RETAILING INTERNSHIPS, CREATING A RETAILER REPORT CARD
BUSINESS EDU
KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS FOCUS, SHOW & TELL TIME
TRENDS IN DIVE RETAILING, TRAVEL & TRAINING
PARTIAL ISSUE PREVIEW
Photo by Neal Watson, Jr.
Shot at Bimini Scuba Center’s Great Hammerhead Shark Dive Site, Bimini, Bahamas
PAGE 17
PHOTO PRO
PAGE 5
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Just Keep Swimming: Business Lessons from Hammerhead Sharks
PAGE 7
SAFETY
Dan Orr: See Clearly. Dive Safely. Vision Correction & Diving
PAGE 11
TRAVEL
David Prichard & Lily Mak: Why All These Forms? The Operational Logistics of a Dive Resort
PAGE 12
ECO PRO
Alex Brylske, Ph.D.: The Great Disconnect: A Plea for Better Environmental Education
PAGE 14
BUSINESS EDU
Wayne B. Brown: My Use of ‘Focus’ to Navigate Aggressor Adventures
Amos Nachoum: The Hunter and The Hunted
PAGE 18
TRAVEL
Amber Wagenknecht: From the Deck to the Deep: An Unforgettable Dive Adventure in Bimini
PAGE 20
BUSINESS EDU
William Cline: 1st Quarter Global Dive Survey Results Revealed
PAGE 22
BUSINESS EDU
Cathryn Castle Garcia: The Honest Truth: A Different Kind of Showand-Tell for Business Success
PAGE 25
RETAILING
Tom Leaird & Brooke Mentorship...the Ship that Will Keep the Industry from Sinking
PAGE 27
TRAVEL
Gil Zeimer: Part IV: How to “Blue” Your Business in 2025 & Make More Green – PADI Eco Centers
PAGE 30
BUSINESS EDU
William Cline: 2025 Dive Travel Trends – What Dive Retailers Need to Know to Stay Ahead
PAGE 33
TRAVEL
Peter Symes: Dive Into Medieval History – Turkey
PAGE 34
BUSINESS EDU
Carlos Lander: Viewing Coral Reefs as an Economic Asset
PAGE 37
RETAILING
Jeff Cinciripino: Winning with a Balanced Scorecard - Part I
2 & 3 Aggressor Adventures
6 Diver’s Alert Network (DAN)
10 Aggressor Adventures
11 Take Our Subscriber Survey & Win
12 Green Fins Marine Tourism
13 Alex Brylske’s Book by Reef Smart
14 Make A Difference Challenge
15 Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba
16 Stream2Sea Reef Safe Products
16 Sea Experience, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
17 Big Animals Global Expeditions
20 DRYFOB Key Containers
21 ScubaWeather.com
21 Barefoot Cay Resort, Roatan
23 Blue Force Fleet Liveaboards
24 Clear Story Coach
25 Scuba Do Rag Diver’s Apparel
26 Wayne B. Brown Book
29 All Star Liveaboards
31 Sau Bay Resort & Spa, Fiji
32 SeaCure Custom Mouthpieces
33 X-Ray Magazine
34 Lita’s All Natural Insect Repellant
35 ScubaRadio
36 DIVO By Scubatech
38 Books by Dan Orr/Best Publishing
39 Explorer Ventures Liveaboards
BACK COVER DEMA
41 Level Up Podcast
42 Article Index
FROM THE PUBLISHER
JUST KEEP SWIMMING: BUSINESS LESSONS FROM HAMMERHEAD SHARKS
A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to dive with great hammerheads in Bimini - and wow! These sharks are massive. Watching them glide past, calm and confident, was unforgettable. One of the most powerful moments was seeing a shark feeder hand-feed a full-grown hammerhead right in front of us. The shot was so striking, we’re featuring it on this month’s cover of Scuba Diving Industry Magazine.
But what really stuck with me wasn’t just their size - it was how they move.
Hammerheads have nearly 360-degree vision thanks to their wide-set eyes, but here’s the interesting part: they actually see better when they’re in motion. When they stay still, their vision narrows. It’s movement that gives them full awareness.
That got me thinking - what if dive professionals took a cue from hammerheads? See the Whole Picture: Running a dive business isn’t all reef dives and certification cards. It’s gear repairs, group travel logistics, instructor scheduling, customer followups, pool nights, and insurance paperwork. You wear every hat - and you have to see it all
Like the hammerhead scanning the reef, dive pros need wide awareness. That means spotting staff burnout before it affects guests, noticing shifting travel trends, or identifying the anxious diver who didn’t speak up during the briefing.
Keep Moving to Stay Sharp: The hammerhead’s superpower isn’t just wide visionit’s that it stays in motion. As dive professionals, we see more clearly when we stay active. That doesn’t mean being frantic - it means always moving forward. Try a new specialty. Update your website. Reach out to past guests. Test a group trip. The pros who stay sharp are the ones who keep swimming.
When I’m working on the magazine or planning a podcast or ad campaign, I apply that same mindset. Keep learning. Keep trying new things. Don’t wait for changemove toward it.
Want to Connect in Person? We’ll be at the Scuba Show in Long Beach, May 31–June 1 at booth #155 - stop by and say hello! And yes, DEMA planning is already underway (can you believe it’s less than six months away?). Like a hammerhead, I’m working on my 360-degree vision now - scanning what’s ahead, connecting with industry pros, and building momentum for what’s next.
Whether you’re underwater leading a dive or back at the shop managing chaos, take a lesson from nature: scan wide, stay in motion, and grow your vision. Your business - and your divers - will thank you for it.
William Cline, Publisher
SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY™ MAGAZINE MAY 2025 VOL. 2, NO. 5
Sharm El Sheikh, Red Sea, Egypt. Photo Credit: John Walker
SAFETY
See
Clearly. Dive Safely. Vision Correction &
– by Dan Orr , President, Dan Orr Consulting
Age, I’m afraid, is a fact of life. Even though we see countless commercials and advertisements on television touting various “anti-aging” treatments, that, I’m afraid, is a physical impossibility. We cannot turn back the proverbial hands of time. As we age, we become more prone to various eye conditions due to natural aging and associated health issues. Environmental factors may also contribute to the development of eye issues, including long-term exposure to UV radiation (sunlight), air pollution, and certain chemicals. Common eye problems in older adults may include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy.
Diving
that we rely so heavily on in maintaining safety in diving.
As we age, our eyes undergo several natural changes that may affect our vision. The lens of the eye changes, becoming less flexible, making it difficult to focus on close objects. The lens may yellow, changing the way colors are perceived, and the number of nerve cells in the eyes decrease, impairing depth perception.
Captain Frank K. Butler, Jr., in his seminal article Diving and Hyperbaric Ophthalmology, stated, “Some eye disorders and postoperative states may be adversely affected by the underwater environment or other hyperbaric exposures. The prevalence of recreational, military, and commercial diving, as well as the medical use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, requires that ophthalmologists be familiar with the effects of the hyperbaric environment on the normal and diseased eye.”
I think many of us can remember when we reached that magic age where our arms were no longer long enough for us to read clearly. I remember that time all too well. I was working at the Florida State University (FSU) Academic Diving Program as Associate Diving Safety Officer and Instructional Coordinator in the late 1980’s. We were doing a dive in a northern Florida cave system collecting data for the science departments at FSU. When we paused our return to the surface for our safety stop, I looked at my dive computer (the EDGE at the time) and had some difficulty making out the numbers. No matter how I stretched my arms, I still could not read the number on the computer screen. So, I removed the computer from my arm and laid it on the cave wall in front of me and moved back to the point where I could read the numbers on the screen. After a few minutes, I noticed that everyone in the dive team had done the same thing, thinking it was some sort of safety technique I was using!
Having good vision is critically important for us to truly enjoy a scuba dive. Good vision is also critically important to diving safety, helping us identify potential dangers and understand the data presented to us by the advanced technology
These and other changes typically start in the mid-40s and may lead to the need for reading glasses or bifocals. This condition is known as presbyopia. At the same time, proteins in the lens of the eye clump together, forming cloudy areas that can cause blurred vision, glare, and sensitivity to light. These are cataracts. The central part of the retina (called the macula), responsible for sharp central vision, may deteriorate over time and can lead to blurred or distorted vision in the center of the visual field. This condition is known as macular degeneration. There may also be an increase in the pressure within the eye that can damage the optic nerve, leading to gradual loss of peripheral vision. This condition is known as glaucoma. Our pupils may become smaller as we age, making it more difficult to see in dim light. We may also notice what are known as ‘floaters’- small spots or specks that float in the field of vision. They are caused by protein clumping in the vitreous gel, a jelly-like substance in the eye. Many people will, as they age, experience dry eyes as tear production decreases with age, leading to dryness, irritation, and blurred vision.
As I continue to dive, take photographs, and help lead diving and non-diving expeditions for Blue Green Expeditions (www.bluegreenexpeditions.com), issues with my eyes have become critically important for me. During my last regular eye examination, my optometrist told me that I had cataracts in both eyes. I was referred to the Idaho Eye and Laser Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho, for further evaluation. I met with the ophthalmologist and corneal specialist, who thoroughly evaluated both of my eyes and suggested cataract surgery. The surgery involved the surgical removal of the affected (clouded) lens and a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implanted. The medical staff at the clinic discussed with me the various IOLs. These lens options each have their various pros and cons, each designed to adjust focus like the natural eye, potentially reducing the need for prescription glasses following surgery.
SAFETY
The fact that I may no longer need to use prescription glasses OR need to have prescription lenses in my masks was really appealing, but brought with it the need to purchase a new primary and backup mask.
My cataract surgery was scheduled for a Monday morning for my left eye, and the surgery for the right eye was scheduled for the following Monday. For the three days prior to the first surgery, I had to self-administer (with my wife Betty’s help) combination eye drops three times per day. These eye drops included antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, helping to prepare the eye for surgery by minimizing the risk of infection and reducing inflammation.
On the day of surgery, we arrived at the clinic and were ushered into the surgical waiting room. After the requisite paperwork and insurance forms, I was taken into the surgical suite where I met the surgical nurses who took my vital signs and set up an IV to administer the anesthetic. I met the anesthesiologist who explained that I would be made comfortable during the surgical procedure, but I would still be conscious in order to follow instructions from the surgeon. I then met the surgeon. Not only was the surgeon a board-certified ophthalmologist and corneal specialist but, as luck would have it, a scuba diver! He explained the procedure he was going to perform, and then we talked about diving!! As that conversation went on, I began to feel the effects of the anesthesia and, before I knew it, I was listening to instructions as my clouded lens was being removed and the new lens put in its place.
he was very satisfied with the results and that over the next few days, my vision in that eye would continue to improve.
As the week progressed following my left eye surgery, my vision in that eye significantly improved - so much so that I could no longer comfortably wear my old glasses. I also continued to use the prescribed eye drops, but now for both eyes in preparation for the right eye surgery the next week.
The right eye surgical process was exactly the same as with the left eye, with the scheduled follow-up the following day. During the follow-up, the surgeon evaluated his work and pronounced that the surgery went well. During all of this, one thing was constantly on my mind, and that was how this surgery, and any eye surgery, would affect my ability to continue to enjoy scuba diving.
During a scheduled-follow up evaluation with my optometrist, he evaluated my overall vision and said my vision had improved from a pre-operation uncorrected 20/80+ to a post-operation 20/20+. The “+” has to do with my left eye that, due to scar tissue in that eye from many years ago, the vision is not quite as good as the right eye but has certainly improved from pre-operation vision.
My surgical experience was an absolute success and was, therefore, the genesis of this article.
The entire procedure lasted only about 15 minutes, and I soon found myself back in the recovery area with a patch over my left eye and listening to instructions from the nursing staff. I was led out to the surgical waiting room, given a pair of very dark glasses to wear because my eye was still very sensitive to light. Betty met me and took me to the car. Since I’d had nothing to eat for the previous 24 hours, our first stop was at McDonald’s! During the 90-minute drive home, I napped while Betty drove.
That evening, as suggested by the surgeon, Betty removed the patch covering my left eye and taped a plastic shield over the eye to keep me from accidentally touching or rubbing that eye during the night. The next morning, we had a follow-up appointment with the doctor. Since my pupil in the left eye was still dilated, I had to continue wearing the dark glasses. Even though it was less than 24 hours since the surgery, I could already tell that my vision had improved.
The doctor fully evaluated my left eye and pronounced that
After any kind of eye surgery, it's crucial to talk with your surgeon about your desire to continue to scuba dive following any kind of eye surgery or treatment. In my case, the surgeon suggested that I wait a minimum of one month before considering a return to the water to allow for proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Since there are no controlled studies specifically addressing the suggested length of convalescence before a return to diving from any type of eye surgery, recommendations on a return to diving are generally based on clinical experience and recommendations from diving medical organizations such as Divers Alert Network (DAN) and the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS).
Here's a more detailed explanation with some general recommendations: A general recommendation is to consult with your ophthalmologist and wait a specified and recommended period of time after surgery before returning to diving. If your ophthalmologist is unfamiliar with diving, it would be advised that they contact the Medical Department at DAN or the UHMS for consultation.
The most common types of eye surgery and recommenda-
Pre-Surgery Vision Test
SAFETY
tions for returning to diving are:
Cataract surgery: a procedure to remove a clouded
lens and replace it with an artificial one, is generally safe and effective, with most people noticing vision improvement within a few days and full recovery taking about four weeks. The UHMS recommends not returning to diving for a minimum of one month after small-incision cataract surgery (the most common type of cataract surgery). This allows for any surgical incisions to fully heal and for any postoperative complications to resolve (Ocular Considerations in Diving, Dr. Frank Butler).
LASIK: a common surgical procedure that reshapes the
cornea to correct vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, aiming for improved vision and reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses. While LASIK is generally considered safe for diving, it's still important to wait for the eyes to heal completely, which typically takes a few weeks. DAN and the UHMS recommend consultation with your ophthalmologist and waiting a minimum of two weeks before returning to scuba diving following LASIK surgery.
Retinal surgery: a surgical procedure per-
formed on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Avoid flying, going to high altitudes, and scuba diving after retinal surgery as advised by your doctor. DAN recommends consultation with your ophthalmologist and waiting a minimum of two months before returning to scuba diving following retinal surgery.
solved before any diving, hyperbaric exposures, or ascent to altitude. Gas may be placed in the eye after some types of both retinal and corneal surgical procedures.
Some individuals who have had an eye removed might have a hollow orbital implant placed after surgery. Hollow orbital implants may collapse when exposed to increases in pressure, and eye patients with this type of implant should avoid diving. Other types of orbital implants do not have a hollow space and do not cause problems when diving.
Understanding and addressing any eye-related problems is essential to protecting our eye health and enhancing our future diving experiences. By implementing any and all preventive measures, we can effectively mitigate risks and promote the overall well-being of our eyes while continuing to enjoy the wonders of the underwater world for years to come.
When considering eye health for scuba diving, several factors are important. Divers should ensure their masks fit properly to prevent water from entering and contaminating eyes, and they should be aware of potential pressure changes that can affect the eyes and sinuses. Additionally, as mentioned above, individuals with certain eye conditions or recent eye surgeries should consult with their healthcare professional or contact DAN for advice before diving.
Glaucoma filtering surgery: a procedure to treat glau-
coma, involves creating a new pathway for fluid to drain from the eye, reducing intraocular pressure, and typically takes 1 to 2 hours in a hospital setting. Scuba diving may be risky if you have had glaucoma filtering surgery, as changes in pressure inside your diving mask as you descend can cause bleeding and severe damage in an eye with a glaucoma filter. The UHMS recommends consultation with your ophthalmologist and waiting a minimum of two months before returning to scuba diving following glaucoma surgery. Diving in the presence of a functioning glaucoma filter entails a slightly elevated risk of complications that might impair the functioning of the filter.
A point of special emphasis about diving after eye surgery is that any gas bubbles (air or other gases that might be placed in the eye for therapeutic purposes) must be completely re-
As scuba divers, our eyes are portals to a world underwater so wondrous that it’s hard for nondivers to imagine. Vision is vital for both our physical and emotional well-being. It enables us to navigate the world safely, connect with our surroundings, and find meaning in life. It is paramount to our safety and our quality of life to preserve our vision and protect our eyes.
References: Ballestra, C., et al. Effect of SCUBA Diving on Ophthalmic Parameters. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Mar 9;58(3):408. Butler, F. SURVEY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY Volume 39. Number 5 9 March-April 1995. Butler, F. Ocular Considerations in Diving. March 2022. (Copy available on request). Butler, F. HighPressure Ophthalmology. Divers Alert Network. Common Age-related Problems. Cleveland Clinic. DAN Staff. Cataract surgery and diving. Alert Diver AU. February 2017. Harvey, P. Common eye diseases of elderly people: identifying and treating causes of vision loss. Gerontology. 2003 Jan-Feb;49(1):1-11. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society: Diving Medical Guidance for the Physician. Thanks to Dr. Frank Butler for his assistance with reviewing and updating the recommended convalescent periods following eye surgery.
email Dan Orr
Post-Right Eye Surgery
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