ALERT: New Law Threatens Dive Operators & Their Employees

 As you know, in December DEMA asked you to reach out to Congress in an urgent attempt to repeal a brand-new liability requirement imposed on small vessel operators, which is already causing the cost of passenger vessel liability insurance to substantially increase, and threatening to put many operators throughout the industry out of business.

The liability requirement was included in the recently passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Lawmakers had been led to believe that Section 11503 of the NDAA was simply a “fix for the families who lost loved ones” in the tragic Conception Dive Boat fire of 2019.  But the new law goes far beyond one tragedy – it lines the pockets of trial lawyers and does nothing to make sure dive boats are operating safely.  Already, the cost of passenger vessel liability insurance has started increasing substantially, threatening the business of many dive operators.

 

There is still hope for a repeal. A brand-new Congress has been seated. We need your help to educate them about the ramifications of this new law and persuade them to repeal it.  If we come together as an industry, we CAN minimize businesses losses and prevent layoffs.

 

Why Does It Matter?

The liability requirement will have a cost impact on YOUR business.  Either directly (because you operate a small passenger vessel for diving) or indirectly (because you contract with a dive vessel for travel or instruction)—YOUR BUSINESS COSTS WILL INCREASE.

 

Dive vessel operators:
Dive vessel operators around the country started reporting exponential increases in their premiums in December 2022 as insurers cited this new law.

 

Businesses that contract with dive vessel operators:
With unfathomable increases in insurance premiums, dive vessel operators will have no choice but to increase their rates with YOU.

 

What Can You Do?

We ask that you reach out to your two US Senators and US House Representative and educate them about the true impact of the law on both your business and the industry as whole.  Below is a sample script to help guide you in your conversation with lawmakers. DEMA has also attached background information to help you better understand what is happening and why. 

Please Contact your US House Representative and Senators by calling the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121

The outline below provides the simple steps to follow:

1. Call the US Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121, give the operator your state or zip code, and ask them to connect you. They can help you identify your Senators & US Representative.
   
   
2. If you are able to connect with someone on the phone, suggested talking points are below. If needed, you may also leave a voicemail.
   
   
   • Hello, my name is __________ from __________ (city / state). May I speak to the staffer who handles Coast Guard issues?
     
     
   • I’m calling today because buried in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act that passed in December is a new liability requirement that is devastating MY small business.
     
     
   • Section 11503 was touted as a “fix for the families who lost loved ones” in the tragic Conception Dive Boat fire of 2019. But the provision goes far beyond this one tragedy.
     
     
   • Section 11503 IMPACTS ALL SMALL VESSEL operators. It DOES NOTHING to improve safety standards. It just requires me to increase liability insurance in case I get sued AFTER an accident.  

     Note: If you have a personal story about the costs you are facing, please share it – e.g., we know of a dive boat operator facing $160K insurance increase for a $2.2M operation .

   • This is just a payday for the plaintiffs’ lawyers at the expense of my small operation and our employees. I am asking you and your boss to Please REPEAL Section 11503 of the 2023 NDAA IMMEDIATELY.
     
     
   • At a time when I’m already facing increased costs because of inflation – my employees and I need Congress to repeal this ill-conceived requirement. Without a repeal, we may not be able to operate – or forced to lay off employees, which makes no one safer!
     
     
3. You can also click here and enter your zip code if you would like to email your US Representative. US Senators are listed here by state.

Additional information and background on the new law can be found here.

DEMA-Sponsored Education Sessions Start September 27th

Once again, DEMA-Sponsored Educational Sessions will be available online and in-person at DEMA Show 2022.

DEMA-Sponsored Education covers a wide spectrum of topics to expand your business and career. Online sessions will take place from September 27 - October 19 and in-person sessions will take place in Orlando during DEMA Show.

Introduced in 2021, DEMA is again offering the opportunity for attendees to obtain a Digital Credential in Marketing Education, when you attend and complete at least five designated Marketing Education sessions during DEMA Show 2022!

LEARN MORE & BROWSE EDUCATION

Is One of Your Employees Rising to the Top? Nominate Them for DEMA’s 2022 Wave Makers Award Today!

DEMA is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Wave Makers Award. These annual awards recognize new professionals in the diving industry who are rising to the top and making a difference in our industry. Honorees will be recognized at the Annual Membership Meeting taking place on November 2, 2022 during DEMA Show 2022 in Orlando, FL. 

Nominations for the Wave Makers Award are being accepted until Monday, August 22, 2022. 

Learn more, check out our past recipients, and submit a nomination!

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Is Your Company Making a Difference in Your Community? Nominate a Company That is Today!

DEMA is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Diving Community Champions Award. These annual awards recognize the good works of DEMA-Member companies and showcase their work that uses recreational diving to help their community. All DEMA-Member companies are eligible to submit a nomination to recognize other DEMA Members. Honorees will be recognized at the Annual Membership Meeting taking place on November 2, 2022 during DEMA Show 2022 in Orlando, FL.

Nominations for the Diving Community Champion Awards are being accepted until Monday, August 22, 2022. 

Learn more, check out our 2021 recipients, and submit a nomination!

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

DEMA Show 2022 Registration is Open!

 **DEMA Members, Register by September 26th to Save with Early Bird Rates***

There is power in community and the entire global diving community is coming together in a big way at DEMA Show this November for the Dive Industry’s only trade-exclusive event. Taking place November 1-4 in the South Halls of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, qualified dive industry professionals will discover and try newly released products, tap into the power of collaboration, establish and maintain professional relationships, celebrate our industry, and learn from peers and business experts. Attendee registration for DEMA Show 2022 is now open— REGISTER NOW TO SAVE!

To register, visit the official DEMA Show website. While there, visitors can review exhibitor listings and booth locations using the interactive floorplan, book a room in the Official DEMA Show Hotel Block, and find information about Show features like Show Specials, Exhibitor-Sponsored Seminars, and DEMA-Sponsored Education (coming soon!).

Attendees can choose from three different packages when registering: The Education Package, Exhibits-Only Package, and the Friday-Only Immersion Pass. Each package varies in price and opportunities. You can view complete details on each by visiting DEMAShow.com. Current DEMA Members can save up to $125 on their DEMA Show Education Package over the non-member rate when registering on or before the early registration deadline of September 26, 2022.

ACT NOW AND REGISTER TODAY! Visit DEMAShow.com for the latest details on DEMA Show education opportunities, Show-related activities, and other information as the Show approaches.

To have DEMA Show news delivered directly to your email, subscribe to email list for important Show news, announcements, opportunities, and updates.

The Official Hotel Block for DEMA Show 2022 is Now Open

  **Block Offers Exclusive Savings and Benefits for DEMA Show 2022 Attendees and Exhibitors*** 

The DEMA Show Hotel Block is officially open! To help dive industry professionals keep their planning efforts on track for this year’s annual trade-only event for the Diving Industry, DEMA has contracted with two hotels convenient to the Orange County Convention Center. By booking in DEMA’s hotel block the entire industry saves, as DEMA is able to use the occupation data to better negotiate convention center rates, nearby hotel block rates and transportation in any city, to everyone’s benefit. Start your planning for the Show, taking place November 1-4 in Orlando, FL, by booking your room reservation in the DEMA Show Hotel Block, featuring exclusive exhibitor and attendee rates and benefits.

DEMA Show will again feature the Rosen Centre Hotel as this year’s Host Hotel. The Rosen Centre is conveniently located within walking distance of Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center – home to DEMA Show 2022. Those booking in DEMA’s block at the Rosen Centre will receive special rates at the Rosen Centre of  $215 per night* (single/double rooms plus 13.38% tax). Those booking at the Rosen Centre will benefit from an elevated experience.

Those staying at the official host hotel will be entered into daily drawings on-site for a chance to win prizes* including:

• The Full DEMA Show 2023 Package! Valued at $2,500!
  • 2 roundtrip domestic flights to New Orleans
  • 2 full conference passes
  • Hotel accommodations for a 4 night stay in the DEMA Show Host hotel in New Orleans (one room)
• Other prizes may include:
  • Universal Orlando Park tickets valid for 365 days from receipt
  • $500 gift cards
  • Visit Orlando gift baskets
  • DEMA store merchandise
  • And more!

Additional Rosen Centre Hotel Perks:

• 15% Savings on all spa services (cannot be combined with any other discounted packages or special offers)
• One complimentary voucher for an unlimited one-day pass on the I-Ride Trolley
• Have easy access to the Convention Center

Other specially-priced DEMA hotel block rooms will also be available at the Days Inn for $114/night (single/double room plus 13.38% tax).

Shuttle bus service will be available to those booking within the official hotel block through DEMAShow.com. Both hotels are also nearby and within walking distance to the South halls.

Please advise that there is another large show staging in Orlando during our show dates. Hotel accommodations will be limited. Be sure to book EARLY to ensure you get a room and the best rates.

A SPECIAL CAUTION! DEMA would like to caution attendees and exhibitors to be wary when booking accommodations through unauthorized third-party vendors claiming to work with DEMA Show. These unauthorized vendors may offer what appears to be a lower rate than the official DEMA block rate, but room reservations may be offered at significantly lower quality and may not be available for the duration of your planned stay. Also, cancellation policies with these re-sellers are often harsh and unforgiving, resulting in loss of fees or other penalties. Booking within the official DEMA Hotel Block also allows DEMA to negotiate exclusive rates for DEMA Show attendees and exhibitors in the locations most convenient to the convention center. Help DEMA keep everyone’s hotel costs down for DEMA Show by booking within DEMA’s official hotel block.

Should Consumers be Admitted to DEMA Show? The Dive Industry Weighs-In.

 In response to recent comments and suggestions regarding DEMA Show, DEMA has again surveyed members of the diving industry to determine whether or not part or all of DEMA Show should be accessible to dive consumers and the general public. DEMA Show currently is a trade-exclusive event and is only open to dive professionals.

While the Association has previously conducted surveys on this subject, it is important to periodically review current trends in the marketplace, especially in light of potential market changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest survey that closed on April 8, 2022, was the first DEMA survey that asked about the industry’s stance on consumers at DEMA Show since the onset of the pandemic. 

There were more than 1,000 respondents to this survey. The survey consisted of 13 total questions, four of which were “identifiers” to help understand who was answering, from what location, and their involvement with DEMA as a Member. The majority of respondents to the survey were from DEMA Member companies, but DEMA received a large number of responses from both DEMA Members and non-members.

The overall results were substantially in favor of DEMA Show remaining a dive professionals-exclusive event, and that consumers should NOT be admitted to DEMA Show.

Should DEMA consider opening DEMA Show to the general public and allowing the public to enter, WITH THE GOAL OF UTILIZING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE RECREATIONAL DIVING?	% of Total
Yes	32%
No	62%
Uncertain	6%

Results by stakeholder:

Should DEMA consider opening DEMA Show to the general public and allowing the public to enter, WITH THE GOAL OF UTILIZING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE RECREATIONAL DIVING?	A1 Manufacturing	A2 Training Organizations	A3 Media, Consultants, Non-Retail Services	A4 Retailers	A5 Sellers of Dive Travel
Yes	45.60%	39.61%	57.27%	15.53%	50.41%
No	47.20%	51.30%	30.00%	80.12%	45.45%
Uncertain	7.20%	9.09%	12.73%	4.35%	4.13%

DEMA also included a question regarding the ability of exhibitors to sell products and services, including life support equipment, during a public event - whether the public was admitted for the entire event, a day, or to a section of the show floor:

Assuming DEMA Show Was Open to the Public:	% of Total in Favor
ANY exhibitor should be able to sell their products or services on the show floor to ANY member of the general public (thereby helping them reach a better return on their exhibit investment).	21%
NO exhibitors should be able to sell their products or services to ANY member of the general public; sales can only be made to professional travel or retail buyers through wholesale channels. This includes manufacturers, training organizations, retailers, jewelry and clothing vendors, and hotels, as well as travel sellers.	14%
All exhibitors can promote their products for re-sale ONLY through the retail dive center, internet sales away from the Show, or other retail outlet.	10%
None of these; DEMA Show should NOT be open to the general public.	54%

This latest survey data is consistent with past surveys. In fact, as the results of previous surveys confirm, the COVID-19 pandemic did not change most stakeholders’ response to the question of DEMA Show admitting consumers:

Did the COVID-19 Pandemic change the way you answered any of the questions above?	A1	A2	A3	A4	A5
Yes	11.20%	9.80%	12.73%	4.14%	11.48%
No	88.80%	90.20%	87.27%	95.86%	88.52%

With the results of this survey and DEMA's continuing efforts focused on addressing the needs of members and the market, the DEMA Board of Directors has voted unanimously to maintain DEMA Show as a trade-exclusive event. DEMA will continue to explore and review changes in the market with regard to DEMA Show and other association activities. As always we value input from industry members and extend our thanks to all who responded to this important survey!

DEMA Show 2022 will take place November 1-4, 2022 (Tuesday - Friday) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Learn more about DEMA Show at DEMAShow.com and follow DEMA Show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.