Three million people in the United States are certified scuba divers, an increase of nearly 600% from the early 1980s (Richard K. Miller & Associates, 2014). Despite the large number of registered divers, there are few central connection points for lovers of the sport. This is surprising when one considers, in most cases, divers are required to dive with a partner/buddy or as part of a larger group.
Scuba diving involves a diver using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). The sport can take place in any body of water in which the diver can submerge him or herself, including a river, lake, or ocean. Divers must use a compressed air tank located on his or her person, and most also use a mask and fins to navigate underwater. Divers may take a number of certification programs from organizations such as the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), or Scuba Schools International (SSI). A major focus in such courses is safety, both for the diver and for the diving environment. Scuba is a unique sport in that it requires the participant to depend almost wholly on diving equipment to survive the venture. Depending on the level of training for the diver, the majority of dives are to depths of 100 feet or less, which helps lessen the risk of underwater illness. Much marine life of interest to divers, including coral reefs, thrive in this general depth range as well. Certification levels allow the diver to submerge to various depths as well as participate in a number of diving experiences, such as cold water arctic diving, wreck diving, or diving in lakes at high altitudes. Different diving organizations have various listings dividing the courses into specialty or technical courses.
Diving is inherently a group activity, both for camaraderie and enjoyment of the sport, as well as for safety reasons. Aside from a few advanced certification classes, few divers scuba solo. Most boats will not take divers out without a partner, or buddy. As beginner divers take certification courses, much of the training revolves around how to help a buddy should something go amiss mid-dive. Diving with a buddy helps ensure the safety of each diver as well as promote an enjoyable experience. Many scuba divers may become trained and certified with a specific buddy in mind, or even with a group of beginning divers. Over time, however, a diver may lose touch with his or her buddy, the buddy may move, or may no longer be interested in scuba.
This thesis project offers a compelling solution to these challenges. The networking website, DiveMatch, serves as a central location for certified divers, both recreational and technical, to contact peers around the globe. This unique solution allows divers the ability to search for buddies locally and internationally, and as appropriate to their skill level, financial and time availability.
There are three audience profiles that fit within the DiveMatch model:
- Newly-certified divers
- Experienced divers
- Group divers
Newly-certified divers: Divers who are recently certified in the sport greatly benefit from DiveMatchas a wealth of information. This group is able to connect with more experienced divers who have the knowledge to suggest great places to dive and pass along other various tips and experiences. These divers are not yet connected to the diving community, and this site is a way for them to join locally and internationally with other divers.
Experienced divers: Many divers undergo scuba certification training with a buddy in mind, but over time the two become disconnected for a myriad of reasons. The person no longer has a go-to buddy with whom to dive, and therefore dives far less often, or perhaps not at all. For this scenario, DiveMatchis an immensely helpful resource for experienced divers. They have the ability to re-connect with divers locally, or meet new people and plan trips together. These divers may also desire to travel to a favorite destination and link up with divers already in, or heading to, that area.
Group divers: Some divers may already have a buddy to dive with, but enjoy meeting other peers and diving in larger groups. The DiveMatch website allows this group to focus on more social aspects of diving, and expand their diving circle to others with whom they connect on a personal and technical level.
Each DiveMatch user fits a general profile. The user is slightly more affluent than the average American, and can afford small luxuries in the diving industry. Richard K. Miller & Associates (2014) finds about three million Americans are active scuba divers, so the user base for DiveMatchis quite substantial. Of those U.S. divers, about 35% are female. (Richard K. Miller & Associates, 2014). The site is not limited to American citizens, although users heavily originate from the U.S. in these early stages.
In sum, it can be difficult for divers to connect with other divers who share the same skills and interests because there is no central location to communicate. Further, new divers need some direction after becoming certified. DiveMatch is a forum to associate with more seasoned divers and is very beneficial for all divers to share ideas, questions, and recommendations.
(DiveMatch website found here.)
Miranda D. Reed 