DEMA’s Legislative Efforts Producing Big Results in 2012

DEMA is well-known for the annual DEMA Trade Show, but DEMA is much more than this trade-only event. DEMA’s legislative initiatives on behalf of the industry contribute to the diving community in many ways which help all DEMA Members. DEMA exists to serve its members by identifying key issues that affect the growth and success of the scuba and snorkeling industry, and by taking action on legislative matters which have an adverse effect on the sport. As in previous years, 2012 has been a productive year for the Association’s legislative efforts, helping to avert legislation detrimental to dive businesses, environmental disasters affecting recreational diving locations and preventing the loss of access to divers.

DEMA formally contracts with a liaison based in Florida and works directly with volunteer members in California, Hawaii, Florida and other states to monitor and act where needed, especially when legislation could set precedents that impact the overall industry. Working together with these legislative representatives and other industry professionals, DEMA has been able to assist in numerous legislative activities since the beginning of the year.

2012 Legislative initiatives include: 

• Health Care Reform Member Advisory
  • Created a roadmap for DEMA Members to understand impending healthcare reform
• Shark Fin Ban in New Jersey
  • DEMA supported banning shark finning in New Jersey, providing economic and jobs data on the impact of diminished diving activity due to a reduction in the shark population to help secure the needed legislation
• Support of the Extension of the Deadline for Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
  • Webinars for DEMA Members to help understand pool compliance requirements
  •  Seminars scheduled for Saturday, November 17^th in affiliation with DEMA Show 2012 to further educate attendees
• Request for withdrawal of Coast Guard Advisory on Recreational Diving
  • Coast guard distributed advisory outlining requirements for dive boats
  • DEMA requested USCG to withdraw the Advisory since it was based on a false premise, appeared to include requirements outside of the scope of the USCG and included comments which conflicted with diving industry standards of practice
• Support of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
  • DEMA supported fair use guidelines for Florida Keys sanctuaries including the recommendation that non-consumptive activities like recreational diving be allowed and consumptive activities such as spearfishing be allowed when hook and line fishing are permitted
• Passage of Legislation to Resolve Dive Charter Boat Fishing License Issue
  • DEMA drafted and passed language to finally resolve the issue of whether dive charter boats were required to have fishing licenses during the two-day lobster season.  Dive charter boats now have several options, and will no longer be fined or closed down.
• Promoting Diver Safety during Lobster Mini-Season in Florida
  • Public Service Announcement played on television stations in Florida and surrounding states as well as online, to remind divers to tune their equipment and take a dive refresher prior to Lobster mini-season

If you know of a legislative, environmental or other issue affecting the dive industry, let DEMA know at info@dema.org.