What | Dive Safety Officer course by DAN Europe
Where | Online
When | September 26th - December 6th, 2025
Instructors | Guy Thomas (DAN Europe Director of Safety), François Burman (DAN America VP of Safety Initiatves), and other diving safety professionals.
Tuition fees | 750 EUR (VAT excl)
Info & Registration | hira@daneurope.org
About the course
DAN’s Dive Safety Officer (DSO) course aims to train diving professionals in the fields of Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.
They can work for, or offer their services to dive centers, where they can develop Standard Operation Procedures and Emergency Action Plans.
They are also able to help with the implementation of all that is required for DAN’s HIRA (Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment), level III.
Why it is important
To mitigate a risk, one must be able to understand and identify hazards and perform a risk assessment, but these specific skills are not a part of any kind of scuba diving course and require additional training.
Who the DSO Course is Aimed at
The DSO program is aimed at diving professionals who want to elevate their dive safety knowledge and skills. Individuals who receive the DAN DSO course certification have learned to identify and assist in mitigating technical and operational risks in the complete range of dive-related activities. They will have undergone the needed training to perform a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment and to improve safety standards in dive operations. Their role is an extension of the mission of DAN to prevent injuries, and those who assume this vital role will have the optimal level of competence and confidence to perform this function well.
Pre-requisites
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Must be over the age of 18 and be in good health
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Be a diving professional with a high level of experience.
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Preferabaly experienced with working in dive operations.
Ask us if you are not sure.
Topics covered
Course subjects include:
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Risk assessment and Mitigation
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Noise and Lightning ergonomics
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Fire Safety awareness
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Oxygen Cleaning
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Lubricants and sealants
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Gas Compressors I Regulators I Compressed Air for Scuba Diving
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Diving medicine lectures (4)
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Ecological Aspects
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Recompression Chambers
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Sustainable Business Planning
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Occupational Health & Safety
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Safety Improvement Program
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Emergency Action Plans
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The Safety Manual
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How to do a HIRA
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Practical On-Site Assessments
Modules and Certification
The DSO is a 40hrs course, which consists of both theoretical and practical sessions.
There will be an assessment at the completion of each session/module.
The course is taught exclusively in English.
On completion of your practical session, you will receive a DAN Dive Safety Officer Certification.
Certification does not have a expiry date, but participation in online update modules will be required.
We explain what you will learn during the course, and how this will impact your activities as diving professionals.
Read the article
Where | Lisbon, Portugal
When | 17-19 October 2025
Info & Registration | https://www.divingtalks.com/tickets/
DAN Europe is proud to attend DIVING Talks as official Diving Safety Partner of the event.
The International Diving Show takes place this coming October 17-19 in picturesque Lisbon, Portugal.
A unique speaker lineup await participants, for what promises to be one of the most interesting live events of the year. Some of the world's best divers and explorers will meet to share recent exploration achievements, tech advancements, discoveries, and much more.
Highlights include:
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Brands Day on Friday 17th / Meet the DAN team, participate in training activities, receive rewards
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Inspiring talks throughout the weekend, including one by Isidora Dekalo, DAN Europe Ambassador
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DAN Info Point active throughout the event
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Daily updates on DAN social media, and a final report on Alert Diver
DAN Members get a special 10% discount on their tickets.
To get the code, drop us an e-mail at communications@daneurope.org
Where & When | Idrættens Hus (Saturday 30 August) + Helsingør (Sunday 31 August)
Info & Registration | dive-safe-tour-denmark.eventbrite.it
Join us for a unique two-day event dedicated to diving safety, education, and science.
Organised by DAN in collaboration with the Dansk Sportsdykker Forbund, Frømandsklubben Helgoland and other local partners, the Dive Safe Tour stop in Denmark features engaging keynotes, networking opportunities, and the chance to take the plunge and directly participate in citizen science activities.
30 August, 13h - 17h
”Dive Safe: Advancing Safety, Science & Conservation”
An engaging community event at Idrættens Hus, Copenhagen.
Program of lectures
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13.00 Welcome and Introduction
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13.15 Overview of diving activities and community engagement in Denmark - Jesper Risløv
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13.45 DCS Management in Denmark: Present Practices and Future Horizons - Ole Hyldegaard
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14.15 Scientific and educational topics on diving safety, incident prevention, and research updates - Prof. Costantino Balestra
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15.15 Coffee Break
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15.30 Deep CCR exploration and citizen science. Britannic, Red Sea wrecks, and more - Søren Bøwadt
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16.00 Diving with a Purpose: focus on marine conservation efforts - Helene-Julie Zofia Paamand (aka underwaterambassador)
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16.30 Focus on safety: accident prevention, risk mitigation, first-aid education - Allan Holst
IMPORTANT: Seats are limited – reserve yours now to attend the conference.
All proceeds support the funding of scientific projects in diving.
31 August, 10h - 15h - Helsingør
DAN Research Camp
Where | Verzasca River, canton of Ticino, Switzerland
When | 10-12 Septemner 2025
Info & Registration | info@photo-swissmasters.ch
From September 10 to 12, 2025, some of the world's best underwater photographers will compete in the “Swiss Masters in UW Photography”, in the wild Verzasca River in the mountains of the canton of Ticino, Switzerland.
This is one of the most prestigious photo competitions in Europe, organized by the Swiss diving instructors' association CMAS Swiss diving.
The DAN Europe Suisse team will be present to provid support on diving safety and information about DAN Europe’s insurance plans, research activities, and safety resources.
Where | Marina Congress Center, Helsinki - Finland
When | 6th September 2025
Info & Registration | https://dan-divers-day-helsinki.eventbrite.it/
On the final day of EUBS 2025, DAN Europe invites you to the DAN Divers Day, a unique community event event dedicated to diving safety, education, and science.
This event brings together some of the most respected voices in dive medicine, physiology, and exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned diver, instructor, or curious enthusiast, this is your chance to dive deeper into the science behind safe diving.
Open to all EUBS attendees, divers, students, professionals and anyone passionate about underwater exploration and dive medicine.
Presentations will be held in English and Finnish.
Attendance fee: 25€
All proceeds support the funding of scientific projects in diving.
Seats are limited – Reserve yours now to attend the conference!
Uniting Divers, Ensuring Safety
Embark on a series of events across Europe, from winter through summer 2025. Aimed at fostering community bonds, these events bring together our diving community.
DAN Members enjoy exclusive access to specialised medical consultations, while contributing to citizen science by sharing valuable data.
Hosted at select diving centers affiliated with DAN, this series boast participation by DAN Diving Medical Doctors, researchers, and local representatives.
Diving safety on the spotlight, to promote a stronger, more informed community.
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The events list is constantly updated. Check out the locations and dates nearest to you, and join us!
- Dive4Life, Siegburg-Germany 8 February 2025
- Diving Safety Days, Budapest-Hungary, 29 March 2025
- La Perla Nera Diving Camp, Ustica-Italy, 1-5 May 2025
- Garda Scuba Camp, Torri del Benaco-Italy, 10-11 May 2025
- Dive Safe Tour in Arenzano, Arenzano-Italy, 24-25 May 2025
- Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid-Spain, 27 May 2025
- Prodiving Summer Fest, Bracciano-Italy, 22 June 2025
- Dive Safe Tour in Denmark, Copenhagen, 30-31 August 2025
- Gravière du Fort-Strasbourg, 27 September 2025
Need more info? Reach out at communications@daneurope.org
For real-time updates, visit our Facebook page.
DAN Europe Foundation
Registered Office 113, Kappara Business Centre, Office 402, Triq B’Kara, Kappara - San Gwann SGN 4197, Malta
Continental Operations Office C/da Padune, 11 - 64026 Roseto - Italy
Tel +39-085-893-0333 • Fax +39-085-893-0050
IDA Insurance Limited - 113, Kappara Business Centre, Office 402, Triq B’Kara, Kappara - San Gwann SGN 4197, Malta
27-30 Novembre 2025
Dove:
DAN Europe Foundation
Continental Operations Office
Roseto - Italy
Termine iscrizioni:
30 Settembre 2025
In occasione del prossimo DAN Instructor Trainer Workshop (ITW), in programma a Roseto degli Abruzzi (TE) dal 27 al 30 Novembre 2025 , abbiamo esteso ai Trainer non attivi la possibilità di iscriversi in veste di uditori, allo scopo di ottenere la riattivazione delle proprie abilitazioni.
Il workshop, che vedrà la partecipazione di un nuovo gruppo di candidati Instructor Trainer, è stato appositamente organizzato per fornire un aggiornamento completo sulle ultime novità DAN Education e best practice nel campo del Primo Soccorso, con l'obiettivo di arricchire ulteriormente le competenze dei nostri formatori.
Durante il seminario, avrai l'opportunità di:
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Approfondire nuovi argomenti rilevanti per il tuo ruolo.
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Partecipare a workshop pratici e sessioni interattive.
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Condividere esperienze e fare networking con altri professionisti del settore.
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Eseguire valutazioni delle Microteaching avvalendoti dell’Evaluation Form, assistito dallo Staff DAN Education.
Per manifestare il tuo interesse a partecipare ed ottenere maggiori dettagli contatta il Team DAN Education all’indirizzo e-mail training@daneurope.org:
Il tuo Team DAN Education
Quando:
27 - 30 Novembre 2025
Dove:
DAN Europe Foundation
Continental Operations Office
Roseto - Italy
Termine ultimo per la candidatura:
31 Luglio 2025
Il Team DAN Education è entusiasta di annunciare il prossimo Instructor Trainer Workshop (ITW), che si terrà dal 27 al 30 novembre 2025 a Roseto degli Abruzzi, presso la sede della DAN Europe Foundation.
Diventare Trainer DAN significa assumere un ruolo chiave nella rete educativa di DAN Europe: significa diffondere una cultura della sicurezza, dentro e fuori dall’acqua, formando Istruttori consapevoli che credono, come noi, che “il primo passo per essere preparati a gestire un’emergenza è la formazione”.
27 - 29 novembre 2025
L’ ITW Basic è ideato per coloro che non sono professionisti subacquei ma che intendono acquisire la qualifica di Trainer DAN abilitante all’insegnamento dei soli corsi di primo soccorso non riservati a subacquei (es. BLSD Adulto e pediatrico, First Aid).
Requisiti di accesso:
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Qualifica di formatore di formatori in una didattica di primo soccorso riconosciuta, oppure
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Qualifica di formatore di formatori in un contesto professionale strutturato, con comprovate competenze teoriche e pratiche.
27 - 30 Novembre 2025
L’ ITW Standard è riservato ai professionisti con esperienza nel campo della formazione subacquea di livello Istruttore.
Questo percorso abilita all’insegnamento di tutti i principali corsi Istruttore previsti dai programmi formativi DAN Europe, compresi i corsi di primo soccorso riservati all’ambito subacqueo
(es. Oxygen ed Advanced Oxygen First Aid per emergenze subacquee).
Requisiti di accesso:
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Qualifica di Instructor Trainer per una didattica subacquea riconosciuta;
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Istruttore DAN attivo per tutti i principali corsi DAN Europe (es. Certificazione DANI Instructor).
Le candidature per l’ITW (Basic o Standard) sono già aperte.
Per partecipare, invia entro il 31 luglio 2025 a training@daneurope.org la seguente documentazione:
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Copia dei brevetti e delle certificazioni richieste;
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Curriculum vitae;
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Business plan per il tuo progetto formativo come DAN Instructor Trainer. (Scarica QUI la guida alla stesura del Business Plan).
Sei un Istruttore DAN non più attivo o vuoi completare le tue qualifiche Istruttore DAN per partecipare al prossimo ITW?
TROVA UN DAN INSTRUCTOR TRAINER
Il Team DAN Education
Malta | June, 25th 2025 – The DAN.PADI Ocean Literacy Project has been officially recognised as an Ocean Decade Action by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, joining the prestigious Ocean Literacy With All (OLWA) programme under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
This endorsement is a significant recognition of the scientific value and social relevance of the programme. It also plays a vital role in extending the project's reach and impact, helping to spread marine culture across all ages, languages and nationalities - a goal at the heart of DAN Europe and PADI's shared vision to achieve balance between humanity and ocean.
The DAN.PADI Ocean Literacy Project is an international educational initiative designed to raise awareness and empower younger generations to become stewards of the ocean. Through a dynamic e-learning experience, its mission is to make ocean knowledge accessible and engaging by combining science, sustainability and storytelling. The programme features high quality content developed by DAN Europe in collaboration with university professors and marine science researchers. Available in English and Italian, it is currently being used by DAN and PADI instructors in schools, dive centres and youth initiatives.
It consists of four core learning modules:
- Citizen Science - Encouraging students to take an active part in marine research.
- Plastic Pollution - highlighting the impact of human waste on marine ecosystems.
- Climate Change - Understanding the ocean's role in the global climate crisis.
- Underwater Archaeology - exploring history through underwater cultural heritage.
The project is based on a successful initiative - Scuola D'Amare - launched in Italy in 2019 by a local PADI association, with the approval of MIUR (Italian Ministry of Education). 180 PADI instructors were trained to deliver the programme, which used diving as a gateway to environmental education and discovery. In just five years, Scuola D'Amare has introduced over 80,000 students in 17 regions to the wonders of the Mediterranean Sea.
From this successful start, the project evolved into the DAN.PADI Ocean Literacy Project - a scalable, international programme that embeds ocean literacy into diving education. The aim is not only to equip students with environmental knowledge, but also to instill a deep, personal sense of responsibility for ocean conservation.
Now, with UNESCO's official endorsement, the programme is expanding its original scope to provide wider access to ocean education for people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. With freely accessible content, the programme pushes the boundaries of traditional learning environments and aims to inspire curiosity and promote awareness of the ocean far beyond schools and into communities around the world.
This collaboration brings together DAN Europe's expertise in dive safety and scientific outreach with PADI's global reach, supported by a network of 128,000 dive instructors and more than 30 million certified divers in 186 countries over the last 50 years. Together, the two organisations aim to embed ocean literacy into the educational journeys of new generations and global communities, promoting sustainable ocean use, climate action and collective responsibility.
"UNESCO's support is a powerful boost to our mission," said Laura Marroni, Exec. Vice President of DAN Europe. "It strengthens our ability to spread marine culture on a global scale - reaching new audiences, in new places, and inspiring a deeper connection with the sea."
“This recognition by UNESCO reinforces the critical role divers play as ambassadors for ocean protection,” said David Murray, Managing Director of PADI EMEA. “Through the DAN.PADI Ocean Literacy Project, we are making ocean education more inclusive, accessible, and impactful—empowering individuals of all ages to become true Ocean Torchbearers. Together, we’re creating positive ocean change in everyday life, not just for divers, but for the global community.”
Go to https://oceanliteracy.edu.daneurope.org/index to access the programme.
The platform is also accessible via the TalentLMS app, available for iOS and Android. When using the app for the first time, mobile users must enter the full domain https://oceanliteracy.edu.daneurope.org/ to log in and begin their learning journey. Whether learning on desktop or mobile, course progress is automatically synced across devices for a seamless experience.
About DAN Europe
DAN Europe (Divers Alert Network Europe) is an international non-profit medical and research organisation devoted to the health and safety of divers. Since 1983, it has provided medical assistance, scientific research, education and innovative safety initiatives to the global diving community. DAN Europe is also an advocate for environmental responsibility and the responsible practice of diving.
About PADI
PADI® (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) is the largest purpose-driven diving organization with a global network of 6,600 dive centers and resorts, 128,000 professional members and more than 30 million certified divers to date. Committed to our blue planet, PADI makes the wonder of the underwater world accessible to all, empowering people around the world to experience, explore and take meaningful action, as Ocean TorchbearersTM, to protect the world beneath the surface. For over 50 years, PADI is undeniably The Way the World Learns to Dive®, setting the standard for the highest quality dive training, underwater safety and conservation initiatives while evolving the sport of diving into a passionate lifestyle. For divers by divers, PADI is obsessed with transforming lives and, with its global foundation, PADI AWARETM, creating positive ocean change. Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean.SM
Li-ion batteries are widely used in consumer electronics and can be found in gaming systems, power tools, sports cars and mobile devices carried by over 5 billion people. They are also widely used in diving equipment to power dive computers, flashlights and cameras.
Li-ion batteries are generally safe, but there are some risks. Proper care and procedures should be followed to ensure safety and performance. Manufacturers incorporate several safety features, including venting, circuit boards, and backup thermostats/fuses. Equipment or chargers should have built-in protection. If a safety feature fails, a battery can quickly overheat and cause a fire or explosion.
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Short circuit
Short circuiting a battery by touching its terminals can cause a tingling sensation. To avoid this, keep the battery pack away from metal objects and use covers or separate bags for each spare battery. The use of a LiPo bag can further reduce the risk of short circuits and fire. It is advisable not to use or transport a wet battery pack due to the increased risk of short circuits. -
Impact and Environment
Protecting lithium-ion batteries and devices is critical because impacts can damage the fragile separator between the positive cathode and negative anode. Accidents, heat, moisture and improper handling can cause stress and permanent damage. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe operating temperatures and storage conditions. -
Charging
Li-ion batteries require careful charging to avoid overcharging. A calibrated charger is required to stop charging at peak voltage. Use a universal input charger connected to a surge protector to protect against voltage fluctuations. Avoid charging multiple devices at the same time and be careful not to overload circuits. -
Travel
When travelling, it's important that lithium ion battery packs clearly state their chemistry and watt-hour rating on the outside. Airlines may inspect and confiscate items without this information or if the batteries don't meet approved limits. It's a good idea to carry a manufacturer's PSDS for instructions in the event of a fire. -
End of Life
Li-ion battery packs have a life of 3-5 years, losing about 20% of their capacity each year. They may suddenly stop working when the voltage drops below the safety threshold. Dispose of used batteries at a battery recycling facility and never expose them to fire as this is environmentally irresponsible.
Li-ion batteries are very safe, and accidents are rare. The best approach is twofold: Try to prevent problems from happening, and know how to respond to problems if they occur. Follow the product manufacturer’s recommendations for safe handling to avoid issues, enhance performance and extend the lifetime of your battery pack.
For more info:
The Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) introduced the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire in 1989 and revised it in 2020.
The questionnaire helps to identify divers who may be at significant risk when diving and who require medical assessment. It assists doctors in determining whether individuals can safely participate in diving activities. However, the effectiveness of the form depends on the honesty of the respondent. Some may withhold information to avoid being disqualified from diving. This can increase the risk of emergencies during diving and endanger other.
It is vital that divers and professionals understand the importance of the questionnaire and the potential consequences of failing to disclose important medical issues. The current version of the form can be found on the websites of diving organisations.
Valve connections on diving cylinders vary worldwide, leading to confusion and possible accidents. Both Valve outlet connections and Valve inlet threads van vary and the names of these threads lead to incomprehension and confusion.
The main safety issue with valve inlet threads is the insertion of an M25x2 valve into a G3/4 cylinder neck. When this happens, the first turns will feel loose, and about halfway in one will experience some resistance. Applying excessive force can damage the thread, compromising the stability of the connection. This can result in the valve blowing off during filling, causing extensive damage, serious injury and death. To add to the confusion, many divers think M25 and M26 both refer to the valve outlet connection and do not realise that M25 is an inlet threat (connection to the cylinder) and M26 an outlet connection thread (regulator connection).
It is important that only certified personnel check the threads and properly install valves on cylinders. The type of thread should be stamped on both the valve and the cylinder, although this may not always be visible. In the USA, the 3/4" NPSM connection is commonly used, which has the same safety concern.
For more info:
