As an extremely popular dive destination, the Cayman Islands attract tens of thousands of visiting divers annually. These divers visit Cayman’s white sand shores with the purpose of experiencing the beautiful coral reefs, crystal clear waters and variety of reef fish that are found in the local marine environment. It is up to the dive operators of the Cayman Islands to maintain the reputation of the Cayman Islands as a safe location to dive.

The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) and Diver’s Supply teamed up to provide a fantastic opportunity for watersports members to attend training sessions that continue to enhance the safety of the dive tourism experience in Cayman.

For two days in January, dive equipment manufacturer SCUBAPRO held equipment service clinics. The first day, a ‘resort-technician’ training programme, had 26 participants. The second day was an advanced pro-technician clinic; 11 attendees participated in this advanced technician training that focused on higher end models of regulators. These training clinics give participants the chance to learn basic servicing of rental fleet equipment. Having trained staff at a watersports company will allow for more thorough inspection of gear in that company’s rental fleet, with the trained employee being able to better identify when rental gear needs more than routine servicing. Basic service and cleaning of the rental gear can also take place right at the shop when an employee has received their certification of training from the manufacturer.

Rene Dupre and Fraser Purdon, the training session leaders from SCUBAPRO, enjoyed flying to the Cayman Islands on Cayman Airways, which touts itself as the diver’s airline. Their two free checked bag policy is a great perk for dive travelers, as they often bring their own gear on dive vacations.

Dupre and Purdon were hosted at the Grand Caymanian Resort for the length of their stay.

‘Typically, this type of course would only be held at the annual Dive Equipment and Marketing Association’s annual expo (DEMA) in the US. Instead of each participant paying to travel to Las Vegas or Florida, as well as the cost of a hotel, meals, car rental and around US$250 registration fee for the clinic, it was a much more affordable training opportunity that Divers Supply was happy to coordinate,’ said Adam Gibbons from Divers Supply. ‘Because of the support from Cayman Airways and the Grand Caymanian, the cost to participants was only US $125—a true bargain to attend this training that will help our island maintain its designation as a safe place to dive.’

In December, Ted Foreman of Aqualung was on island to host a similar resort technician session for CITA watersport members. Aqualung and SCUBAPRO are the most popular brands of dive equipment in the rental fleets of Cayman Islands dive operators.

CITA Background:

The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) was formed in March 2001, through an amalgamation of the Cayman Tourism Alliance and the Cayman Islands Hotel and Condominium Association. The CITA represents tourism businesses from all sectors, including hotels, condominiums and villas, watersports operators, restaurants, attractions, airlines, tourism transport providers, cruise sector businesses and allied tourism service providers. The CITA represents over 200 tourism businesses and is active in the areas of industry and government relations, marketing and events, industry development and education.