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DEMA Gets Introspective

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DEMA Show Keynote Session

On April 24th and 25th, Diving Industry leaders representing DEMA’s five stakeholder groups, the DEMA Board of Directors, and the DEMA Staff met in San Diego, California for a Strategic Learning Session. The two-day session, led by Jeff De Cagna, Chief Strategist of Principled Innovation LLC, was designed to use the knowledge of the Industry leaders present to address significant concerns and ensure that both the Association and Industry thrive in the future.  Those in attendance included:

Industry Stakeholders:
  • Don Rockwell, Aqua Lung
  • Sid Stovall, Ascuba Venture, Inc.
  • Mike Hollis, American Underwater Products
  • Tim Webb, Caradonna Dive Adventures
  • Dan Orr, Dan Orr Consulting
  • Mark Young, Dive Training Magazine
  • Dean Garraffa, Huish Outdoors
  • Denise Cable, Independent Consultant
  • Richard Mitsoda, Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas
  • Mike Lever, Nautilus Explorer
  • Drew Richardson, PADI Worldwide
  • Julie Andersen, Consultant, Scubapro
  • Doug McNeese, Scuba Schools International
  • Karin Sahm, Sunset House
DEMA Board Members:
  • Scott Daley, Body Glove International
  • Bonnie Borkin, Bonnier Corporation – Sport Diver and Scuba Diving
  • William Cline, Cline Group Advertising, Inc.
  • Werner Kurn, Ocean Enterprises, Inc.
  • Jeff Nadler, PADI Americas
  • Jenny Collister, Reef & Rainforest Dive & Adventure Travel
  • Tom Leaird, Scuba Educators/PDIC International
  • Stuart Cove, Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas
  • Darcy Kieran, Total Diving-Montreal Scuba
  • Stephen Ashmore, TUSA
The group was challenged to address a variety of Industry and Association issues and brainstorm the plausible future direction of the Association, as well as how DEMA can have a positive impact on the Diving Industry. Using the concept of flipping Industry “orthodoxies,” which may be hindering the Association and Industry and preventing effective collaboration, the group identified key problems and brainstormed ways to address these challenges.   “Orthodoxies” are beliefs or ways of thinking that are generally accepted as truth, regardless of how accurate they may actually be.

Participants discussed many different beliefs and “truths,” and four main orthodoxies emerged as highly influential on the progress of the Association:
  • DEMA is just the Show and creates no other value for the Industry
  • DEMA is an “old boys club”
  • DEMA is highly influenced by larger Members/stakeholders to the detriment of other Industry participants and
  • The DEMA Board takes no risks on behalf of the Industry and cares only about itself
These orthodoxies were discussed in detail along with the group’s recommendations for how DEMA and the Industry can move forward together to build trust and collaborate for Industry growth and success.  “More important than identifying these orthodoxies is the understanding that DEMA needs to make structural and other changes that help build value for DEMA Members and Industry participants,” said Tom Ingram, DEMA Executive Director.  “By identifying these orthodoxies, it becomes possible to overcome them when they are not true and positively impact problems that do exist.”
DEMA employed a graphic recorder to capture the key ideas from the learning sessions in a visual format.  Lucinda Levine of INKquiry provided the group with real-time illustrations of the Strategy Session conversations.  These graphics were aimed to help with participants’ comprehension and retention and make the information that was shared easily accessible to the Industry.
Incorporating strategic recommendations from De Cagna, as well as from members of the Industry, will be an ongoing job for the DEMA Board and staff.  The DEMA Board of Directors will meet in June to further discuss the topics raised during the Strategy Session as well as the recommendations provided by the strategy consultant, De Cagna.
 
If you have any questions about the strategy session you can contact DEMA by emailing them at info@dema.org.

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.

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.

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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.

regulator

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.

regulator

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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