What is wrong with recreational scuba diver databases?

This commentary draws attention to the challenges for researchers in accessing and using recreational scuba diver training agency and other dive industry databases. These challenges may lead to biased conclusions as to the size and nature of scuba diver populations, falsely identify the diver in specific sectors, distort potentials for scuba diving tourism and incorrectly ascertain what exactly motivates diver travel preferences. The commentary aims to raise awareness of the challenges of gaining access to meaningful recreational scuba diver data and a need to exercise caution when using available scuba diving industry databases.