Safety in the Dive Tourism Industry of Australia 1

Scuba diving is one of the dominant activity-based tourism options found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. The major recreational diver training agencies recorded 1,73,476 new diver certifications in 2003. Each certification supports dive travel, accommodation, equipment sales and a range of marine facilities. Despite this role the global industry is in something of a crisis where, after many years of sustained growth, certification rates for new divers show signs of decline (Dive Equipment Manufacturer's Association, 2 004).