Blogs
DEMA Show 2023: The Depths of Progress in the Scuba Diving Industry

By Bryan Horne, Dive Curaçao / Dive Travel Curaçao
As I sit down to reflect on the whirlwind that was the DEMA Show 2023, in the vibrant city of New Orleans, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and optimism for the future of the scuba diving industry. This annual gathering of manufacturers, global destinations, dive retailers, and enthusiasts has always been a focal point for showcasing the latest innovations and trends in our beloved underwater world.
However, this year’s event was more than just a showcase; it was a milestone that underscored the industry’s collective power to drive positive change and create a unified impact across diverse fronts.
Exploring the DEMA Show 2023
One of the most remarkable aspects of DEMA Show 2023 was the palpable sense of collaboration that permeated the event. The scuba diving industry, often seen as a niche community, demonstrated that when we unite for a common cause, we become a force to be reckoned with. From education and environmental protection to travel, marketing, and safety; the influence of our collective efforts was unmistakable.
Diver Education
One shining example of the industry’s commitment to education was the inspiring work of Margo Peyton and her organization, Kids Sea Camp. DEMA 2023 provided a platform for Margo to share her vision and success in introducing children to the wonders of the underwater realm. The impact of programs like Kids Sea Camp extends far beyond the immediate experience, creating a generation of young divers who not only appreciate marine life but also become ambassadors for ocean conservation.
Read more about Kids Sea Camp: “I’m a Believer” by Scott D. Jones
Environmental Protection
Environmental protection took center stage at DEMA Show 2023, with organizations like Stream2Sea, PADI AWARE, and Green Fins leading the charge. Their dedication to sustainable practices and ocean-friendly products highlighted the industry’s commitment to preserving the underwater ecosystems we hold dear. The booths and presentations focused on eco-friendly products, responsible diving practices, and the importance of leaving no trace underwater. It was a clear message that as guardians of the ocean, we have a responsibility to tread lightly and ensure its health for generations to come.
Dive Travel
In the realm of travel, DEMA Show 2023 showcased the incredible potential of our industry and its influence on tourism.
Our Dutch Caribbean Island of Curaçao, once a hidden gem in the scuba diving world, stood as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration.
Over the past decade, Dive Curaçao, Ocean Encounters, and LionsDive Beach Resort worked hand in hand to develop Curaçao as a world-class diving destination.
This year, our collective efforts were recognized with an astounding 23 awards in the Scuba Diving Reader’s Choice Awards. The readers spoke, and their votes reinforced the idea that collaboration can turn a relatively unknown destination into a global diving hotspot.
The success of Curaçao serves as a blueprint for other emerging destinations, illustrating that by pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and collectively marketing our unique offerings, we can elevate the entire industry. Digital marketing played a crucial role in this transformation, connecting divers from around the world with the beauty of Curaçao’s underwater landscapes. Social media campaigns, immersive virtual tours, and engaging content brought our island to the forefront of the diving community’s consciousness.
Diver Safety
Safety has always been a paramount concern in the scuba diving industry, and the Divers Alert Network (DAN) took the opportunity at DEMA Show 2023 to unveil the latest advancements in dive safety including innovative training programs. Their emphasis on safety highlighted the industry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every dive is a secure and enjoyable experience.
Reflecting on the DEMA Show 2023
The DEMA Show 2023 was a rallying point, a reminder that we are not isolated entities but integral parts of a global and interconnected community. The connections forged and strengthened at the event will reverberate throughout the industry, sparking collaborations that go beyond borders and benefit us all. The exchange of ideas, the sharing of best practices, and the celebration of successes create a synergy that propels us forward.
As I navigated the bustling aisles of the exhibition hall, engaged in insightful seminars, and connected with industry leaders, it became evident that the key to Curaçao’s continued success lies in collaboration. Yes, we have achieved great strides, but there is still much work to be done. The challenges facing our coral reefs are immense. From climate change to pollution, these issues demand a united front to ensure the sustainability of Curaçao’s diving industry.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our partners and suppliers who joined us at DEMA Show 2023, and a special acknowledgment to the DEMA 2023 Board of Directors for orchestrating an event that transcended expectations. The bonds formed and strengthened in New Orleans set the stage for an exciting year ahead.
However, as we look towards the future, the scuba diving industry stands at a crossroads. We must avoid apathy and choose a path that will shape the destiny of our oceans and the sustainability of our scuba diving industry, especially here in Curaçao.
Looking forward to the DEMA Show 2024
In conclusion, DEMA Show 2023 was not just an exhibition; it was a manifestation of the scuba diving industry’s potential to create a positive impact. The collaborative spirit showcased at the event serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that by working together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone. As we eagerly anticipate the DEMA Show 2024 in Las Vegas, let us carry this positive momentum forward, united in our mission to protect, educate, and explore the wonders of the underwater world.
News
Filming 360 in The Bahamas

In December 2024, the Shark Trust had a very special opportunity to film sharks and rays in The Bahamas. Frogfish Photography are the Bahamas Dive Ambassadors for the UK. And Caroline, Deputy Editor at Scubaverse, is the Marketing Manager at the Shark Trust. So, when the need arose to film footage of several species of shark and ray for a new Shark Trust project, The Bahamas seemed the perfect fit. A huge thank you is needed here to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. As they stepped in to fully support the trip both financially and practically. Ensuring that the filming expedition ran smoothly, and that we got as much time as possible in the water with sharks and rays, during the 10 day, 3 island trip.
The Bahamas is famous for its sharks and rays. Divers flock there to experience getting up close to a range of species. Our itinerary saw us visit Nassau, Bimini and Grand Bahama. It packed in as many in-water experiences as possible and had us dive, snorkel, and even take a submarine to experience them in a variety of different habitats and to capture them on film. We saw 148 sharks and rays from 8 different species (all of which have been logged on the Shark Trust Shark Log!).
But why were we there? The expedition was designed to fulfil the needs of two new projects being launched by the Shark Trust in 2025. The filming done underwater on this trip was the start of creating OneOcean360: A Shark Story. A new 360 immersive experience designed primarily for immersive domes and planetariums. The film will be the nearest experience to getting in the water with sharks and rays without getting wet! It will bring the world of sharks to an audience that may never get the chance to experience it first-hand. A Shark Story aims to deepen people’s understanding of sharks, uncovering and illustrating why they are so wonderful as well as being vital to marine ecosystems.
The film is being made in collaboration with Real Immersive. Also based in Plymouth, they have an immersive dome and are providing the technical expertise behind creating this unique experience. Reviewing the footage in the dome has been an invaluable part of the process. Both inspiring the team and allow us to refine the filming techniques to suit this immersive theatre.
You might imagine that we are using expensive cameras and even more expensive housings. But this is not the case. The entire project is being filmed using Insta360 X4 cameras. With only a few simple additions to the standard dive setup. The INON weight plate allowed us to attach this camera to a dive weight, set it down on sand or wreck, and then swim away and let the sharks be the stars. And the results are very exciting. The film will be ready this autumn. It will be accompanied by an educational pack for teachers to take away after school trips to see the film. Encouraging all those that see it to continue learning about these incredible animals.
You can support the creation of OneOcean360: A Shark Story by heading to the crowdfunder page and donating or selecting a reward.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-shark-story
Read about the shark and ray dives we did on Nassau, Bimini and Grand Bahama in our next blog post coming soon on Scubaverse.
Blogs
PADI Global Membership Contributes to Study That Indicates Revival of MPAs Would Bolster Billions for the Industry

Scientists, including those from National Geographic Pristine Seas, find scuba divers are willing to pay more to seek adventure in Marine Protected Areas, estimating an additional USD 2.7 billion spent per annum.
11 February 2025 – PADI®, the world’s largest scuba diving organisation, has been working with National Geographic Pristine Seas for the last three years to help identify the positive effects of protecting scuba diving sites around the world – which was recently published in new peer-reviewed research.
PADI’s global membership of 6,600 PADI Dive Centres and Resorts in over 180 countries helped National Geographic Pristine Seas assemble a database that estimated the number of scuba dives annually, the extent to which protection would increase biomass and biodiversity in an area, and a scuba diver’s willingness to pay access fees to dive in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
As a result, the study found that more fully protected dive sites would generate an estimated USD 2.7 billion in additional income globally for the scuba diving industry, most of which would come from access fees paid by divers directly to local communities. This additional protection would also help regenerate marine ecosystems and a new long-term income source for these coastal economies.
“Bottom line, ocean protection benefits marine life, coastal communities and businesses,” remarked Enric Sala, founder of National Geographic Pristine Seas. “Protecting diving sites from fishing and other damaging activities can generate new streams of income and benefit more people. It’s increasingly clear that efforts to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 are even more beneficial than we thought.”
These research findings directly align with the goals of PADI’s Blueprint For Ocean Action– in which safeguarding recreational dive hotspots around the globe would deliver a host of benefits to tourists, local communities, and marine life. In 2022 PADI Iaunched an ambitious new initiative to establish the world’s largest network of conservation sites aimed at protecting ocean habitats and species threatened with extinction. Supported by Blancpain, founding partner of PADI’s MPA Program, the Adopt The Blue™ program activates a global network of dive sites across the planet to establish more Marine Protected Areas to regenerate local economies and coastlines.
“By PADI joining forces with like-minded global partners such as National Geographic Pristine Seas, we will exponentially increase our positive impact for saving the ocean,” said Dr. Drew Richardson, President & CEO of PADI. “With more marine protected areas, we can reinvigorate the diver experience and regenerate hope for the ocean; and with that comes more people who are inspired to explore the ocean and become Torchbearers to further advocate for safeguarding its future.”
Since 2008, National Geographic Pristine Seas has helped establish 29 of the largest MPAs in the world, covering a total area of 6.9 million square kilometers – more than twice the size of India. Their latest peer-reviewed research joins their resume of over 300 that have already been published.
“If you protect a marine area, more recreational divers will show up and they’ll pay more for the privilege of seeing sensational underwater life,” said Reniel Cabral, a Senior Lecturer at James Cook University and the study’s lead author. “Communities and businesses are leaving money on the table by overlooking the benefits of marine sanctuaries.”
Other key findings from the most recent study include:
- Some 33 million dives take place in the ocean each year, but only 15% of dive sites are fully protected from fishing and other destructive activities
- More MPAs estimated to increase the number of dives annually by 32% (10 million + more per year)
- Egypt, Thailand, and the US host the most scuba diving annually (est. USD 3 million annually)
- Indonesia, Egypt, and Australia host the most dives within MPA borders annually
- The Philippines, the US, and Indonesia would benefit the most economically from designating sanctuaries in popular diving spots.
- The Global South — host to some 62% of recreational dives — is poised to gain the most.
“The potential for the recreational diver industry to create positive ocean change is unparalleled,” continues Richardson. “As the only global community to have the superhero skills to descend beneath the surface and both connect with and help the marine world directly, there is a massive opportunity to change the way we all seek adventure. As the world’s largest scuba diving organisation, we can play a key part in reaching the global target of 30% protection by 2030 and enrich both ours and the ocean’s livelihood simultaneously.”
To help PADI advocate for the establishment of more MPAs, visit padi.com/aware/AdoptTheBlue
National Geographic Pristine Seas
Pristine Seas works with Indigenous and local communities, governments, and other partners to help protect vital places in the ocean using a unique combination of research, community engagement, policy work, and filmmaking. Since 2008, our program has conducted more than 45 expeditions around the world and helped establish 29 marine reserves, spanning more than 6.9 million square kilometers of ocean. Pristine Seas is part of the global non-profit, the National Geographic Society. Our mission is driven by science and filmmaking — we are fully independent from National Geographic publishing and its media arm.
About PADI
PADI® (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) is the largest purpose-driven diving organisation with a global network of 6,600 dive centres and resorts, 128,000 professional members, and more than 30 million certified divers to date. Committed to our blue planet, PADI makes the wonder of the underwater world accessible to all, empowering people around the world to experience, explore and take meaningful action, as Ocean TorchbearersTM, to protect the world beneath the surface. For over 50 years, PADI is undeniably The Way the World Learns to Dive®, setting the standard for the highest quality dive training, underwater safety and conservation initiatives while evolving the sport of diving into a passionate lifestyle. For divers by divers, PADI is obsessed with transforming lives and, with its global foundation, PADI AWARETM, creating positive ocean change. Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean.SM www.padi.com
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