Even with the ongoing dysfunction in Washington, DEMA continues its efforts to push the DIVE BOAT Act forward. Our team developed policy language with the support of outside actuaries to provide dive boat and shop operators with much needed commercial insurance relief.
Since the beginning of 2024, DEMA’s team has been meeting with Members of Congress to help them understand the real-world costs that operators and consumers face as a result of the Small Passenger Vessel Act, which was included in the 2023 National Defense Authorization. Our initial efforts focused on including the DIVE BOAT Act in the 2024 U.S. Coast Guard Reauthorization. However, the Senate has yet to draft its proposed legislation. Given this lapse by Congress, DEMA is exploring other legislative “vehicles” that must be passed.
You may have seen from the news that this has been the least productive Congress in post-WW2 history, with fewer than 40 bills passed during the last 14 months. For comparison, the prior record for the most “do nothing Congress” was in 2013-2014, with 72 bills. However, DEMA is forging ahead and have instead only redoubled our efforts to educate Members and Senators about the challenges our community face.
We still need your help to spread word to policymakers and consumers across the country. Now is a great time to leverage DEMA’s social media campaign materials to educate the community about the reason for increased costs and ask for their support of the DIVE BOAT Act with divers planning for Spring and Summer Vacations.
ACCESS DEMA’S CAMPAIGN MATERIALS AND SHARE
If you haven’t yet contacted your U.S. House Representative or two U.S. Senators, please do so today!
