Indonesia’s archipelagic beauty and marine biodiversity lure divers from around the world. As the country’s popularity as an international dive destination grows, so does the complexity of dive safety. Protecting divers is no small feat across this landscape of more than 17,000 islands, many dotted with dive sites in remote locations lacking medical infrastructure.
Ken Nedimyer’s connection to the sea began early. He put himself through college by collecting tropical fish and diving for lobster in the Florida Keys.
The required skills in a rescue scenario — which involved a surface swim while providing rescue breaths and removing dive gear from the victim and rescuer — were not coming easily, especially if my dive buddy was larger than me. Techniques for rescue diving seemed suited for people with a different body type and skill set — at 5 feet, 4 inches tall, I am a petite woman. Practicing rescues was challenging at best and near-impossible at worst until a course director taught me techniques and modifications that made rescuing more accessible.
WHETHER YOU’VE BEEN DIVING from boats for years or you’re looking forward to your first liveaboard trip, it’s an excellent time to refresh your knowledge about staying safe on board and evaluating your dive operator’s safety preparedness.
DAN works diligently to equip divers with the information they need to stay safe both in and out of the water.
NORTH AMERICA’S GREAT LAKES have long provided a natural transportation corridor to the continent’s interior. The Anishinaabe people — the region’s original inhabitants — utilized the Great Lakes for trade, passage, and nourishment and developed a rich culture centered around them.
The DAN Medical Call Center experienced a significant increase in activity in 2023, setting a record for medical information calls and case reports. This proliferation indicates a resurgence in the dive industry, prompting DAN Medical Services to accommodate the demand to assist divers and health care providers in making the best decisions for their patients.
Most flights are uneventful, with the worst experiences being an occupied lavatory or unexpected turbulence. Emergencies can happen, however, and aircraft passengers need to be prepared to react quickly and efficiently. In an emergency, knowing the proper evacuation procedures for your flight can mean the difference between safely concluding your trip or reaching a different final destination.
When a diver goes missing, the sea becomes a vast, indifferent expanse, turning a rescue effort into a race against time. Every second matters, and the right tools can make the difference between a successful rescue and a tragic recovery.
It’s been more than a year since many divers have traveled internationally and visited beloved or new dive destinations. Although it is unclear when and which international destinations will be fully accessible, it’s important to stay proactive about important travel documentation preparation.
