RETAILING continued These protections are vital for safeguarding the Reef, but they demand constant oversight, layers of paperwork, and
Every course taught not only empowers divers to protect the ocean, but also contributes financially to global con-
ongoing staff training. For a large- scale operator, ensuring compliance across multiple vessels and hundreds of employees is an enormous and
servation efforts. When you multi- ply that across hundreds of instructors and thousands of stu- dents each year, the impact is enor- mous. For us, environmental action isn’t an add-on — it’s central to who
continuous challenge. Operations at Scale
we are and what we do. The Value of DEMA
Of course, it’s not just people and regulations. Running multiple retail outlets means managing inventory, tracking gear across stores, and keep- ing dozens of compressors and hun- dreds of regulators in top condition.
This is why the DEMA Show is so valuable. It’s not just about shiny new gear; it’s about conversations with other operators who face the
At this scale, even small inefficiencies can snowball into major costs. Good systems and good people are essential - each with a departmental lead. Culture and Customer Experi- ence
same challenges, learning from their systems, and finding solutions we can apply back home. It’s where big-picture ideas meet practical tools. Looking Ahead
Running a dive corporation with 200+ staff and multiple stores is de- manding, no doubt. But it’s also re- warding. We’re not only introducing thousands of people to the under- water world every year — we’re shaping dive professionals, driving sustainability, and helping lead the future of our industry. Charlotte, our resident Plat-
With so many staff spread across multiple sites, culture matters. Dive professionals are independent by na- ture — they love the ocean, adven- ture, and freedom. Balancing that with corporate structure takes con- stant communication and strong leadership. If we get it right, our teams feel supported and connected
to a shared mission. And that directly impacts the cus- tomer experience, which ultimately makes or breaks us.
inum PADI Course Director, shared: “It’s wonderful watching staff come through our Divemaster In- ternship starting at Rescue level, progressing through the PADI pro-
Our Responsibility to the Ocean There’s also the bigger picture: our responsibility to the environment. Large operations can have a big foot- print, so we need to make sure we’re part of the solution. The best way to do this at scale is by embedding sus- tainability into everything we do — from reducing waste on vessels, hav- ing a strong recycling program, solar powered dive store, heated pool, to mostly trying to educate divers through PADI AWARE specialty courses.
grams and IDC, and eventually reaching IDC Staff Instructor levels. To then see them supervising, managing boats, and leading teams — the growth is both in- spiring and motivational to witness.” At the end of the day, it’s not just about running boats or filling tanks. It’s about people, the planet, and the passion that brought us all into div- ing in the first place.
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