News
Al Hornsby and Doug McNeese to Receive DEMA’s 2017 Reaching Out Award
The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association has announced that Al Hornsby and Doug McNeese are the 2017 recipients of DEMA’s Reaching Out Award. The Dive Industry will party down Roaring 20’s style at the 29th annual presentation of the prestigious Reaching Out Awards on November 3, 2017, where the industry will celebrate at this year’s 1920’s-inspired evening in honor of these two outstanding members of the diving community. The newest inductees to DEMA’s Hall of Fame will be honored at this year’s DEMA Awards Party. First presented in 1989, DEMA’s Reaching Out Award honors leaders in the diving community whose significant contributions to the sport have elevated the industry on all levels. This year’s recipients will be joining an extraordinary list of distinguished past Honorees.
AL HORNSBY began free diving in 1962 at the age of 12 when his family moved to Guam, becoming a certified scuba diver the following year. His early years as a professional saw him as a published author, photographer, instructor, and manufacturer marketing manager. Al joined PADI in 1978, as Training Facility Director.
In 35 years at PADI, Hornsby has served as Training Facility Director, Vice President of Education and Marketing, Executive Vice President, Vice President, Legal and Environmental Affairs, Senior Vice President, on PADI’s Executive Committee and as a Board Member of PADI and Diving Science and Technology Corp (DSAT). Hornsby presently serves as Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs, PADI Worldwide.
In 1989, Hornsby co-originated Project AWARE, serving as managing executive for its first nine years, and was involved in other environmental efforts and organizations. In the mid-1980’s, Hornsby initiated the industry standards committee forming the RSTC, and in the 1990’s, was a member of the committee restructuring DEMA into an industry-wide organization. Hornsby served on DEMA’s BOD for many years, and was President for six years.
Al has authored and co-authored four books, including his most recent, Face to Face: Up Close with Mother Nature, published in 2016.
DOUG MCNEESE began his career in the diving industry in 1968 at the age of 16 when he began working at The Dive Shop founded by his parents. By 1982, McNeese had purchased the store from his parents. Two passions, training and retail, led him to expand to four Southeastern US locations, all with indoor pools.
In 1993, after 25 years in dive retail, McNeese’s training passion led him to purchase the National Association of Scuba Diving Schools, NASDS. By authoring new materials with a retail approach to entry-level training, he quickly changed the outcome of the company, leading to a merger with SSI in 1999.
With a quest to continue SSI’s growth, McNeese and international partners purchased the company in 2008. In 2014 HEAD Sports, a like-minded company with the passion to help members succeed, purchased SSI.
Among his many innovations, McNeese authored “the original retail dive training program,” Scuba University. His passion remains to bring more people into diving and make it a lifetime sport.
McNeese is the President of SSI USA and is now responsible for International Business Development. He continues to be driving force for recreational diving, while promoting SSI to strengthen the company’s growth worldwide.
DEMA congratulates Al Hornsby and Doug McNeese for their exemplary, life-long service to our Industry. Further details about the 2017 DEMA Awards Party are available on the DEMA Show website where interested parties can purchase individual tickets from the DEMA Show registration system. Unique sponsorship opportunities and VIP reserved seating for tables of 8 are also available by contacting Colleen Vasquez at cvasquez@dema.org or (858) 616-6408 x1006.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
-
News2 months agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months agoDive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced