The Dive Equipment Marketing Association (DEMA) is an international organization dedicated to the promotion and growth of the recreational scuba diving and snorkeling industry. The DEMA Reaching Out Award was first presented in 1989. The annual Award has recognized individuals who have made a significant contribution to the sport of diving by “reaching out” in some special way to improve the sport for everyone.
DEMA is now accepting nominations for the 2019 Reaching Out Award. The deadline for online submissions is 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, May 31, 2019.
The Reaching Out Award has become more than recognition of individual achievements; it has become the industry’s HALL OF FAME.  Those recognized are the leaders and heroes of our sport, making diving what it is today.  Some may have greater name recognition than others, but each, in their own way, is as important to the development of diving as any other.
There are many ways to reach out and do something extraordinary for the sport.  Many who have been recognized were pioneers who helped develop techniques related to their special areas of expertise.  Their contributions have been made in such areas as photography, training, equipment design, publishing, travel, retailing, water safety, exploration and science.
To be considered for the 2019 Reaching Out Award, nominees should meet the following criteria:
  • Nominees should have been active in the diving industry for a minimum of 10 years.
  • Nominees should have made a significant contribution* to the sport of Scuba Diving.
  • Nominees should have continuously supported the diving industry in a positive manner which reflects agreement with DEMA’s mission.
  • Nominees whose writings, actions and efforts (including those efforts to earn a living) do not reflect positively on the diving industry may be precluded from consideration. Consideration can include Nominees’ participation as a key plaintiff in opposition to the diving industry or its members, acting as a plaintiff’s expert witness against members of the industry or prosecution of members of the industry and DEMA Members in particular.
  • Consideration is given to the Nominees’ actions in support of DEMA. Preference is given to those nominees who have, by their actions and words, supported the trade association.
  • Self-nominations for the Reaching Out Award may not be considered.
  • While nominations received from family members are not necessarily precluded from consideration, preferred nominators are business colleagues.

The final recipients of the Reaching Out Award are selected on an annual basis at the sole discretion of the DEMA Board of Directors. Each application will be examined for authenticity and merit, using the above guidelines. Any contradiction or false statement will disqualify the applicant.

To nominate someone for the 2019 Reaching Out Award, visit the nomination page here: