Mission of the Dominica Watersports Association
An abbreviated Constitution of the Dominica
Watersports Association, describing its objectives and goals:
Abbreviated Constitution of the Dominica Watersports
Association
Objectives/Goals:
(a) Promotion and development of watersports in Dominica.
The DWA works together to promote the various activities offered
by each member. The Association attends numerous shows throughout
the US and Europe.
(b)
Development of safety and emergency procedures.
(c) Developing operational guidelines for watersports.
These are the most important elements of our association for any
visitors intending to do any watersports in Dominica. All operators
are required to follow our strict operational standards. In fact
these requirements are stricter than any diving association requires.
To us these are the minimum standards for safe and reliable watersports.
top
All DWA members are required to meet the following requirements.
- Oxygen
on all dive boats.
- Working
VHF radios on all watersports boats.
- Boat
captains on all dive boats while divers are down.
- To
have in place an Evacuation Procedure that is tested annually.
- Carry
approved insurance for activities.
- All
Divemasters and Instructors must be insured.
- A
maximum of 10 divers for each divemaster.
- Approved
by the Dept of Fisheries.
top
(d) Establishing and maintaining a mooring system.
This is perhaps one of the proudest accomplishments of the DWA.
Over the previous years of Dive Fest we raised enough awareness
and money to install over 40 moorings on dive sites throughout
Dominica. This was a joint project between the DWA, Fisheries
and the mooring installation unit.
This objective has not been successfully completed in many islands
with a much more developed dive industry.
top
(e) Sustaining use of marine resources and
minimizing conflict among users.
It is very important that we realize that we are not the first,
nor only users of the marine reserve. Fishermen have been here long
before us and many rely on their fishing to feed their families.
We cannot simply stop them from certain fishing practices without
offering an alternative.
We work together with the fishermen in any way we can to make sure
that the reefs remain healthy and that the fish are as big and numerous
as possible. Something we both want!
(f)
Development of marine parks/reserves.
This objective has also been successful with the Establishment
of the Soufriere/Scotts
Head Marine Reserve (SSMR). All members of the DWA have fought
hard to promote the need for this, and once again the Dept of
Fisheries has been instrumental in this task.
top
(g) Promoting public awareness and education in marine affairs.
Our annual Dive Fest, held in July, is one of most successful
educational tools we utilize. With slide shows, boat rides, snorkeling
and diving lessons, all for free, there is something for all levels
and ages.
Also in June The Dept Of Fisheries organizes SSMR Day when it
brings in children from all over the island for free boat rides,
glass bottom views of the reefs, fish ID contests and many other
activities. The DWA supply boats, facilities and staff for this
event.
The DWA is always available to do slide shows or educational talks
in the local schools. The best place to educate on the importance
of the Marine environment is the next generation.
The Dominica Watersports Association is always looking to improve
and expand on the above objectives and goals.
Dominica Watersports Association Official Logo:
top
