Trade Association dedicated to "Building a Better Industry, One Member at a Time."

More than 294 Dive Businesses and Individuals have joined this association to help promote their businesses and grow the diving industry.

DIA's goals are to unite the Industry to a common purpose of sustainable growth for the industry, promote Professional Development within its Membership, generate maximum marketing exposure and increase business opportunities for its Members.

While many businesses may be members of one or more associations*, DIA is another networking collaboration that's proving its ability to put Members in front of qualified people and opportunities. Dive trade who are interested in expanding their market reach and fine-tuning their businesses should seriously consider joining DIA: read more »

Insurance Management Services Inc. 25 Risk Management Tips for Dive Industry

(Dive Travel Business News - January 2, 2012) -- The dive industry has inherent risks and to underscore them, Insurance Management Services, Inc offers a free e-book entitled 25 Risk Management Tips. Authored by dive insurance expert Carol Christini - the primer dispels some core myths and provides excellent tips on managing risk in the industry. President of Insurance Management Services, Inc, Christini offers three additional risk management tips for industry professonals here: read more »

NOAA Diving Manual to be released Jan 2012

(Dive Travel Business News - November 20, 2011) -- Best Publishing Company has announced the launch of the latest edition of the NOAA Diving Manual. This long-respected diving resource offers instructions, recommendations, and general guidance on the broadest possible range of underwater living conditions and dive situations. Its robust content will prove useful to scientific, commercial, and recreational divers everywhere.

Nearly a decade in the making, the highly anticipated fifth edition of the NOAA Diving Manual Package Includes: Softcover Manual, CD-ROM, Plastic Nitrox No-Deco Tables and Plastic Dive Planning Worksheet/Tables. Thanks to the expertise of the diverse National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contributors, this comprehensive reference guide will continue to set the standard and bring the best science to the latest in diving safety, training, cutting-edge technology and innovation. read more »

DEMA Announces Leap into Consumer Arena

(Dive Travel Business News - November 3, 2011) --- Known for its cornerstone trade-only event "DEMA SHOW", the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) announced its leap into the consumer show arena today at the annual DEMA Member Meeting and Update held at DEMA Show 2011. Executive Director Tom Ingram announced that the "Be A Diver Adventure Sports Festival" will be a city-wide consumer event that will take place April 26-28, 2013, in Fort Lauderdale Florida. The Festival will be an annual event.

Described as a "celebration of diving, adventure sports, water sports and outdoor lifestyles", DEMA's first consumer event will be designed to engage current divers, lapsed divers and potential divers, and will include events, music, exhibits, seminars and other activities to promote diving and attract the attention of lifestyle sports enthusiasts. read more »

Major Dive Agencies Relocate to Better Serve a Growing Global Market

(Dive Travel Business News - October 3, 2011) -- TDI/SDI/ERDI has reheadquartered to Jensen Beach, Florida. Brian Carney, group President stated, "This move marks the coming home to the TDI birth place, Florida." TDI was the original agency in the group and remains the crown jewel from where the other agencies, SDI and ERDI, were spawned. One of the world leaders in facilitating dive instruction through its members worldwide, TDI/SDI/ERDI will keep Florida's balmy waters busy year round with a plethora of Professional Training programs for Pro Members that were impeded by Maine's harsh winters. TDI/SDI/ERDI provide the best in scuba dive instruction support for its members, allowing its Pro Members to prepare divers of all ages and ability to get involved and certified appropriately regardless of their personal interests. This includes up to date training solutions for technical divers and public safety divers. read more »

Pilot Referral Program for Discover Diving Experiences Launched in Cayman.

(Dive Travel Business News - September 4, 2011) -- A new Discover Diving Referral Program is being pilot tested by Cayman Islands' Dive Operators in conjunction with Dive Center Business magazine and U.S. dive stores. Each year thousands of vacationers head to warmer climes and try a discover diving experience. But there has been a disconnect between their "Resort Diver" experience and the next obvious step: To find a local dive store back home and become a fully certified diver. read more »

DEMA Annual Update at Upcoming DEMA Show 2011

(Dive Travel Business News - September 22, 2011) - The Annual Diving Equipment & Marketing Association Member Meeting and Update will be held at the DEMA Show on Thursday November 3, 2011 at the Orange County Convention Center, Room N310E from 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM.

DEMA invites both members and non-members to this event to learn the latest information about the Association's activities during the last year and planned projects for 2012. A complimentary Continental style breakfast is included. The meeting provides an opportunity for industry professionals to meet current DEMA Board Members, candidates for the 2012 Board of Directors Election and DEMA Staff. read more »

Reef Fish Identification Travel Edition Now Available

(Dive Travel Business News - September 23, 2011) -- A travel companion to the classic Reef Fish Identification, the divers' standard reference for more than 20 years, has been published by New World Publications. Written and produced by veteran underwater photographers and founders of the non-profit REEF (Reef Fish Identification Foundation) Paul Humann & Ned DeLoach, the new TRAVEL EDITION is a lightweight field guide rugged enough for gear bag and boat. Less than 3/4 of a pound, with plastic comb binding and waterproof covers! 132 pages, 281 species and 560 photographs in a 6 x 9 format.

The book includes information on each species including their common, scientific and family names, descriptions, identification markings, preferred habitat and the animal's range. Suggested Retail Price is $29.95. For more information on the entire series, and to order visit New World Publications.

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Ocean Quest Arctic Clear HD Dive Mask

(Dive Travel Business News - September 21, 2011) -- Ocean Quest is taking steps to improve the over all experience for divers by introducing the Arctic Clear HD Dive Mask. Ocean Quest is now using a new lens called the Arctic Clear HD lens. The glass used in this process is of optical quality and far more pure than standard tempered glass.

Typically the glass in your scuba mask has been made with float glass and is similar in quality as an average car window.What you think of as clear actually has a slight green tint to it that you can see by placing your mask in front of a white piece of paper. This is caused by the mineral impurities in the glass. Arctic Clear HD lenses use optical quality glass similar to that used in your eyeglasses. It is far more pure offering the best possible clarity and little to no color distortion. This feature works to minimize distortion and actually enhances the available light offering improved vision and visual acuity that is most noticeable in low light conditions. read more »

Scientific Diving Techniques

(Dive Travel Business News - Sept 21, 2011) -- This newly updated and revised second edition of John Heine’s Scientific Diving Techniques covers the details of research methods underwater. Included are general scientific diving guidelines, an overview of aquatic habits and ecosystems, specialized diving equipment and procedures, locating and marking study sites, archaeology, measuring physical and biological factors, underwater experimentation and underwater photography and videography for the scientist. There are over 500 references to original scientific techniques. Also included are training exercises to aid Diving Safety Officers in training scientific divers. read more »

New Underwater Treasure Hunt Game Introduced by DEMA

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(Dive Travel Business News - May 29, 2011) -- The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) recently released a new in-water game called “DiveCaching.” DiveCaching is an underwater game for snorkelers and certified divers that is designed to keep divers active locally while promoting more diving.

DiveCaching combines basic diving skills with underwater navigation and underwater search techniques to find a hidden DiveCache - a hidden underwater container, or "cache" filled with "goodies." DiveCaches can be hidden in almost any underwater environment, and the visibility, temperature and other diving conditions are part of the challenge of hiding and finding a cache.

DEMA launched the activity to the professional diving community in early May, giving dive centers a “heads-up” to get involved with hiding caches for their local dive sites. DEMA has sent several BeADiver “trackable” tags to DEMA member retail stores to help them start local diving games for their customers. read more »

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DEMA Invites Industry To Strategic Visioning Session

(Dive Travel Business News - May 24, 2011) -- The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association invites industry members to a strategic visioning session in Long Beach on Sunday June 5, 2011 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California, in conjunction with Scuba Show 2011.

Held by the DEMA Board of Directors and lead by Tom Ingram, DEMA's Executive Director, "Moving Toward 2020: Developing a Strategic Vision for the Recreational Diving Industry" is series of brainstorming sessions with industry members that began with two sessions held at the Beneath the Sea Dive & Travel Show in March 2011. DEMA has been seeking industry input on the direction of the diving industry for the next 10 years. "Where is the recreational diving industry headed? How do we grow? What challenges lie ahead? What challenges us now?" are just some of the questions requiring the input of Dive Industry professionals. read more »

Ocean Technology Systems Recalls Guardian Full-Face Diving Masks

(Dive Travel Business News - March 8, 2011) -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. read more »

"Be A Diver" Pool Creates New Customers with its Pool Stops in 2011

Dive Travel Business News - March 27, 2011) -- Continuing to demonstrate its value as a new customer acquisition tool and a diving awareness program, DEMA's Be a Diver Pool kicked off 2011 with a big splash at all of its first quarter pool stops. DEMA's Big Wave Dave Reidenbach and DEMA Member retailers who were on-site with the Be A Diver Pool, educated attendees about the ease of learning to dive, and why diving is a fun and family-friendly activity. As a result, thousands of dollars in scuba class signs-up and multiple broadcast coverage spots were generated in the first quarter of 2011. read more »

"Divers' Palate" to be Launched at Beneath The Sea Dive & Travel Expo

(Dive Travel Business News - March 24, 2011) -- As part of its extensive fundraising efforts that help support Women Divers Hall of Fame™ (WDHOF) scholarships and training grants, WDHOF will be launching a new cookbook at the Beneath The Sea Dive & Travel Expo in Secaucus New Jersey, March 25-27, 2011 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center.

"Divers' Palate: A Collection of Recipes and Stories from WDHOF and Friends" is a 4-color, 3-ring binder with a stunning cover by marine artist Robert Lyn Nelson. Compiled and produced by WDHOF members Julianne Ziefle and Bonnie Toth, the 300+page cookbook features recipes, photos and stories contributed by WDHOF members, friends and diving luminaries. This is a limited edition print run with only 300 copies available. read more »

Ten Outstanding Women Honored at Beneath The Sea Dive & Travel Expo

(Dive Travel Business News - March 23, 2011) --- Dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions of women divers, the Women Divers Hall of Fame™ (WDHOF) is an international, non-profit, professional honor society whose member contributions span a wide variety of fields including: The Arts, Science, Medicine, Exploration & Technology, Marine Archeology, Business, Media, Training & Education, Safety, Commercial & Military Diving, Free Diving, and Underwater Sports.

The Women Divers hall of Fame recently announced the selection of ten new Members who will be inducted into the Hall at the Beneath The Sea Dive & Travel Expo Awards Banquet at the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel in Secaucus, New Jersey on Saturday March 26, 2011 (). These outstanding professionals will constitute the WDHOF Class of 2011: read more »

Leisure Trends Topline Sales Data Now Available

(Dive Travel Business News - March 7, 2011) -- Dive gear sales are always a good indicator of the health of dive travel, since divers usually buy gear in preparation for new diving experiences. The latest numbers from Leisure Trends Group's RetailTRAK™, a POS retail sell through tracking service, that all dive merchandise totaled $22M in January, up 4% from 2010. Unit sales slipped 2% while a 6% increase in average retail-selling price buoyed dollar sales for the month. Compared to 2010, advanced equipment rose 14% in units and 21% in dollars to total $6.8M in January. read more »

Nautilus Lifeline GPS Radio for Divers Introduced at DEMA Show 2010

Dive Safety Just Changed Forever with the Nautilus Lifeline GPS Radio for Divers

(Dive Travel Business News -- December 1, 2010) -- Dive safety just changed forever with the introduction of the Nautilus Lifeline at the Diving Equipment & Marketing Show (DEMA) in Las Vegas in November 2010. The new product was easily one of the most popular new products introduced during the four-day event.

According to company officials, there were more than 3000 opening orders taken over the 4 days of the show and the inquiries continue to pour in. The Lifeline is a compact depth rated GPS marine VHF radio specifically designed for divers. The product provides an added measure of safety including radio transmitter, emergency transmission of the user's coordinates,position indicating light and additional features. read more »

Shark Dive Operator Recovering from Shark Bite

Shark Feeding Expedition in rough waters off Bahamas goes awry

(Dive Travel Business News - January 31, 2011) -- Shark dive operator Jim Abernethy is recovering from a shark bite that occurred on a diving excursion with the commercial diving vessel Shear Water in the Bahamas last week. In a press conference this past weekend, Abernathy stated he had been mistaken for a fish. The operator had been ten feet down tending to bait in rough water in a cluster of about 40 sharks when he was bitten on the arm. The choppy water stirs up the bait and can confuse sharks. Abernathy stated that he would no longer bait sharks in rough waters.

Apparently concerned about the press releasing bad information about sharks, Abernethy, who wore a shirt that read "Stop eating shark fin soup”, took the opportunity at the news conference to spread the his message that sharks must be protected.

"Any diver anywhere on Florida, the Bahamas, or most of the world, realizes that our reefs are covered with algae. Scientists now believe that this algae is caused by the removal of over 90 percent of the sharks," Abernethy said. read more »

Legendary Scuba Diving Pioneer and Underwater Photographer Passes

"Fishy Dan" Wagner was founder of Mother Ocean Foundation

(Dive Travel Business News - December 13, 2010) -- On December 7, 2010, the creatures of the sea lost a great friend when the founder of the "Mother Ocean Foundation" passed away. Dan Wagner, who was more commonly known as "Fishy Dan" by area school children in Florida, was a legendary scuba diving pioneer and underwater photographer.

Dan Wagner's first open-water scuba experience began in the Chicago suburbs in 1954 after he saw the movie "The Frogmen". A local diver lent him some of his own scuba equipment in the YMCA pool and after only five minutes underwater Dan was hooked on scuba diving.

Dan started his career with Dan's Diving Den outside Chicago in 1958. He became one of the first 25 nationally certified YMCA Instructors in the United States. A well-respected instructor of scuba diving Dan certified more than 5,000 divers. read more »

Swim Schools International Debuts at DEMA 2010

(Dive Travel Business News - December 6, 2010) -- There's money in your pool, and Scuba Schools International (SSI) wants to help you get it all. With the debut of sister company Swim Schools International, SSI is helping dive centers to turn their dive facilities into an aquatic destination for all ages, use their pools around the clock, and gain clients at the beginning of the underwater sports lifecycle.

Launched at the DEMA Show 2010 in Las Vegas (Nov 17-20, 2010), Swim Schools International is a swim teacher training program that piggy-backs onto existing scuba school offerings. Dealers from around the industry and around the world took a strong interest in the new program, which offers an unparalleled swim teacher certification program to create a complete Aquatic Training Facility. By offering a swim school in the same way a dive center offers a scuba school, dive stores can use existing infrastructure to maximize their return on their pool investment. read more »

Annual Florida Dive Show includes Intro to Tech and Solo Diver Seminars.

(Dive Travel Business News - November 26, 2010) -- The Annual Florida Dive Show will take place December 3 - 4 in West Palm Beach, Florida USA. SDI/TDI/ERDI is inviting ALL its professional members to meet with the various staff members who will be attending, including company president Brian Carney. This certification agency offers Scuba and technical dive training for divers and instructors through its Scuba Diving International (SDI) and Technical Diving International (TDI) certifications and emergency response training through its Emergency Response Diving International (ERDI) courses. read more »

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