Scuba Diving Industry® Magazine published by Cline Group, LLC. Printed and mailed to all dive retailers in the USA and digitally delivered to over 17,500 dive professionals in 165 countries. Published monthly, so "Start a Conversation" with your Business Customers!
OCTOBER 2026 PUBLISHED BY CLINE GROUP AFTER DEMA MAKE IT COUNT ® SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY POST-DEMA ISSUE
Turn show- fl oor ideas into stronger dive businesses
KEEP DIVE RETAIL ALIVE Why the entire industry has a stake FAMILY DIVING THAT SELLS Bring generations together for pro fi ts THE AGING DIVER Clear minds mean safer divers THE WILD SIDE OF CAYMAN Grand Cayman’s East End and More THE ART OF MUCK DIVING Photo pro tips for going big on small
Photo by Dr. Alexander Mustard MBE of Samantha Lungari on the wreck of the Kittiwake in Grand Cayman.
TRENDS IN DIVE RETAILING, TRAVEL & TRAINING
TABLE OF CONTENTS SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY ® MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2026
®
ADVERTISERS Page# Advertiser 3 Aggressor Adventures 12 Alex Brylske’s Book by Reef Smart 19 All Star Liveaboards 20 Anthony’s Key Resort, Roatán 13 Bahamas Ministry of Tourism 23 Barefoot Cay Resort, Roatán 22 Blue Force Fleet, Maldives 6 Books by Dan Orr/Best Publishing 7 Cape Eleuthera Dive Resort, Bahamas 21 Caradonna Dive Adventures 40 Clear Story Coach 11 Coltri Compressors 25 Deep Blue Adventures 68 DEMA & DEMA Show 42 Dive Academy & Viani Bay Resort Fiji 67 Dive BVI 65 Dive Industry Young Professionals 59 Diveplanit Travel 26 DiveSight Planning Software 2 Divers Alert Network (DAN) 63 Dive Marketing Media 45 Dream Weaver Travel 27 Explorer Ventures 34 Family Divers/Kids Sea Camp 30 Fantasy Island, Roatán/ScubaCo 18 Fog-X 8 Fort Young Dive Resort, Dominica 32-33 Florida Keys & Key West 39 Koro Sun Resort, Fiji 50 Lita’s All Natural Insect Repellent 15 HEAD/apeks/AQUA LUNG/mares/SSI 41 Meri Yoga/SeaCalm Scuba Retreats 57 NAUI Worldwide 37 Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba 31 Ocean Encounters Curaçao 17 Ocean Frontiers Cayman 38 OneDive.ai Software 36 Quest Dive Adventures 53 SasSea Wraps 46 Sau Bay Resort & Spa, Fiji 47 Scuba Do Rag 51 Scuba Educators International/SEI 65 Scuba Storyteller by Gil Zeimer 62 ScubaRadio 28 Sea Experience Florida 49 Visit Cayman Islands & ISDHF 35 Volivoli Beach Resort, Fiji
FROM THE PUBLISHER 5
Before You Sell, Start a Conversation / William Cline
SAFETY 6
Cognitive Issues for the Older Diver: Clear Minds, Safe Dives / Dan Orr 14 The Anatomy of a Lawsuit Part One: The First Critical Hours / Al Hornsby & William Cline ECO PRO 20 The Eco-Compliant Partner Program: Raising the Bar for Manatee Tours / Alex Brylske, Ph.D. RETAILING 26 Why Every Industry Stakeholder Should Be Concerned When A Retailer Closes / James R. McMullin 29 Classi fi ed Destination, Adventure Guaranteed: Black Ops Dive Travel / Gil Zeimer TRAINING 34 Multigenerational Marketing: How To Sell to Families / Margo Peyton 38 Is It Time To Reconsider How We Teach Scuba Diving? / Harry Truitt BUSINESS EDU 40 From DEMA Inspiration to Business Results / Cathryn Castle Garcia 43 Designing Demand: Is Your Website Helping or Hurting? / Burcu Mahmuto ğ lu 45 Lights! Camera! Action! Underwater Film Festival Success Tips / Christopher P. Weaver & Michael Salvarezza 51 Strong Dive Stores Build a Stronger Industry / Suuz Martines INDUSTRY NEWS 53 ISDHF: Diving’s Legacy, Cayman’s Future / Amber Wagenknecht TRAVEL 56 Cayman’s West End: The Wild Side of Grand Cayman special advertising section / Mark B. Hatter 60 The 7 Best Whale Encounters in the South Paci fi c / Deborah Dickson-Smith PHOTO PRO 62 The Art of Muck in the Philippines / Steven Lopez, MSc RESEARCH 65 Positive Q3 Survey Results and a Hopeful Forecast / William Cline ARTICLE INDEX 70 List of all Articles Published
4 | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
FROM THE PUBLISHER
About the Cover: Photo by Dr. Alexan- der Mustard MBE of Samantha Lungari on the wreck of the Kittiwake in Grand Cayman. Specs: Sony A7RV, Canon 8- 15mm fisheye, dual Retra Pro Max strobes. F13 | 1/15 | ISO 400.
BEFORE YOU SELL, START A CONVERSATION
William Cline, Publisher Patty Cline, Associate Publisher Amber Wagenknecht, Executive Editor Betty Orr, Senior Editor Neal Watson, Sr., Editor-at-Large Britain Cline, Advertising Sales Manager June Cline, Social & Podcast Producer Reese Gunby, Staff Writer Contributors: Alex Brylske, Ph.D., FL Cathryn Castle Garcia, Azores, Portugal SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY ® MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2026 VOL. 3, NO. 10
A customer walks into your store and says, “I want to buy the cheapest mask, fins, and snorkel set you sell. I’m going on my honeymoon, and I’ll probably only use it once and leave it behind. Just something inexpensive I can toss afterward.” What is the first thing you or your staff says? For many, the instinct is to explain quality, fit, comfort, and why spending a little more would be a better decision. We know the equip- ment, and we want to help the customer avoid a disappointing experience. But we have already missed an opportunity. The first response should be: “Congratulations! Where are you going on your honeymoon?” The customer already told you something deeply personal and that is where the relationship starts (and thanks to retailer Werner Kern for this example). Before discussing a single product, you have shown an interest in the person. They have shared something important happening in their life. Acknowledge it. This ties directly into James McMullin’s article this month about why he thinks some dive re- tailers are failing. The pressures he describes deserve attention. So does what happens when someone walks through your door. A customer asking for the cheapest option has told us their starting point. We still have plenty to learn. Have they snorkeled before? What are they excited to see? Are they planning a boat excursion or exploring from the beach? Their answers can help us recommend something appropriate for their plans and budget. The conversation should feel natural. Listen, respond, and let their answers guide you.
You may discover that an inexpensive set is exactly what they need. Respect that. Helping someone make a modest purchase without pressure can give them a reason to return. And what if they leave without buying any- thing? You may still have accomplished something valuable. Perhaps they mention wanting to learn to dive after the honeymoon. Perhaps their destination starts a conversation about a group trip you have coming up. They ask for details, and you have their permission to follow up. A missed $25 equipment profit that even- tually becomes a $500 trip commission would be an excellent trade. It will not happen every time, but it cannot happen if we never learn anything about the customer. When they are ready to purchase, look for useful ways to add value without automatically discounting. A strap cover for long hair, some defog, or help preparing and adjusting their equipment can make the purchase more worth- while. Choose something relevant to what they told you, and protect your margin. Your staff needs to understand that listening is part of selling. Give them the training and encouragement to take an interest before launch- ing into product features. We cannot win every transaction, and relationships take more than one friendly conversation. But that first exchange gives us somewhere to begin. The customer came in asking for inexpensive snorkeling equip- ment. They also told you they were getting married. Which part of their words did you respond to first?
William Cline, TX Mark B. Hatter, FL
Al Hornsby, Singapore Steven Lopez, MSc, CA Burcu Mahmutoğlu, Cyprus Suuz Martines, NC James R. McMullin, CA Dan Orr, ID Margo Peyton, SC Michael Salvarezza, NY Deborah Dickson-Smith, Australia Harry Truitt, WA
Amber Wagenknecht, TX Christopher P. Weaver, NY Gil Zeimer, CA
Scuba Diving Industry ® Magazine (Print: ISSN 2996-1416, Digital: ISSN 2996-1424, U.S. Trademark #99278901) Published monthly by Cline Group LLC, 1740 Airpark Lane, Plano, TX 75093. Printed copies are mailed within the USA to select dive retailers & advertisers. Subscriptions are free to dive pros & distributed digitally to 165 countries. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Scuba Diving Industry Magazine, 1740 Airpark Ln., Plano, TX 75093. Any part of this publication may be reproduced, as long as the source is quoted “Scuba Diving Industry Magazine.” Editorial re- quests: editor@scubadivingindustry.com or 954- 358-9660. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Cline Group LLC or any of its affiliates. AI may be used to generate graphics or edits as needed. © 2026 Cline Group LLC. All rights reserved.
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William Cline, Publisher
SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY | 5
SAFETY
Cognitive Issues for the Older Diver: Clear Minds, Safe Dives by Dan Orr , President, Dan Orr Consulting, ID
A LTHOUGH THIS ARTICLE is written to an aging diver, and you may not be there yet, this advice equally applies to your customers.
news is that we can plan for this, just like we plan breathing gas, decompression, and equipment selection. Awareness and preparation go a long way toward keeping older divers safe, capable, and confident.
Diving has always attracted people who love adventure but also appreciate order, planning, and control. And as we get older, most of us become even more in- tentional about those things. We know our backs don’t like giant strides the way they used to. We feel our ears a bit more. We take more time and effort climbing the boat ladder. That’s all pretty obvious. What’s far less obvious, and frankly, a
Cognitive aging doesn’t hit everyone the same way, and it’s not all negative. Expe- rience, judgment, and pattern recognition may actually improve with age. That’s why older, seasoned divers are often the calmest in a crisis and the best at anticipating issues before they become problems. But some abilities commonly decline, even in healthy aging. Processing speed can slow
lot more insidious, is subtle cognitive change. This isn’t about “losing it” or being unfit to dive. It’s about recognizing that the same aging process that affects our knees, shoulders, and back can also affect our memory, attention, and decision- making. Underwater, where the environment can be very unforgiving of error, those changes can matter. The good
down; we may take longer to absorb and act on new infor- mation. In diving, this can mean a slower reaction to an equipment issue, an environmental change, or a buddy signal. Working memory, the “mental scratch pad” we use to keep track of information in real time, may not be as sharp. Un- derwater, you rely on it to track breathing gas remaining vs. depth vs. time, follow a navigation pattern, or remember the last step of an emergency procedure while you’re still performing the first one. On land, a little forgetfulness or slower reaction time is often just an annoyance. Underwater, it can become a real hazard. The diving environment is complex and dynamic: currents, boat traffic, changing visibility, unexpected marine life, and problematic entries and exits all demand attention. Diving loads us with tasks: we manage buoyancy, navigation, breathing gas, communication, perhaps photography, and sometimes students or less-experienced buddies. Physiologic stressors such as nitrogen narcosis, cold, exertion, CO2 buildup, exceeding maximum operating depth (MOD) when diving with Nitrox and possible subclinical decompression effects can amplify minor cognitive deficits. And underwater, we often have limited time to correct mistakes. A navigation error or missed turn on land costs a few extra minutes; at depth it costs breathing gas and can escalate anxiety. Aging itself is not the problem. Unrecognized and unplanned-for cognitive change is. It helps to know what to look for. We should be watching for patterns, not one-off slips; everyone occasionally forgets
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SAFETY continued
something. You should pay attention when you see trends, especially if others notice them too. Potential warning signs in older divers include repeatedly forgetting critical pre-dive steps such as turning on breathing gas, opening the cylinder valve fully, or checking dive computer batteries. There may be increased reliance on others to set up or verify gear prepa- ration and configuration when the diver previously handled this independently. Some divers start having trouble remem- bering the dive plan, even after reviewing it several times shortly before the dive. Others become confused about nav- igation cues, have difficulty retracing a simple route, or find themselves getting turned around more often than in the past. Difficulty following multi-step instructions can appear, such as “If we lose the line, we’ll do this, then that, then ascend to a specific depth.” Underwater, there may be slower responses to hand signals or delayed understanding of basic communication. Anxiety or disorientation at depth may increase compared with previous years, even on routine dives at familiar sites. Decision-making may become uncharacteristic, either more impulsive (“We’ll just go a bit deeper, it’s fine”) or more hesitant and indecisive than before. Importantly, these signs should trigger curiosity and evaluation, not fear
Any medication that can cause drowsiness, confusion, or slowed thinking on land is certainly a red flag underwater. Divers should review all medications with a physician or a specialist familiar with diving medicine, or call the Medical Department at Divers Alert Network (DAN) to get information to help understand how these drugs might interact with depth, narcosis, and exertion. The interaction of aging, narcosis, and breathing gas choices is particularly important. Age doesn’t “cause” narcosis, but slower processing and reduced cognitive reserve can make the effects of narcosis more impactful. A younger diver with sharp working memory may remain functional at a narcotic load that would seriously impair an older diver already working near their cognitive limits. Even modest narcosis can tip an older diver from “a bit slow” to “unable to manage multiple tasks” at depth. That has practical implications. As we age, it makes sense to be more conservative with depth. What felt easy at 100 feet at 35 may not be quite as manageable at 65. Breathing gas choices for the older technical diver require thought; using mixes that reduce narcosis, such as trimix on deeper dives, may be beneficial but only as part of a comprehensive training and risk-management strategy. Above all, we must recognize that narcosis plus cognitive aging plus environmental stress can multiply risk, not just be additive.
or shame. The goal is to understand what’s happening and adapt, not to ground someone from diving unneces- sarily. Not all cognitive decline is “just aging.” Some causes are preventable, treatable, or at least modifiable. Cardiovascular disease and hypertension, for example, can reduce brain perfusion or lead to
The key to safe diving at any age is safety margin and proper risk management. As cognitive reserve gradually changes, we can preserve safety by increasing those margins and simplifying our dives.
The key to safe diving at any age is safety margin and proper risk man- agement. As cognitive reserve gradually changes, we can preserve safety by in- creasing those margins and simplifying our dives. That starts with the dive profile. Older divers do well to prefer
small-vessel disease that affects memory and cognitive function. Diabetes, especially if poorly controlled, can impair cognition both acutely and chronically. Sleep disorders, especially sleep apnea, can dramatically affect attention, reaction time, and judgment by disrupting sleep night after night. Depression and anxiety often reduce concentration and working memory. Then there is mild cognitive impairment or early dementia, which may be quite subtle at first but worsen under stress or in unfamiliar contexts, such as an underwater emergency. Medications add another layer. Older divers are more likely to be taking sedatives or sleep medications, certain “Z-drugs” or benzodiazepines. Anticholinergic medications used for bladder issues, allergies, or nausea can impair cognition. Pain medications, especially opioids, and some anti-anxiety or anti-seizure medications can cause drowsiness or confusion.
shallower, shorter dives, especially in challenging environments. We should avoid combining stressors; deep, cold, current, and low visibility are not the conditions to test limits. Breathing gas reserves can be increased beyond what we once considered acceptable; larger rock-bottom reserves, more conservative turn pressures, and generous surface intervals all help. Task loading is another area where we can build margin. It’s worth taking an honest look at equipment and procedures. If gear complexity is no longer adding value, consider sim- plifying. If you’re not actively using a piece of equipment, ask whether it is truly necessary or just one more thing to monitor or misconfigure. Underwater, limit significant mul- titasking. If you’re doing photography or video, treat navigation and breathing gas checks as priority tasks with scheduled SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY | 9
SAFETY continued
divers are calm, pa- tient, and observant. They notice if you seem off and check in without being in- trusive. They are will- ing to stick with the plan and are not prone to “just a little deeper” or “let’s push the limit this once.” They are proficient but not overtasked; a heavily task-loaded videographer or an in- structor juggling mul- tiple students may not
checks, not “whenever I remember.” And think carefully about high-responsibility roles: leading large groups or man- aging students can be very demanding. If you notice it’s be- coming harder to track everyone and everything at once, it may be time to adjust your role. Older divers benefit from rigorous, repeatable pre-dive routines. A printed or laminated pre-dive checklist that you follow every time, even on “simple” shore dives, can be in- valuable. Include self-check and buddy check components: is your breathing gas on and the cylinder valve fully opened, are valves verified, is the inflator functioning and are dump valves clear, is your dive computer set and functioning, and are weights secure and appropriate? Review the dive plan clearly and concisely: maximum depth, turn breathing gas pressure, time limits, lost-buddy procedure, ascent profile, and safety stop. Repetition builds habit, and habit reduces reliance on working memory. Communication is another area where small changes can pay large safety dividends. Subtle cognitive changes can make ambiguous messages more problematic, so simple, unambiguous hand signals are best. Review signals before the dive and agree on straightforward “if-then” actions: if you signal low on breathing gas, we immediately ascend to- gether; if we lose each other, we search for up to one minute and then surface safely. Complex signals or plans that require remembering multiple conditionals can set divers up for confusion when stress levels rise. Buddy choice matters more than ever, not as a crutch, but as part of a shared safety system. Good buddies for older
be ideal. It can help to be frank in advance: “I’m still very comfortable diving, but I’m at a stage where I really value clear plans and conservative profiles. I prefer to avoid last- minute changes or pushing limits.” That’s not weakness. It’s professionalism. The dive operation you choose can support or undermine these efforts. Look for operators who respect individual limits and do not pressure divers into dives beyond their comfort or training. Clear, structured briefings that repeat key points make it less likely that anything critical will be missed. Let the crew know if you prefer to go slowly on descents and ascents, stay shallower, or remain close to the guide. You are not asking for special treatment; you are aligning the dive with reality. The brain, like the body, responds to training and support. You can promote cognitive health in ways that directly benefit your diving. On land, physical fitness matters. Regular aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility work improve cerebral blood flow, balance, and reaction time. Sleep deserves attention; consistent, high-quality sleep, especially before diving days, is one of the simplest ways to support cognition. Mental activities such as puzzles, reading, strategy games, or learning new skills can help maintain cognitive flexibility. But we shouldn’t overestimate “brain games” at the expense of whole-body activity and social en- gagement, which appear to matter more. Regular medical care is essential: manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar; screen for sleep apnea, hearing loss, and depression, all of which can affect cognition.
SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY | 10
SAFETY continued
Dive into Dr. Alex Brylske’s Book: BENEATH THE BLUE PLANET When these arise, the safest course is to stop diving until evaluated, consult a physician knowledgeable in diving medicine (or coordinate between a neurologist or geriatrician and a dive medicine specialist), and be honest and thorough about symptoms, dive history, and goals. Stepping back tem- There are also dive-specific ways to support the aging brain. Dry runs or dynamic rehearsals of emergency procedures, such as mask removal and replacement and sharing breathing gas, practiced slowly and deliberately on land, build muscle memory and reduce cognitive load underwater. Quiet mental rehearsal before a dive helps as well: “If my mask floods at 80 feet, I’ll stop, stabilize buoyancy, clear it slowly, signal my buddy if needed, and reassess.” After each dive, a brief, honest self-debrief can reveal trends: did you feel mentally sharp, did anything confuse or surprise you that shouldn’t have, did you forget any steps or checks? Patterns over time are more informative than any single dive. At some point, most older divers adapt how they dive. That might mean focusing on shallower sites, eliminating overhead environments, or choosing simpler conditions. It may mean stepping away from teaching or leading. Very rarely, it may mean stepping away from diving entirely. Certain red flags require medical evaluation and serious re- consideration of diving. These include getting lost or disoriented on simple, familiar dive sites repeatedly; repeatedly forgetting critical safety procedures or how to operate essential equipment; episodes of confusion, disorientation, or not recalling portions of a dive; noticeable deterioration in day-to-day memory, judgment, or orientation on land; and strong concern expressed independently by multiple dive buddies or family members.
porarily to clarify the situation is far better than pushing forward into a preventable accident. Many of the best dives I’ve witnessed were not the deepest, longest, or most technically complex. They were slow, controlled, observant dives where divers took their time, stayed well within their limits, and came up smiling with plenty of breathing gas to spare. Older divers bring enormous value to the diving community: their judgment and calm, their respect for procedure, their appreciation of small un- derwater details, and their willingness to plan ahead and share experience. Cognitive change is part of the same continuum as reduced flexibility or slower fin kicks. Recognize it early, plan for it thoughtfully, and build habits and margins that support it. With deliberate adaptation, many divers continue to dive safely and enjoyably well into their 60s, 70s, and beyond. Diving has always been about managing risk, not eliminating it, and doing so in a way that lets us keep enjoying the un- derwater world. As you age, you haven’t outgrown that re- sponsibility; you’ve grown into it. Dive within your true limits, not your remembered ones. Put structure around your experience. Talk openly with your buddies and your dive professionals. In doing so, you not only protect yourself, you help define what safe, successful lifelong diving can look like. Additional Reading: Orr, D. and Orr, B. 101 Tips for Recre-
ational Scuba Divers. 2023. Best Publishing Com- pany. Orr, D. and Douglas, E. Scuba Diving Safety. 2017. Best Publishing Company. Orr, D. Diving Safety articles in Scuba Diving Industry Magazine (www.scubadivingindustry.com).
email Dan Orr
A fascinating look at our oceans, marine biology & more! Great for classrooms and every dive retailer’s library!
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SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY | 12
SAFETY
The Anatomy of a Lawsuit Part One: The First Critical Hours by Al Hornsby , Singapore & William Cline , TX
E DITOR’S NOTE: This series is intended to help dive professionals understand the operational and legal process that may follow a serious diving accident. It is not legal advice. Laws, reporting requirements and insurance policies vary by location. Dive operators should review their emergency procedures with their training agencies, insurance providers and qualified local attorneys. Accidents happen to even the safest operations and instructors. If you work with enough people, someone will need emer- gency medical care, even if you do everything 100% correctly. No dive professional begins the day expecting to manage a serious accident. We arrive at the store, resort or boat expecting to take people diving and bring them back with great stories to tell. Then something happens. A diver fails to surface with the group. A customer is found unresponsive. Someone shows symptoms of decompression illness. A diver suffers a medical emergency underwater. Suddenly, a normal day becomes one that may affect the injured diver, the family, the staff and the business for years. When that happens, your first responsibility is not protecting yourself from a lawsuit. It is protecting life. However, the decisions made during those first critical minutes may later become part of an insurance investigation, government inquiry or lawsuit. The best way to protect the diver and the business is to respond professionally, follow the emergency action plan and create an honest record of what occurred. Preparation Begins Before the Accident The quality of an emergency response is usually determined before the emergency happens. Every dive operation should have a written emergency action plan for each location where it operates (As Jeff McNutt wrote in our April ’26 issue). A general plan sitting in a binder at the store is not enough. A remote shore-diving site may require a different response from a charter boat, swimming pool or resort. The plan should identify: Who takes charge ▪ Who enters the water ▪
Who calls emergency services ▪ Who prepares oxygen and first-aid equipment ▪ Who records important times ▪ Who controls the other customers ▪ Where the injured diver will be transported ▪ How emergency personnel will reach the location ▪ Who communicates with the diver’s family ▪ Who contacts the insurer, training agency and manage- ▪ ment Divers Alert Network (DAN) recommends calling local emergency medical services first and then contacting DAN during a diving emergency. DAN also stresses that an emergency action plan should be clear enough for someone unfamiliar with the operation to help activate it. The plan should be practiced, not simply written and forgotten. DAN even offers emergency-planning guidance.
Emergency oxygen, first-aid supplies and an AED must be accessible, inspected and ready. Staff should know where the equip- ment is and how to use it within the limits of their training. An emergency is the wrong time to discover that an oxygen
When an accident happens, your fi rst responsibility is not protecting yourself from a lawsuit. It is protecting life.
cylinder is empty, the mask is missing or no one knows the address of the nearest hospital (see William Cline’s boat prep article, May ’26). The Emergency Comes First When an accident occurs, medical care takes priority over photographs, witness statements, insurance calls and internal paperwork. The exact response will depend on the circumstances, but the basic priorities remain consistent: 1. Recover the diver without creating another victim. 2. Begin appropriate first aid, CPR, oxygen or AED use. 3. Activate local emergency services. 4. Assign one person to coordinate communications. 5. Arrange transportation or evacuation. 6. Account for the other divers and staff. 7. Record important times when doing so will not interfere with care. Someone should note when the diver was recovered, when first aid began, when emergency services were called and when the patient was transferred. These times can later be compared with telephone records, vessel logs and emergency
14 | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
SAFETY continued
reports. Do not delay care while trying to produce a perfect timeline. An approximate time recorded in good faith is better than a precise time created later from memory. Managing the Rest of the Scene A serious accident rarely involves only the injured diver. Other customers may still be in the water. Equipment may be scattered around the boat. Staff may be distressed. Friends or family members may demand information that is not yet available. Someone must remain responsible for the larger operation. Complete a head count. Confirm that all divers have been recovered. Secure the vessel or site. Stop further diving if continuing would be unsafe or would disturb evidence. Identify everyone who was present and obtain reliable contact information. Customers should be told that an emergency has occurred and that the operation is responding. They should not be given theories, medical conclusions or statements about who may be responsible. “I don’t know yet” is an acceptable answer when it is true. Caring for the Family How a dive operation treats an injured diver’s family matters. It matters morally, professionally and, sometimes, legally. As- sign one person to serve as the family li- aison. That person can help the family locate the hospital, arrange transportation, retrieve luggage or identification and un- derstand who to contact. The liaison should be compassionate without speculating about the accident. Avoid statements such as: Even well-intended statements can be inaccurate or misun- derstood. Do not pressure the injured person or family to sign documents or provide statements. Do not make medical promises. Respect the diver’s privacy and share medical in- formation only with proper authorization. Compassion does not require an admission of fault. It requires treating people with dignity during what may be the worst day of their lives. Protecting the Equipment Once the diver has been transferred to medical personnel, attention must turn to the equipment. The equipment may “He must have panicked.” ▪ “Her equipment failed.” ▪ “The divemaster did everything correctly.” ▪ “This has never happened before.” ▪ “Our insurance will take care of everything.” ▪
help explain what occurred. It may also become important evidence. That includes personally owned equipment and equipment supplied by the operator. Identify and secure: Regulators ▪ Cylinders and remaining breathing gas ▪ Buoyancy compensators ▪
Weight systems ▪ Dive computers ▪ Rebreathers ▪ Exposure protection ▪ Masks, fins and snorkels ▪ Cameras and lights ▪ Surface-marker buoys ▪
Any equipment recovered separately from the diver ▪ Photograph the equipment as found when practical. Record who recovered it and who handled it. Do not rinse, clean, repair, test or disassemble it. Do not automatically send it back to the manufacturer. Do not place rental equipment back into service. A dive computer can be especially im- portant. Do not press buttons, recharge it or download its information unless advised by qualified investigators or counsel. Some computers may overwrite data, change displays or record later activity. The cylinder should be secured with its remaining gas intact whenever safely possible. Even checking pressure or closing a valve should be documented. Begin a basic chain-of-custody record showing where each item was stored and every person who had access to it. Record the Conditions As soon as practical, document the environment: Date and location ▪ Boat or site position ▪ Weather ▪ Water temperature ▪
How a dive operation treats an injured diver’s family matters. It matters morally,
professionally and, sometimes, legally.
Visibility ▪ Current ▪ Surface conditions ▪ Entry and exit points ▪ Planned and actual depth ▪ Planned and actual dive time ▪ Tank assignments ▪ Buddy teams ▪ Staff assignments ▪
16 | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
SAFETY continued
Take photographs of the site and boat configuration when doing so is appropriate. Preserve GPS, chartplotter, camera, telephone and radio information. Do not recreate or stage the scene. Taking Care of the Staff
Record what is known and remain honest about what is not known. Those actions cannot guarantee that a lawsuit will not follow. They can demonstrate that when the worst hap- pened, the operation responded with prepa- ration, professionalism and integrity.
Sta ff members involved in a rescue may experience shock, guilt, anger or grief. Some will immediately question every decision they made.
Staff members involved in a rescue may experience shock, guilt, anger or grief. Some will immediately question every de- cision they made. Remove visibly distressed employees from safety-sensitive duties. Arrange transportation home if necessary. Offer access to professional trauma counseling.
The next three installments of this series will address creating detailed records of the event, possible litigation steps that are com- mon, and how lawsuit proceeds through the justice system. Again, this series is based on US laws, as most dive-related litigation in
the Americas and Caribbean often ends up in US courts. Being a foreign-owned company does not necessarily provide legal protection from US litigation. Publisher’s note: As stated at the start of this article, this is not
An immediate operational discussion may be necessary to confirm that everyone is accounted for or identify an ongoing hazard. It should not become a group effort to decide who was at fault or agree on what everyone will say. Each witness needs the opportunity to record an independent memory. The first hours after an accident are about care, control and preservation. Follow the emergency plan. Protect life. Treat the family with compassion. Preserve the equipment.
meant to be legal advice in any man- ner, but is based on accounts of acci- dents and the aftermath the authors have experienced in decades within the diving industry.
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18 | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
ECO PRO
The Eco-Compliant Partner Program: Raising the Bar for Manatee Tours by Alex Brylske, Ph.D. , President, Ocean Education International, LLC, FL
I N CRYSTAL RIVER, FLORIDA, winter isn’t just “man- atee season.” It’s the economic engine and moral compass of an entire coastal community. Citrus County markets itself as the “Manatee Capital of the
new Eco-Compliant Partner Program – a local designation for manatee tour operators who meet heightened environmental and educational standards. For the scuba and snorkel trade, it’s a revealing case study of how a destination is trying to
World TM ”: it’s the only place in the United States where swimming with wild manatees is legal, and hundreds of manatees crowd into its spring-fed bays as Gulf waters cool. That draw fueled more than 656,152 overnight visits and over $526 million in tourist spending in 2024, roughly 15% of all spending in the county. Of those 656,152 visitors, about 300,000 came specifically for manatees.
protect its flagship species and seagrass beds without undercutting the businesses that de- pend on them.
This is about more than tourism, it’s about protecting what makes Citrus County special – our natural environment, our wildlife, and the legacy we leave behind.
This is neither a new state law nor a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulation. It’s a county-led, voluntary program run by the Citrus County Visitors & Convention Bureau (Discover Crystal River) that piggybacks on existing state and federal rules and aims to distinguish the best operators from the rest. “This is about more than tourism,” said Citrus County tourism director Auvis Cole upon the program’s announcement. “This is about protecting what makes Citrus County special
But that success carries a risk familiar to every dive and snorkel operator working around charismatic wildlife: loving a place to death. In late 2025, Citrus County tourism officials launched a
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– our natural environment, our wildlife, and the legacy we leave behind.” From “Anyone Can Run a Tour” to Verified Operators The Crystal River area hosts roughly 40-plus manatee tour businesses on Kings Bay. Only 29 of those are permitted to operate within the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) special-use permits.
(An SUP is not required in waters not managed by the FWS.) These requirements don’t add new laws; they signal that eco-compliant badge holders are in good standing with existing authorities. But the program goes further, addressing operational practices that directly affect seagrass and animal stress. At the heart of the Eco-Compliant standard is a detail: how
you hold station. According to county officials and operators quoted in the Chronicle, one of the program’s “key requirements” is that tour boats must use shallow-water anchoring systems, such as power poles, instead of heavy traditional anchors that damage eelgrass beds.
“Right now, a newbie can go to City Hall for a business license, acquire a captain’s permit and a boat, and start tours the next day,” said Capt. Paul Cross, managing partner of Paddletail Waterfront Adventures, in an interview with the Citrus County Chronicle. The Eco-Compliant Partner Program is an attempt to make that difference visible to customers. To qualify, manatee tour operators must
Over the past decade, the local nonprofit Save Crystal River has spent millions of dollars on the Kings Bay Restoration Project, removing invasive algae and replanting native eelgrass across the bay bottom. The project has restored about 125 acres of eelgrass, improving water clarity and re- building critical manatee forage. That recovery is also fragile. Hurricanes in 2023 and 2024 devastated seagrass beds across parts of the region, forcing
already meet regulatory baselines that any serious scuba or snorkel operator recognizes: 1) hold a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license; and 2) maintain a current USFWS special- use permit (SUP) to operate tours in FWS-managed waters.
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manatees to venture back into colder Gulf waters to find food and contributing to malnutrition and hypothermia con- cerns. Against that backdrop, the everyday habit of dropping a heavy anchor on a restored flat isn’t just a minor impact; it’s a direct hit on a multimillion-dollar restoration effort. “Save Crystal River spent millions of dollars restoring the grass,” Cross said. “We don’t want to rip up that grass with the anchors we deploy every day.” By requiring eco-compliant operators to retrofit with shal- low-water anchoring systems and avoid dragging heavy anchors, Citrus County is pushing the fleet toward a lower- impact baseline that many in the dive industry recognize from other sensitive habitats, from coral gardens to seagrass meadows worldwide. For others, it represents a real capital expenditure – one that county officials argue is justified by both ecological and brand-protection imperatives. Education Before Entry: Shaping Guest Behavior The Eco-Compliant Partner Program is as much about what happens before guests hit the water as about what happens underwater. A second pillar of the standard is a mandatory pre-tour education briefing that goes beyond
simply looping a video in the shop. According to the Chronicle report, eco-compliant operators must provide structured, meaningful training on: Manatee biology and behavior. ▪ Legal protections, including the Marine Mammal Protec- ▪ tion Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, make it illegal to harass, chase, ride, or otherwise disturb manatees. Sanctuary boundaries, no-entry zones, and seasonal rules ▪ inside the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Many leading operators already go further, training guides to watch for signs of stress or injury and to report any sick or injured manatees to FWC as part of their tour protocols. Formalizing that into a standard does two things: 1) it narrows the gap between the best and the average operator; and 2) it meets guest expectations. Eco-conscious travelers are increasingly seeking out operations that prioritize animal welfare and education, not just photo ops. Scripts, visuals, and short in-person talks can dramatically reduce in-water violations and uncomfortable moments between guides and guests.
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Currently, the Eco-Compliant Partner Program includes the following operators:
Eco-Compliant Partner Program offers a few takeaways: 1. Destination-level standards can move faster than na- tional laws: This program didn’t require new federal rule- making or a state statute. County tourism officials, working with operators and conservation groups, set a higher bar within the existing legal framework. 2. Hardware decisions matter: The choice of anchoring sys- tem is not a minor operational detail; it’s a central lever of conservation policy in a seagrass-dominated system. 3. Education is an asset, not an add-on: Making robust pre-tour briefings part of a formal certification acknowl- edges that guides are frontline conservation communica- tors, not just in-water shepherds. 4. Badges and branding can reduce market confusion: When “anyone with a boat” can sell wildlife tours, third- party signals – developed by governments, NGOs, or trade groups – help consumers reward operators who in- vest in best practices. 5. Economic arguments still matter: The program is framed as preserving a “fragile ecosystem” and “elevating indus- try standards,” but the underlying math – hundreds of thousands of manatee tourists and half a billion dollars in spending – keeps it grounded in business reality.
Explorida ▪ Salty Siren ▪ Paddletail Waterfront Adventures ▪ Go Local Manatee Tours ▪ Crystal River Manatee Adventures ▪ American Pro Diving Center ▪ Crystal River Watersports ▪ Plantation Adventure Center ▪
Cole has said more companies are expected to join in the coming months, and the pool of potential participants is clear: the 29 USFWS-permitted manatee tour operators already authorized to operate in Kings Bay. But as of this writing, there is no publicly available list linking all 29 to eco-compliant status; operators apply directly through Discover Crystal River. Certified companies are granted the right to display an Eco-Compliant Partner badge in their marketing and receive “enhanced visibility through county promotions.” The Economics of Saying “No” The program's logic isn’t just ecological; it’s economic. Manatee-related tourism in Citrus County has been studied for decades. A 2004 analysis in Ecological Economics estimated
that the benefits of manatee protection in Citrus County exceed foregone develop- ment benefits by roughly $8.2–9 million, largely from ecotourism revenue. In that light, the Eco-Compliant badge is a brand-protection tool as much as a conservation initiative. If the springs lose water clarity, if eelgrass is mowed down, or if manatee health visibly declines, the core product that manatee tour operators sell will deteriorate. Cole makes the connection explicit. He argues the program aligns with “a broader move toward sustainability – from eelgrass
Citrus County’s Eco-Compliant Partner Program is young, and much remains to be seen: whether certification will scale beyond early adopters, whether it will measurably reduce seagrass impacts or manatee disturbances, and how enforcement will work if certified operators deviate from the standard. For scuba and snorkel operators else- where, that’s both a warning and an op- portunity. As marine tourism grows and climate impacts intensify, destinations that can prove – not just claim – that their flagship experiences are eco-compliant will
restoration to water quality improvements – and a growing demand from travelers seeking environmentally responsible destinations.” For operators in other markets – whale sharks, mantas, reef sharks, turtles – the parallel is obvious . There is no long-term business case for maximizing volume today if it undermines both the habitat and the destination’s reputation tomorrow. What It Signals for the Dive & Snorkel Trade For the scuba diving and snorkel industry, Citrus County’s
be better positioned to attract the next generation of divers and snorkelers who want their bucket-list encounters without the guilt. As Crystal River Watersports owner Mike Engiles says, “This is an opportunity for operators to craft the narrative rather than have it thrust upon us.”
In places like Crystal River, that might be the difference between a seasonal economy built on thriving springs and manatees – and one built on their memory.
contact Alex
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RETAILING
Why Every Industry Stakeholder Should Be Concerned When A Retailer Closes by James R. McMullin , Owner/Operator, Instructor Trainer, Signature Scuba, CA
I MAGINE WAKING UP tomorrow and learning that another dive retailer has closed its doors. No air fills, no gas blending, no equipment service, no classrooms. No place for divers to gather, learn, ask questions, or enter the sport. For most of us in the industry, this isn't a hypothetical scenario. We're watching it happen in real time. Across the country, dive retailers are facing increasing pressure from every direction. Rising operating costs, staffing challenges, growing regulatory burdens, direct-to-consumer competition, and shifting purchasing habits are making it harder than ever to operate a successful dive business. Recently, we experienced another example of a challenge that many retailers know all too well. A customer entered our store looking for a mask from a
brand we don't typically stock. One of our team members spent time discussing fit, lens options, skirt materials, comfort, and usability. After trying several masks, he settled on a Hollis M1 and appeared ready to make a purchase. Then he informed us he was only using the store to evaluate his options. His intention was to purchase online from a retailer offering a policy that allows customers to remove the lens coating, dive the mask, and return it afterward if they decide they don't like it. When told we couldn't offer that policy, his response was simple: "That's why I'll buy it online." Most professional dive retailers understand why such policies are unrealistic. Once life-support or personal-use equipment enters the water, it typically cannot be represented or sold as new. The result is that a retailer absorbs the cost of maintaining
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inventory, providing expertise, offering fitting services, training staff, and creating an environment where customers can make informed decisions, while the final sale goes elsewhere. This isn't an isolated incident. It's becoming increasingly RETAILING continued
users without carrying many of the costs borne by their dealer network. Whether intentional or not, this creates growing tension within the channel and raises a difficult question: How
common, and it's contributing to a larger industry challenge that many of us have been discussing privately for years. The Conversation the Industry Needs to Have The challenge extends beyond online retailers. Increasingly, manufacturers are expanding direct-to-consumer sales chan- nels while relying on retail partners to introduce, support, demonstrate, service, and promote their products.
sustainable is the traditional dive retail model when the businesses responsible for developing divers are increasingly competing with the businesses that supply them? Retailers Don't Just Sell Equipment. They Create Divers.
This is perhaps the most important point in the entire discussion. Online retailers don't create divers. Manufacturers don't certify divers. Websites don't mentor divers. Local dive retailers do. For decades, dive retailers have served as the entry point into our industry. They recruit new participants, teach classes, fit equipment correctly, organize trips, mentor customers, and support local communities. They create lifelong divers.
Retailers are expected to maintain storefronts, compressors, service departments, inventory, trained personnel, classrooms, insurance coverage, and operational infrastructure. These in- vestments are substantial. At the same time, manufacturers often have the ability to sell the same products directly to end
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Every manufacturer, training agency, charter operation, live- aboard, and travel company benefits from the work performed at the retail level. Yet the economic realities facing retailers continue to worsen. As experienced shop owners retire and fewer entrepreneurs enter the market, the industry's infrastructure continues to shrink. Why This Matters to Everyone This isn't a retailer problem. It's an industry problem. If retailers continue to disappear, fewer new divers enter the sport. Certification volume, equipment sales, travel participation, and charter activity decline. Service availability declines, and local diving communities weaken. Eventually, every segment of the industry feels the impact. Manufacturers lose customers. Training agencies lose students. Charter operators lose passengers. Liveaboards lose guests. And the industry loses future generations of divers. The Industry Is Approaching a Crossroads Most dive retailers did not enter this business expecting to become wealthy. They entered because they love diving and wanted to build communities around it. But passion alone does not keep the lights on. RETAILING continued
Year after year, retailers face direct-to-consumer competition, online price pressure, rising insurance costs, increasing labor expenses, growing service expectations, higher occupancy costs, and expanding operational requirements. The pressure continues to grow, and the number of retailers continues to shrink. The question is no longer whether this trend exists. The question is what happens if it continues. A Message to the Entire Industry This is not about protecting individual businesses. It's about protecting the infrastructure that supports diving itself. The local dive retailer remains the industry's most effective customer acquisition program, training center, service department, community hub, and brand ambassador. Once those businesses disappear, rebuilding them will be extraordinarily difficult. The diving industry depends on far more than products. It depends on people, relationships, mentorship, education, and community. Those things cannot be shipped in a box.
This isn't a complaint. It's a warning, and it's a conversation the entire industry needs to have before more of the foundation disappears.
contact James
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