We, the undersigned, are compelled to address a grave issue that has recently surfaced within the SCUBA diving community in Mexico. A victim of sexual assault bravely reported her instructor to the training agency following a trial that lasted one year, culminating in a guilty verdict delivered by a judge in the State of Yucatan. Despite the overwhelming evidence and sentence, the agency in question has regrettably refused to revoke the teaching licenses of the convicted offender.

This case has ignited a crucial conversation within our community, revealing that harassment, abuse, misconduct, and sexual attacks are not isolated incidents. While some divers courageously report their experiences to agencies, many do not, fearing inaction or retaliation.

The inconsistency in how agencies respond to such serious allegations raises critical questions about their commitment to safety and accountability. In light of these alarming developments, we urge all SCUBA diving agencies to take decisive action by implementing the following measures:

1. Review Policies on Instructor Misconduct: We call for a comprehensive review of all agency policies regarding instructor misconduct, specifically concerning the membership status of confirmed convicted sexual offenders.
2. Establish Clear Codes of Conduct: If no specific guidelines currently exist regarding sexual misconduct, we demand that agencies commit to drafting clear policies that encompass all forms of sexual harassment, misconduct, inappropriate behavior, and assault.
3. Prevent Known Offenders from Membership: Agencies must take a firm stand against allowing individuals convicted of sexual offenses to become or remain members, particularly in teaching positions, to ensure the safety of students and divers.
4. Reinforce Training and Awareness: We encourage agencies to enhance their training programs to focus on preventing abuse and harassment, ensuring that all members and agency staff are equipped with the knowledge to promote a safe environment.
5. Prioritize Victim Reports: Agencies must take the testimony and reports of abuse and harassment seriously, committing to thorough investigations and transparent communication with victims.
6. Simplify Reporting Mechanisms: We request that agencies implement user-friendly reporting systems that empower victims to submit their accounts easily, enabling structured fact-finding and investigation.
7. Train Staff on Misconduct Prevention: It is essential for agencies to train their staff to handle reports of misconduct with sensitivity and respect, ensuring they possess the necessary resources to act appropriately.
8. Establish Cross-Agency Protocols: Finally, we call for the development of cross-agency protocols to prevent convicted offenders from transferring to other agencies and continuing to teach, thereby safeguarding the community.
9. We implore SCUBA diving agencies to take these demands seriously, as the safety and well-being of all divers, instructors, and students depend on decisive and immediate action.

Let us work together to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone in the SCUBA diving community.

Sign this petition to support the call for change and demand accountability from our agencies. Your voice matters.