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!
SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
NOVEMBER 2024 PUBLISHED BY CLINE GROUP NOVEMBER 2024 PUBLISHED BY CLINE GROUP
TRAINING HOW TO KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS ACTIVE, DEHYDRATION DANGERS COUSTEAU FILES FABIAN COUSTEAU’S PROTEUS PROJECT & WHAT IT MEANS TO THE GLOBAL DIVE COMMUNITY TRAINING HOW TO KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS ACTIVE, DEHYDRATION DANGERS COUSTEAU FILES FABIAN COUSTEAU’S PROTEUS PROJECT & WHAT IT MEANS TO THE GLOBAL DIVE COMMUNITY BUSINESS EDU INSTA-BUDDIES, FINDING THE IDEAL CUSTOMER TRAVEL MYSTERY OF MARGARITA ISLAND, ADVENTURE TRAVEL & DIVING TRAVEL MYSTERY OF MARGARITA ISLAND, ADVENTURE TRAVEL & DIVING ECO PRO INVASIVE SOFT CORAL DANGERS ISSUED FOR THE CARIBBEAN ECO PRO INVASIVE SOFT CORAL DANGERS ISSUED FOR THE CARIBBEAN BUSINESS EDU INSTA-BUDDIES, FINDING THE IDEAL CUSTOMER
Cover photo © Alexander Mustard, of diver Peter Rowlands in a giant kelp forest (Macrocystis pyrifera). Santa Barbara Island, California.
Cover photo © Alexander Mustard, of diver Peter Rowlands in a giant kelp forest (Macrocystis pyrifera). Santa Barbara Island, California.
TRENDS IN DIVE RETAILING, TRAVEL & TRAINING TRENDS IN DIVE RETAILING, TRAVEL & TRAINING
digital version
A Day in the Life of Your
7:15 AM
9:43 AM
11:02 AM
Coffee with a Smile
Breakfast with friends
Refreshing warm showers
In-room morning beverage service is part of our five-star amenities on our liveaboard yachts, river cruises and signature lodges.
Our worldwide destinations offer the best opportunities to witness once-in-a-lifetime
Since 1984, a fresh, warm towel after each snorkel or dive has been an Aggressor tradition and it continues in the Cayman Islands and new locations, like Thailand and the British Virgin Islands.
moments, like whale sharks feeding off the Derawan Islands' coastlines in Indonesia.
· Bahamas · Belize · British Virgin Islands · Cayman Islands · Cocos Island, Costa Rica · Cuba · Dominican Republic · Galapagos · Indonesia · · Maldives · Nile River, Egypt · Palau · Philippines · Raja Ampat · Red Sea, Egypt · Roatán, Honduras · Sri Lanka · Thailand · Turks & Caicos ·
Nov 2024 Aggressor Industry Scuba Diving Timeline spread ad.indd 1
Aggressor Adventure
12:16 PM
4:30 PM
7:25 PM
Exploring new hot spots
Capturing the magic
Celebrate and Repeat!
Between dives, soak in the hot tub as the Captain cruises to the next action-packed dive site and the onboard chef prepares a scrumptious lunch.
Amateur and experienced photographers choose Aggressor Adventures to capture magical moments below and above the surface. If you would like to expand your skills, join a Mike & Mike Underwater Photo Course at sea.
As the sun sets, stories are swapped and laughter fills the air as everyone awaits a delicious sit-down dinner. There is always anticipation of what tomorrow will bring on your Aggressor Adventure!
Order your copy now! A portion of proceeds from the sale of limited-edition hardcover copies will benefit the Sea of Change Foundation.
800-348-2628 · info@aggressor.com · www.aggressor.com
12/2/24 10:18 AM
Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Palmyra Atoll, central equatorial Pacific Ocean. Photo Credit: Jim Maragos/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY™ MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER 2024 • ISSUE 11
CONTENTS
ADVERTISER’S INDEX 2 & 3 Aggressor Adventures 6 Fort Young Hotel, Dominica 7 ScubaRadio 10 Aggressor Adventures 12 Reef Smart Guides 15 Coltri Compressors 15 Big Animal Global Expeditions 16 Sea of Change Foundation 17 Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba 19 Ibagari Boutique Hotel, Roatan 19 Dive Newswire 28 Blue Force Fleet Liveaboards 29 X-Ray Magazine 31 DIVO Emergency Rescue System BACK COVER DEMA
PAGE 7 SAFETY Dan Orr: Sipping Your Way To Safety PAGE 8 COUSTEAU FILES Fabien Cousteau: PROTEUS™ – One Small Dive for Man, One Giant Leap PAGE 11 BUSINESS EDU Gil Zeimer: My First Time – Make It Memorable and Give Thanks PAGE 13 TRAVEL Carlos Lander: The Mystery of Margarita Island PAGE 16 ECO PRO Alex Brylske, Ph.D.: A New Soft Coral Invasion PAGE 14 PHOTO PRO Amos Nachoum: Behind The Lens - Eye to Eye with a Leopard Seal
PAGE 18 TRAVEL Lisa Malachowsky: Adventure Tourism & Diving: A Call to Action for Sustainability
PAGE 27 POST-DEMA SHOW Patty Cline: DEMA is Over... Post-Show Report PAGE 29 TRAVEL Peter Symes: Diving into Europe – Try Malta, 50 Dive Centers Can’t be Wrong
PAGE 20 BUSINESS EDU
Cathryn Castle Garcia: Audience of One: How to Find Your Ideal Customer
PAGE 30 BUSINESS EDU
PAGE 21 RETAILING
Jeff Cinciripino: Show Sponsored Sessions, Being a Part of Making it Happen
PAGE 24 TRAVEL Carly Anderson: Insta- Buddy: Advice for Assign- ing Buddy Teams Jeffrey Bozanic, Ph.D.: Rebreathers 202 – The Dive Resort/Liveaboard Perspective
WE ARE GLOBAL, INCLUDE US IN YOUR ‘25 MEDIA PLAN!
17,531 Digital Audience Breakdown
PAGE 25 TRAINING Patrick Hammer: Tips for Keeping Divers Engaged and Active
Darker Color = Larger Audience
PAGE FOUR | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
FROM THE PUBLISHER
IT’S NOT ME, IT’S Y’ALL...
William Cline, Publisher Patty Cline, Associate Publisher Amber Wagenknecht, Executive Editor Betty Orr, Copy Editor Neal Watson, Sr., Editor-at-Large Britain Cline, Advertising Sales Manager Walker Cline, Digital, Social & SEO Strategist Contributors: Carly Anderson, Albuquerque, NM Jeffery Bozanic, Ph.D., Rebreathers Alex Brylske, Ph.D., Avon Park, FL Jeff Cinciripino, Rocky Hill, CT Patty Cline, Plano, TX Fabian Cousteau, New York, NY Cathryn Castle Garcia, Azores, Portugal SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY™ MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2024 VOL. 1, NO. 11
Y’all — Texan for “you all” — perfectly captures the spirit of this article. DEMA Show 2024 has wrapped, but the meetings, conversations, and connec- tions — the heart of the event — are still going strong as I pen this piece. One of the most moving moments for all of us at Scuba Diving Industry Magazine happened during our panel discussion on the show floor. What began as a setup for about 70 chairs quickly turned into a standing-room-only event. A heartfelt thank you to Dan Orr, Alex Brylske, Pat & Sherry Hammer, Rich Thomas, Jen Adams, Linda Sue Dingel, Jeff Cinciripino, Cathryn Castle Garcia, and Britain Cline for representing the magazine so brilliantly during the seminar. About halfway through the discussion, as the focus shifted to how we can grow the diving industry, a thought struck me: It’s not about me. It’s not about the ed-
itors, the printers, or the social media team. It’s all about you — our writers and contributors. Those hun- dred-plus dive professionals gath- ered to hear your insights and wisdom because each of you has decades of experience in the dive
Pat Hammer, Chicago, IL Carlos Lander, Venezuela Lisa Malachowsky, Phoenix, AZ Amos Nachoum, Pacific Grove, CA
Writers Discussion Panel at DEMA Show 2024
Dan Orr, Driggs, ID Peter Symes, Denmark Gil Zeimer, San Rafael, CA
industry that others are eager to learn from. While it’s true that the industry as a whole might seem to be “aging” (a reflection of demographics more than anything), the expertise of our panelists spans every corner of this field. These are individuals who have “done it all” and are now driven to give back — to you, our readers, and to the industry at large. Our editorial team has grown to include over 50 industry experts. This month, we’re deeply honored to feature photographer Alex Mustard on our cover, show- casing his stunning work from one of my favorite dive destinations: California’s kelp forests. Keep the great content coming! And if you’re reading this and think- ing, I have something valuable to share with the industry , email me — let’s talk. Finally, I want to extend a special thanks to Greg Holt, Neal Watson Sr., and Britain Cline for co-hosting our unique monthly B2B podcast, Level Up. To date, the podcast has racked up an incredible 14,568 minutes of watch/listen time on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify!
Scuba Diving Industry ™ Magazine: (Print: ISSN 2996- 1416, Digital: ISSN 2996-1424) 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 professionals & distributed digitally to 165 countries. POSTMASTER send address changes to Scuba Diving In- dustry 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.” For editorial requests, email william@williamcline.com or 972-267-6700. 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. © 2024, all rights reserved by Cline Group LLC.
email William
PAGE FIVE | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
William Cline, Publisher
SAFETY Sipping Your Way To Safety – by Dan Orr, President, Dan Orr Consulting
In the October 2024 issue of Scuba Diving Industry Magazine , I wrote an article entitled, “The Four Ps of Scuba Diving Safety.” That article empha- sized the importance of Plan- ning, Preparing, Practicing and
ommend drinking about 8 ounces of water per hour while flying. There is also evidence that long-haul flights promote fluid shifts to the lower extremities and induce changes in blood viscosity which may accelerate dehy- dration. Dehydration can have significant negative effects on diver safety and health. For example, dehydration can re- sult in: An 8%-10% decrement in overall performance ▪ Reduced cardiac stroke volume ▪ Reduced cardiac output ▪ Less oxygen getting to the tissues and cells ▪ Attention deficits ▪ Electrolyte imbalance that may cause cramping ▪ and fatigue
Performing for any diving experience. There is another “P” that may be just as important for your safety, “HY- DRATION.” Proper hydration is essential in helping to regulate body temperature, keeping joints lubricated, preventing infec- tions, delivering nutrients to cells, keeping organ systems functioning properly and assisting in the absorption and elimination of gases to and from the tissues, which is an essential component in the decompression process.
For scuba divers, proper hydration means consistently drinking water, starting at least 24 hours before a dive. Divers are advised to focus on drinking small amounts (sipping) frequently throughout the day. Divers may wish to consider in- cluding electrolyte drinks depending on temperature, humidity, individual dive du- ration and number of dives per day. In diving accident data, there are reports of divers traveling great distances to some of the world’s most exciting diving desti- nations on long-haul flights only to suffer
There are reports of divers who inten- tionally dehydrate themselves to avoid uri- nating (the 5th “P”) in their exposure suits while diving, technically called immersion diuresis. Diving in cold water (colder than your body temperature) causes fluid shifts from the extremities to the body core. This fluid shift may cause the urge to pee. Pee- ing in your exposure suit can exacerbate the negative effects of dehydration. Intention- ally dehydrating yourself prior to a dive can be compounded by losing body fluid
through breathing dry breathing gas. Dr. David Sawatsky has calculated that loss to be approximately 8 ounces (250 milliliters) per 80 cubic feet of breathing gas. Pay attention to your body and adjust your water intake based on your needs and the diving conditions. If you are properly hydrated, your urine should be a clear, pale-yellow urine color.
decompression sickness following their first diving ex- periences. A potential contributing factor to these diving injuries may be dehydration. When flying, the air you breathe has very low humidity. This is because approximately 50% of the air you breathe in the cabin is from the outside, and at high alti- tudes, the air is almost completely without moisture. Ac- cording to research, the human body loses about 8 ounces of water per hour on an aircraft at altitude, mostly from breathing. Therefore, health authorities rec-
Stay hydrated and, in the immortal words (with some editorial license) of William Shakespeare, “To Pee or Not to Pee, Hydration is the Answer!”
email Dan Orr
ScubaRadio is the most downloaded scuba-themed podcast in the world as well! It airs every Saturday from 3-5 pm EST on radio stations throughout the US and worldwide both live and through archived podcasts. SCUBARADIO IS THE WORLD’S FIRST AND ONLY NATIONALLY SYNDICATED RADIO SHOW DEVOTED TO DIVING!
EVERY SAT 3-5 PM EST
PAGE SEVEN | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
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COUSTEAU FILES PROTEUS™ – One Small Dive for Man, One Giant Leap for Ocean Exploration – by Fabien Cousteau, FabienCousteau.com
As we face an era of growing envi- ronmental challenges and natural dis- asters, our efforts to understand, explore, and protect the oceans have never been more critical. In June 2014, my team and I embarked on Mission 31, a groundbreaking expedition that
with Florida International University (FIU) and Northeast- ern University, we conducted critical research on climate change, ocean acidification, plastic pollution, resource over- consumption, and the declining biodiversity of the oceans. In a mere 31 days, we gathered the equivalent of three years’ worth of data. This immersive, extended stay at Aquarius al- lowed us to observe the ocean ecosystem in situ, in its natural habitat, and with unprecedented detail, identifying changes in predator-prey relationships, studying the effects of pollu- tants, and contributing valuable research on the state of the planet’s oceans. Mission 31 was more than a record-breaking expedition; it was a global call to action. The success of this mission rein- forced the value of living and working underwater, laying the groundwork for what would come next — the creation of PROTEUS™, an ocean tech platform company. After wit- nessing firsthand the transformative impact of extended stays underwater, I became determined to push even further.
set new standards for marine research and opened the door to even greater discoveries. A decade later, the need for ocean exploration to uncover solutions to these challenges has only intensified. An astounding 95% of the ocean remains unex- plored. The legacy of Mission 31 inspires and propels us as we push forward with new initiatives like PROTEUS™ — a project poised to reignite the human-ocean connection and revolutionize ocean exploration. Mission 31 took place at Aquarius, the world’s only oper- ational underwater marine laboratory, located 63 feet beneath the surface and nine miles off the coast of the Florida Keys. This mission broke records as the longest science expe- dition in the lab’s history, and its impact reached far beyond its 31 days. Not only did it celebrate the 50th anniversary of my grandfather, Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s Conshelf Two underwater living experi- ment, but it also extended the boundaries of marine research, proving that we could go deeper and longer while studying the ocean. Mission 31 was not just a scientific expedition; it was a movement to bring the ocean’s mysteries and urgent conser- vation needs to the world’s attention. Over the course of the mission, we live-streamed every moment, offering the public a rare, real-time glimpse into life beneath the depths. For over a month, the mission kept the importance of ocean health front and center in media, businesses, and classrooms around the world. This was a transformative moment, as individuals from around the world interacted with aquanauts in real- time, learning about marine science, environmental steward- ship, and the human-ocean connection. The scientific outcomes were just as significant. Partnering
Supported by a team of industry experts and leaders in their field, Proteus Ocean Group is building a smart ocean platform to strengthen the con- nection between hu- mans and the ocean. This ecosystem in- cludes multiple subsea
habitats, a network of ocean monitoring systems, blue car- bon management tools, and a robust media business to am- plify ocean storytelling in multiple jurisdictions. Researchers and other professionals will have the ability to live and work in these subsea habitats for extended periods, ranging from weeks to months. Simultaneous to the habitat is an ambitious data collection and analysis endeavor aimed at supporting blue carbon, aquaculture, and other ocean sectors. A for- profit social enterprise, Proteus Ocean Group also includes a venture division driving strategic investments to accelerate innovation. Proteus Ocean Group’s smart ocean ecosystem will not replace traditional marine research platforms but will complement them, working in tandem to expand our un- derstanding of the oceans.
PAGE EIGHT | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
COUSTEAU FILES continued Proteus Ocean Group plans to deploy its first PROTEUS™ underwater habitat off the coast of Curaçao. Curaçao was se- lected for its unique marine ecosystem and geographic loca- tion, making it an ideal site for this pioneering project. This summer, my team and I gathered in Curaçao to discuss instal- lation plans and continue discussions with local scientists, en-
natural treasure but will serve as a focal point for the science and research undertaken at PROTEUS™. By providing sci- entists with unique, in situ access to one of the healthiest coral ecosystems in the region, PROTEUS™ will facilitate critical discoveries in marine science. This sensor network is just the beginning of a more exten-
gineers, and government officials about the significant role PROTEUS™ will play in the region. The impact of PRO- TEUS™ on Curaçao will be multifaceted. Local authorities, environmental organizations, and businesses are eager to support the project, recogniz- ing its potential to boost scien- tific research, tourism and education. PROTEUS™ will
sive global system designed to benefit Curaçao’s reefs and pro- vide crucial data on the health of the ocean. Our scientists are also closely tracking the effects of recent warm water events on these reefs, contributing to a deeper understanding of how climate change is impacting coral ecosystems. This research will be invaluable in developing future conservation strategies, not only for Curaçao but for
Fabien’s Mission 31 broke new ground in ocean exploration and honored the 50th an- niversary of his grandfather’s original underwater living experiment (Conshelf Two).
coral reefs worldwide. Beyond its scientific applications, the data collected by the sensor network will play a crucial role in public education and engagement. Schools, universities, and the public will have ac- cess to this data, helping raise awareness about the state of our oceans and inspiring future generations of environmental
not only advance our understanding of the ocean but will also contribute to Curaçao’s local economy, creating a hub for ma- rine research, eco-tourism, and international collaboration. By attracting scientists, students, and visitors from around the world, PROTEUS™ will position Curaçao as a global leader in marine science and the blue economy. One of the most exciting ad- vancements associated with PRO- TEUS™ is the development of a mesh sensor network, deployed off the coast of Curaçao, set to enhance our understanding of the future site of PROTEUS™ and the broader ecological challenges in the region. This network continuously moni- tors ocean conditions, collecting data on water temperature, quality, and marine life activity in real-time. The sensor network provides valu- able insights into the health of the ocean, contributing to global efforts to address climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Furthermore, this network collects vital data on one of the few remaining Caribbean reefs that is still growing — an ecosystem of immense strategic importance to the island’s economic and cultural well-being. These reefs are not only a
advocates. By bringing the realities of ocean health into classrooms worldwide, we hope to ignite a pas- sion for marine conservation in the next generation everywhere. The journey from Mission 31 to PROTEUS™ represents a monu- mental leap forward in our quest to explore and protect the world’s oceans. As we commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Mission 31, we are on the brink of another his- toric achievement with PRO- TEUS™. This project has the
Fabian’ father Jean-Michel Cousteau, and sister, Céline
potential to not only advance marine research but also inspire collaboration, innovation, and a deeper connection between
humanity and the ocean. As we continue to push the boundaries of exploration, PROTEUS™ stands as a beacon of hope for our planet and a symbol of our commitment to solving the envi- ronmental challenges that lie ahead.
email Fabian
PAGE NINE | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
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My First Time – Make It Memorable and Give Thanks – by Gil Zeimer, ScubaStoryteller.com and Zeimer.com, San Rafael, CA Since becoming a PADI Open-Water Diver nearly 40 years ago, Gil has been published in more than 25 scuba mag- azines, newsletters, and websites about his experiences from Australia to Aruba, Hawaii to Mexico, and California to Florida. BUSINESS EDU
“You always remember the first time.” You always remember your first dive. It’s right up there with your first kiss… your first boy/girlfriend… your first car… and the first time you “did” it. In this story, I’ll share my first
After a quick lesson in the pool that morning, I hyper- ventilated on the surface with excitement during my very first dive, then had some trouble clearing my ears, so I only spent 35 minutes below the surface at 35 feet. I wrote in my logbook, “I sat on the bottom to relax, then kicked through a small coral opening with a spectacular, brightly-colored staircase and dozens of Sergeant Ma- jors. I loved this first experience of being weightless and only hearing our bubbles.” On my second dive, I felt comfortable enough to shoot a roll of film as we explored the wreck of the Balboa at 40 feet for 55 minutes. On the final Resort Course dive, we explored a coral reef at a 30-foot depth for 65 minutes. I noted, “Got cold near the end, and my jaw hurt from clenching my mouthpiece too hard.” So overall, my Resort Course dives provided a simply wonderful experience. Granbury, Texas: Cloudy With a Chance of Crappy. I moved to Dallas the following year for a great ad agency job. Though my relationship with the diver didn’t last past the first week of my Texas tenure (that’s another story), I decided to get certified in October 1985 through a local dive shop.
sets of experiences. But wherever your students’ and clients’ initial excursions into The Blue were, dive shop owners, liveaboard operators, and resorts should also try to make them memorable for every diver. Two Firsts, Totally Different. I actually have had two very different “first times.” Each set of dives made me realize that this was a sport I could enjoy for life. Grand Cayman: A Resort Course With Perfect Con- ditions. In 1981, I was living in San Francisco and dating a cer- tified diver in Dallas. Because she knew I was interested in diving, we decided on a Grand Cayman vacation. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort Grand Cayman on Seven Mile Beach, where “The Barefoot Man” sang nightly; our dive operator was Bob Soto, one of the is- land’s pioneers. (It was later sold to Dan Tibbetts of Reef Divers.)
We did our coursework in its back room and our pool classes at the YMCA. But, for our Open Water Certification dives, we drove 90 miles south to Squaw Creek, a silty- bottomed reservoir that’s about 45 feet deep. We also camped overnight on a rocky beach. The visibility sucked: 2-10' for the four dives over two days. Though the air temp was a pleasant 70-75º F, the chilly water hovered between 60-65º F, and a cool wind blew non- stop on the surface.
For my three Resort Course dives across consecutive days, my bottom times increased as I became more comfortable with my equipment, breathing and buoyancy. For all the dives, the conditions were perfect: 150-200’ visibility, 80- 85º F air temperature, and 80º F water temperature. It was the only time I've ever dived with a T-shirt and swim trunks. No shorty wetsuit. No dive skin. No gloves. Nothing else.
My 1st “First Time” – Resort Course, Grand Cayman, 1981.
PAGE ELEVEN | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
BUSINESS EDU continued
I had purchased all my gear at the shop and wore a 4/3mm Farmer John wetsuit, neoprene hood, and gloves. We had to shuffle through a yucky sludge in the shallow water wearing our fins. Using our compasses, we navigated about 50’ to a fence-wired platform about one foot above the silt.
dive shops, liveaboard operators, and resorts can opti- mize their customers’ experiences for years to come: 1) Take underwater photos or videos of divers for their first plunges, share them with your customers, and post them on social media.
2) Mail a handwritten “Thank You” note ; it’s more heartfelt than email. 3) Send emails on the anniver- saries of their resort dives, Open Water, or subsequent certification courses to memorialize their events. 4) Invite them to special sales events via text messages, emails, and postcards with select times just for them; they’ll appreciate it. 5) Reach out about seminars and/or webinars for your upcom-
My 2nd “First Time” – Open Water Certification, Granbury, TX, 1985.
There, while we went through our various proficiency exercises with our equipment, small (2-3”) fish called “crappy” and perch nib- bled on our ears. But finally, we got back to shore, and everyone in our class earned their certifications.
While I was elated that we were getting warm back on land and had become PADI-certified, one native Texan was hooting and hollering about how great it was. I told him, “Bro, you’ve got to try this in the ocean. It’s way better. Trust me.” Seven Ways to Make Their First Dives Memorable –– and Give Thanks Again, these dives could not have been more diverse: one was in warm water with a T-shirt and swim trunks; the other in a cold creek with a full wetsuit. One had some of the best visibility I’ve ever seen; the other had some of the worst. But both of these experiences were made better be- cause of the customer-focused dive partners I chose. With Thanksgiving in mind, here are some ideas on how
ing trips. 6) Inform them about new gear and technology breakthroughs. 7) Let them know that you’re their virtual dive buddy for anything they may need. So for any “first time,” the more memorable you can make it, the more your customers will think of you for
their future diving and equipment needs. If I can answer any questions to promote “the first time” for your divers, please reach out to me.
email Gil Dive into the fascinating world of marine biology with BENEATH THE BLUE PLANET! great for classrooms and every dive retailer’s library! “An in-depth resource to indulge our passion for scuba
diving.” – Wayne B. Brown, Owner & CEO, Aggressor Adventures
TRAVEL
Someplace New: The Mystery of Margarita Island – by Carlos Lander, Author “Beyond The Diving Course” Carlos is a 25- year veteran diver, amateur archaeologist, author, programmer, and statistician.
Margarita Island’s name comes from the Greek Margarites, which means "pearl." The exploitation of vast pearl beds represented nearly a third of all New World tributes to the Spanish Crown. Al-
land's vibrant cultural tapestry. Beyond its breathtaking land- scapes, such as the stunning La Restinga National Park and the majestic Cerro El Copey National Park, Margarita boasts enchanting colonial architecture and historic forts that whisper tales of the past. Getting to Margarita: Direct flights to Caracas, Venezuela, are available from Madrid (Spain), Istanbul (Turkey), and Lisbon (Portugal) with Air Europa, TAP Portugal, and Iberia. The flight typically takes around nine hours. Once in Caracas, travelers can take a short national flight to Mar- garita Island, lasting between 30 and 45 minutes. Travelers from various Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Curacao, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, and the Dominican Republic, will have options. Regardless of the starting point, a layover in Caracas is necessary before continuing to the island on a national airline. Diving Margarita Island
though the island's history dates back to 6,000 years before Christopher Columbus arrived, the island is filled with sto- ries that archaeologists are still discovering. In 1810, Margarita was the first island to declare independ- ence from Spain. In 1864, it became "Nueva Esparta," named after the settlement on the banks of the Eurotas River, Sparta. This name recognized the courage and impe- tus of its people. Archaeological findings indicate that the island served as a port and settlement in the pre-Hispanic migratory process
to the rest of the Caribbean. Other discoveries relate to the diversity of colonies in the Hispanic period, high- lighting the mining of wild pearls and colonial architecture. Simón Bolivar viewed Margarita as a strategic place, using it as a base during the struggle for independence from Spain. Margarita is the largest island in the Venezuelan state of Nueva Esparta.
Planning can be more intricate for those flying from North America as it requires a stopover in one of the aforementioned countries before heading to Caracas. Therefore, dive retailers should consider enlisting the help of a travel agency to streamline the logistics.
It is located in the Caribbean Sea off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The island is about 78 kilometers long and 20 kilometers wide. It comprises two peninsulas connected by a narrow strip of land. This island has incredible scenery and panoramas, from beautiful beaches to mountains and valleys, that will please any natural lover. Yet, the island is only a port for traveling on the actual underwater adventure with its crystal waters of two nearby islands, Cubaga and Coche. Cubagua has a better diving infrastructure than Coche; although the island has only one dive center, SSI Scubadiving Margarita, it is big enough to cover all the services needed. The best alternative to accessing the island is through this dive center, which also has a Margarita Island base and an arrangement with a Catamaran fleet to transport you there. Nevertheless, you can immerse yourself in Margarita Is-
While the island retains its charming rural character, the tourist industry is dedicated to ensuring your experience is as enjoyable as possible. They understand the importance of your visit and are making every effort to ensure that it remains uninterrupted and fulfilling. As mentioned, Margarita Island has gorgeous beaches and scenery, but the more stunning diving spots are on the nearby islands. That is why connecting with a dive center before arriving on the island is best. In summary, Margarita's rich history and unique cultural heritage combine beautifully with the stunning clear coraline
waters and intriguing wrecks of Cubagua and Coche, making it a compelling choice for a unique group dive trip for your store. Email me if you want more information on travel to Mar- garita Island.
email Carlos
PAGE THIRTEEN | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
PHOTO PRO
Behind The Lens: Eye to Eye with a Leopard Seal in Antarctica – Photos and text by Amos Nachoum, Big Animals Global Expeditions
In Antarctica, surprises often come from beneath the surface. It was 2001, and my team was film- ing an iceberg from our skiff when a sudden blow by the side of the boat caught us off guard. I turned toward the sound and saw a massive gray head break the sur-
The idea was to appear larger and less vulnerable. When the seal approached again, we stood our ground. It swam to- ward us at full speed, stopping just inches away, its jaws wide open, as if trying to intimidate us. In the picture I took, the seal’s mouth — filled with sharp canines — hovered men- acingly just inches above Jiri’s camera dome, which meas- ured a daunting 10” (25 cm) across. We were frozen in place, both by the icy water and the raw intensity of the moment, unsure what would happen next. Then, just as suddenly as the seal had been aggressive, its demeanor changed. It began to circle us slowly, gliding with an elegance that felt almost
face — pulsing nostrils, bulging eyes — staring right at me. Leopard seals are among the most unpredictable and in-
timidating creatures I’ve encountered in 45 years of diving. They are massive creatures, weighing up to 1,300 pounds (600 kg) and measuring over 11 feet (3.3 m) long. They are powerful, curious, and incredibly agile. Their powerful jaws, ca- pable of crushing prey, are lined with sharp teeth, but they also have the ability to filter-feed on krill. Their dual nature — predator and filter-feeder — reflects their adaptability and dominance in the icy waters they call home. They exhibit a playful yet challenging nature, much like a young boy testing his strength and control over his surroundings. Over the course of numerous expeditions to Antarctica, I’ve observed this duality in their behavior — territorial and aggres-
peaceful. What had been a display of power and intimidation now trans- formed into a graceful underwater ballet. The seal moved fluidly around us, in- specting us from every angle, its large eyes glinting in the cold Antarctic light. After we surfaced and reviewed the footage, we speculated that the seal might have been reacting to its reflection in the camera dome. Perhaps it mistook its own image for a rival seal. The expe- rience was a stark reminder of how little we truly understand about the behavior of these majestic creatures. Scientists de- scribe leopard seals as solitary and terri- torial, but in that moment, the seal’s curiosity and acceptance of our presence
Leopard Seal in Antarctica – © Amos Nachoum.
sive, but also curious about intruders in their domain. We entered the freezing waters expecting to encounter seals, but nothing could have prepared us for the intensity of this close encounter. As we descended, the seal we’d seen from the surface vanished. Moments later, it reappeared, moving at lightning speed between us, jaws wide open, showing off its sharp teeth before disappearing again. Each time it darted through the water, it turned with incredible precision, like a torpedo that could stop on a dime and change direction. The combination of its raw power and agility was awe-inspiring, but its proximity and razor-sharp teeth were enough to make our hearts race. After several intense encounters, I decided on a tactical approach. I paired up with Jiri, a Slovak photographer, and we resolved to stay still, side by side, to present a united front while we photographed the seals moving around us.
felt profound. This encounter wasn’t just about documenting an apex predator. It was about connecting with a creature on its terms, in its environment. The tension between fear and fas- cination drove me to dive deeper into the wild, to under- stand these animals not just through the lens of my camera, but as fellow beings navigating a shared world. As I left Antarctica that season, the memory of the leop- ard seal stayed with me — a reminder of nature’s unpre- dictability, power, and the delicate balance between awe and respect. Encounters like this are what keep me coming back
to these remote corners of the world, where the line between observer and participant in the natural world becomes beautifully blurred. Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III. 16 - 35mm lens, 1/250 sec, f-8, 400 ISO.
contact Amos
PAGE FOURTEEN | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
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ECO PRO Soft Corals – A New Caribbean Invasion – by Alex Brylske, Ph.D., President, Ocean Education International, LLC
While Lionfish dominate the discus- sion of invasive species in the tropical Western Atlantic, the region is also under a new threat from two invasive soft corals from the Indo-Pacific. The culprits are called “pulse corals,” specif-
ing,” said Shelly Krueger, Monroe County Florida Sea Grant Extension agent. “Underwater invasions are especially diffi- cult to eradicate once a species takes hold, as we have seen with invasive lionfish native to the same regions.” Similarly, while not yet observed in the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), that region remains at high risk due to the proximity to Venezuela and favorable conditions for coral growth. Many suspected causes of the pulse coral out- breaks include releases by marine aquarists, illegal aquaculture activities, attachment of coral fragments to boats and fishing gear, and incidental transport through ship ballast water.
ically Unomia stolonifera and Xenia membranacea. Long valued among aquarists, pulse corals reproduce rapidly — both asex- ually and by fragmentation — and can overgrow coral reefs and seagrass meadows, with potentially devastating impacts. Like lionfish, this makes their control challenging. The inva-
sion, first detected over a decade ago, flew largely under the radar of the diving community because, until recently, it has only affected reefs off Venezuela. However, the awareness has risen because there have been re- ports of pulse corals in Cuba and Puerto Rico over the last several months. Importantly, with Cuba's proximity to Florida, Sunshine State of-
The invasion of pulse corals and other harmful organisms highlights the vulnerability of marine ecosys- tems to human-mediated species in- troductions. Protecting Western Atlantic coral reefs will require co- ordinated efforts involving research, community participation, and stricter regulations on ballast water discharge and the aquarium trade. The div-
Pulse Coral Unomia stolonifera and Xenia membranacea
ficials are now asking local divers to keep a sharp eye out and report any sightings; and authorities are now asking for help from the diving community. “We’d like scuba divers and snorkelers to keep a lookout for potential invasive pulse corals while out enjoying Florida’s Coral Reef and report any sight-
ing community must become involved. You can find more information about the pulse coral invasion and how you can report sightings by scanning/clicking the QR code.
Alex’s links
PAGE SIXTEEN | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY Sep 2024 Sea of Change Half Page.indd 1
9/23/24 3:33 PM
SAFARIS I SCUBA DIVING I SNORKELING Dolphins Sharks Stingrays Wrecks Walls
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PAGE SEVENTEEN | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
BUSINESS EDU Adventure Tourism and Diving: A Call to Action for Sustainability at DEMA – by Lisa Malachowsky, owner, Dive N Ride Adventures, Phoenix, AZ
On November 21, 2024, the Adven- ture Travel Trade Association (ATTA) hosted a panel discussion and network- ing breakfast at DEMA, highlighting the scuba diving industry’s role in ad- venture tourism and sustainability. As a member of ATTA through
sustainable practices such as waste management and reef conservation. The economic benefits of sustainable adventure tourism are clear. Research shows that adventure travelers contribute 65% of revenues that remain within host countries, com- pared to just 14% from mass tourism (e.g. large cruise ships). Additionally, adventure tourism creates 2.6 local jobs per $100,000 spent, compared to 1.5 in mass tourism. For dive businesses, this data underscores the importance of support- ing local communities while diversifying revenue streams. Karolin Troubetzkoy shared her experiences in St. Lucia, emphasizing the importance of clean beaches and managed ocean resources in Caribbean tourism. She noted that while 35% of her guests actively prioritize sustainability, awareness of environmental consciousness is growing across the board. She also highlighted how sustainable practices have generated new jobs and opportunities on the island and stressed the role of governments in creating marine parks and preserves. Toni Racika discussed Fiji’s post- COVID tourism trends, observing that travelers increasingly value visible sustainability practices at re- sorts. Tourism Fiji has developed resources to educate both resorts and visitors on these priorities, recognizing their critical role in the region’s future. Edgardo Ochoa quoted a Panama study showing that 95% of tourists prefer businesses with green practices. He empha- sized educating dive travelers about improving the destina- tions they visit, noting a growing preference for activities like coral restoration and underwater cleanups over traditional fun dives. The session concluded with a call to action for dive opera- tors to join the adventure tourism movement. By adopting sustainable practices, pursuing certifications, and engaging with their communities, the scuba industry can lead the shift toward responsible tourism. The message was clear: the time to act is now. Protecting underwater worlds is as essential as
wmnsWORK, an accelerator for women and non-binary tourism entrepreneurs, I was eager to see how the scuba in- dustry was engaging with this global movement. The event began with networking, followed by a panel moderated by Eva Mossberg of ATTA and Katie Thomp- son, Senior Director of Environment and Sustainability for PADI. Panelists included Edgardo Ochoa of Conservation International, Karolin Troubetzkoy of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain in St. Lucia, and Toni Racika of Tourism Fiji. Eva opened the session by discussing adventure tourism’s
rapid growth and its commitment to sus- tainable practices. Taleb Rifai, former UNWTO Secretary-General, has de- scribed adventure tourism as a model that respects cultural and natural assets, promotes economic growth, and pro- tects vulnerable ecosystems. This ethos mirrors the dive industry’s efforts to
Diving & Sustainable Tourism Seminar @ DEMA
safeguard marine biodiversity, offering not just opportunities for growth but also a framework for impactful business prac- tices. ATTA’s 2023 Adventure Tour Operator Snapshot Survey revealed that 68% of its members hold or are working toward sustainability certifications, a significant increase from 45% in 2021. These certifications, coupled with ATTA’s emphasis on education, equipping businesses, and empowering travel-
exploring them, and by partnering with organ- izations like ATTA, the industry can ensure a vibrant, sustainable future for generations to come.
ers, are reshaping the tourism landscape. This aligns with trends in the scuba industry, where operators are adopting
email Lisa
PAGE EIGHTEEN | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
Discover the Best of Roatan’s Underwater World
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Top Press Releases From This Month – by Scott Jones, President, Dive Newswire Press Service
DiveNewswire is the dive industry's WEEKLY dedicated news release and feature distribution service. Founded by Scott D. Jones in 2001, DiveNewswire continues to serve the dive industry with news releases, announcements and timely industry-specific features each week targeted specifically for dive industry professionals. For more in- formation, send an email to EDITOR@DiveNewswire.com or call 714-931-4895. Scan or click on any of the QR codes to see the full releases.
Scott and son, Stephen
SSI Celebrates A Successful Showing At Dema Las Vegas
Shearwater Research & Avelo Labs Announce Groundbreaking Partnership Professional Scuba Schools Celebrates Outstanding Success at DEMA SHOW 2024
5 Ways to Maximize Your DEMA Experi- ence AFTER the Show
PAGE NINETEEN | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
BUSINESS EDU The Audience of One: How to Find Your Ideal Customer – by Cathryn Castle Garcia, Co-Owner C2G2 Productions, The Azores Cathryn Castle Garcia is a writer, business strategist and co-owner of C2G2Productions.com, a multimedia production company. She lives on Faial Island in the Azores.
Don’t try to make everyone love you; they’ll end up hating you for it. I know it sounds harsh, but it’s true. Not everyone loves you (or me) or the work you do, but someone out there is here for all of it. This person is your audience of one.
your work successful. His argument is that by narrowing your focus – starting with one person and deeply under- standing them and their needs – you can create meaningful impact and lasting change. How to Identify Your Audience of One Grab a pen and write these questions in a journal or note- book: Who is the one person you wish to reach? Why? What do they look like? How old are they? What’s their fa- vorite food or color or music? Have fun with this. Get cre- ative and get as specific as possible. I promise it will help you gain clarity around your brand’s message and who wants to hear it, because to deliver a clear message, you must understand the worldview of the person you’re speak- ing to. And your message must be relevant to their situa- tion. The One Question
Yes, I do know your dive center has to have more than one customer to survive. But please stay with me as I ex- pand on the concept of the audience of one. Let’s pretend you’re writing a book, or a brochure. And let’s pretend only one copy will be printed – and only one person will ever be allowed to read it. Wait, I take that back; you’re the only one who can read it, but you get to pick one
person who sits next to you while you read aloud to them. You’re not alone, nervously standing on a brightly lit stage, squinting into a dark, empty auditorium trying to find the one. Instead, the two of you are seated together on a comfy
Now that you’ve iden- tified your audience of one – your ideal client – let’s imagine them asking you the following ques- tion, “How will your product or service change my life for the
couch. You’re relaxed. You are making eye contact, and you can simply read aloud without needing to shout to get your story heard. As you settle in and start reading, you notice that you’re not reading so much as you are sharing. Your story becomes a conversation between friends. Let your mind’s eye focus on that one person you’re in conversation with. Maybe they’re one actual person you know and love, or perhaps they’re a composite of many people, an avatar of your ideal client. Marketing experts use visualization exercises like this one to help clients identify or “niche down” to find their target audience. In his book, This is Marketing, Seth Godin em- phasizes the importance of speaking to a very specific au- dience rather than trying to appeal to everyone. He introduces the concept of the smallest viable audience, which is the minimum number of people you need to make
better?” This is the question every single person who enters your dive center wants answered. Whether they know it or not. This is your dive center’s singular reason for existing – to have a solid answer to this question, is essential. By knowing your target audience, you can deliver clear, consistent, focused messaging. You can let your ideal cus- tomer know exactly how you will change their life for the better. And you can tell them what they’ll need to do to enjoy the life-changing experience of what your business offers. Then, you can repeat this conversation again and again. When your message is relatable, it is repeatable. You will create connections that cause a ripple effect. Before long, your audience of one will become a crowd that’s waving and cheering for you and wanting more of that thing you do.
email Cathryn
PAGE TWENTY | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
RETAILING Part 3: Rebreathers 202 – The Dive Resort or Liveaboard Perspective – by Jeffrey Bozanic, Ph.D., JeffBozanic.com
Jeffrey Bozanic has been diving rebreathers since 1988, and teaching the use of rebreathers since the mid-1990s. He has been certified on about 20 different rebreathers, and has taught on about a dozen different units. He is the author of Mastering Rebreathers, the seminal textbook on the topic.
Introduction: In the first two articles of this series, we looked at rebreathers from the perspec- tives of the end user and the dive retailer. However, this only covers a limited part of the rebreather market. Dive travel represents a
comes challenging. Divers may ask for spare parts, which are specific to different manufacturers. They may ask for specialized batteries, which are uncommon. Fortunately, batteries typically have a long shelf life (5-10 years), so they are easier to stock. Unlike batteries, clients may wish to purchase oxygen sensors from you, should the ones they are using fail. These sensors have a limited shelf life (about a year), so carrying a wide selection in inventory becomes impractical. It is recommended that any opera- tion planning to support visiting rebreather divers develop a handout or webpage that lists specifically what types of supplies, spares, tools, and rentals are available to cus- tomers. Even if your operation never intends on conducting deep diving for your local patrons, as a resort, you may well be asked to do so by visiting divers. This might in- clude providing helium-based breathing mixtures, larger (11L) bailout cylinders, and possibly even DPV (diver
significant portion of revenues in our industry. In 2024, Market Data Forecast estimated that dive travel accounts for about 25% of all scuba diving revenues ($4.6 billion of the $19 billion total market). It is important to look at rebreather use from the perspective of dive travel, i.e. dive resorts and liveaboards. I personally enjoy traveling to new locations and desti- nations. I generally research and interview multiple prop- erties before deciding on which I will be using and promoting. As a rebreather user, instructor, and dive tour provider, one of the first questions that I ask a new po-
tential property is, “Do you provide support for rebreather dives?” If the answer is, “No,” I move on to the next option. So, what does it take to move from a “No” answer to a “Yes” response? Let’s take a look. Logistics: Many of the logistical issues are identical to those pre- sented in the second article in this series: oxygen, oxygen boosters, ab- sorbent, 2L and 3L cylinders, and bailout bottles. However, there are some differences. Unlike focusing on a single rebreather, which a dive store is reasonably able to do, a des-
propulsion vehicle) rentals. Of course, this may not be of concern to some destinations, if deeper diving environ- ments do not exist. Space is another challenge, particu- larly on liveaboard vessels. Rebreather divers typically have space requirements outside those used by open circuit divers. Most rebreathers utilize granular absorbents to remove metabolic carbon dioxide from the breathing loop. The filling process can be messy, with gran- ules often spilling outside the absorbent canister. This loose material, in addition to being untidy, presents safety and
Rebreather divers often use more bench space than the typical open circuit diver. Making room for mul- tiple rebreather cylinders and bailout bottles may be challenging on many liveaboards.
tination operator will have to support a much wider variety of users and rebreather manufacturers. Even absorbents, which many rebreather users and instructors think of as being interchangeable, may not be. While most rebreathers use granular absorbents like Sofnolime ® , some users may require repackaged granular absorbent cartridges or solid state cartridges like ExtendAir ® . Supporting a broad spectrum of rebreather models be-
shipboard maintenance hazards. Large plastic trays, such as those used to mix concrete, may be used to contain overspill while filling canisters. If the spilled material gets wet, which is completely foreseeable on a dive vessel, it becomes caustic and can chemically burn exposed skin, for example on bare feet if spilled on the deck. Thus, fill- ing needs to be done in a dry area, sheltered from rain, spray, or waves. The granules, either dry or wet, also cause
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