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Dan Orr Running for Re-Election to the DEMA Board of Directors

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Dan Orr is running for re-election to the DEMA Board of Directors. Here is his candidate statement:

I respectfully request your vote for re-election to the DEMA Board of Directors in the A-3 stakeholder category (Media, Associations and Others).

I have devoted my professional career to serving our industry.  I retired as President of DAN in 2013 after helping DAN develop a wide array of training and education programs including being responsible for the development of the DAN Oxygen First Aid course and focus on its worldwide diving safety mission. Prior to coming to DAN, I developed course curricula in the academic environment, collected data and supervised research efforts in the field of science diving, tested diving equipment for military contractors and worked for or served on the Boards of non-profit and for-profit organizations including the Historical Diving Society-USA, the WCH Media Group, the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences, the Recreational Scuba Training Council and the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA). As a member of the DEMA Board of Directors, I have served you in many ways,including being the Senior Vice-Chair of the Board and Chair of the Public Policy Committee.  

As an active industry professional, I am committed to making our entire industry grow and prosper in these very challenging times. This partnership between all segments of our industry is a key element to our future success. As partners, we can harness the value and strength that is gained by working together for a common purpose. That common purpose is to identify the challenges we face, develop achievable solutions and put into action strategic initiatives that will help guarantee the future of our sport, our industry and our lifestyle.  

We all recognize that our industry continues to be under a great deal of stress.  Aggressive competition from other sports, a struggling economy and the business challenges presented by the Internet as well as the impact that uncertainties in the global business and political climate has on dive travel are all factors influencing our business. I am convinced that by working together, harnessing our collective energies and expertise to develop and implement effective strategic initiatives, we can positively affect our future. My philosophy has always been to role up my sleeves, identify all available options and meet challenges head on. I am sincerely convinced that together we can achieve success. As Margaret Meade said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world . . .” As a member of the DEMA Board, I can help us change our world!

For us to be successful, we will need a strong and responsive trade association and Board, willing and able to make positive things happen. Now, more than ever, we need a trade association that understands our needs and a Board that is prepared to focus our collective resources to solving the problems that all of us face. 

If I am re-elected to the DEMA Board, I pledge to work tirelessly to represent your interests by:

  • Continuing to find ways to improve the DEMA Show so that exhibitors, attendees and the association reap the maximum benefit;
  • Finding ways to develop and use effective metrics, through applied market research, to collect and disseminate important demographic data for use by our association and stakeholders;
  • Developing and implementing effective efforts to improve acquisition and retention of new divers;
  • Being ready and prepared to act quickly and decisively to legislative challenges that affect our sport and our industry; and
  • Promoting a conservation ethic that focuses on responsible use of our natural resources through the promotion of global educational outreach programs

I believe that I can continue to help DEMA and our industry achieve the success we all want from our trade association. With the help of a strong trade association and an effective and responsive Board of Directors, we can work together and meet the challenges and opportunities the future has to offer. I am an optimistic and “glass half full” kind of guy and I want to continue to be a part of our collective future; I want to continue to serve you on the DEMA Board. I pledge to continue working tirelessly on your behalf to help us maximize the success in our future.

Thank you for the opportunity to be considered to represent you and your interests on the DEMA Board of Directors!

Sincerely, 

Dan Orr

Dan Orr Consulting, LLC.

danorr@danorrconsulting.com

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

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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.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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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.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

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.

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