Divers Alert Network

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Divers Alert Network
DAN logo horizontal w YDSA.png
Abbreviation DAN
Motto Prepare Smarter. Dive Smarter. Respond Smarter.
Formation 1980 (1980)
Type NGO
Legal status 501(c)(3) association
Purpose Scuba diving safety
Headquarters Durham, North Carolina
Location
  • 6 West Colony Place, Durham, NC 27705 USA
Region served
 United States & Canada
President/CEO
 Bill Ziefle
Main organ
 Board Of Directors
Website www.dan.org
Formerly called
 National Diving Accident Network

Overview

Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to assisting divers in need. It is supported by donations, grants, and membership dues. Its research department conducts medical research on recreational scuba diving safety while its medicine department helps divers to find answers to their diving medical questions.

History

In 1977, Undersea Medical Society (later the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society) introduced the concept of a national organization (to replace LEO-FAST at Brooks Air Force Base, directed by Colonel Jefferson Davis, M.D.) where a diving medicine specialist could be contacted by telephone 24 hours a day. Dr. Peter B. Bennett received a two-year grant from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in September 1980 to form the "National Diving Accident Network" at the Frank G. Hall Hyperbaric Center at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina.[1][2]

In 1981, DAN published its "Underwater Diving Accident Manual".[3] The Hyperbaric Center received 305 calls for information and assistance. DAN implemented a medical/safety advisory telephone line to handle questions from recreational divers with non-emergency questions in 1982.[1] This change was followed by a name change from "Diving Accident Network" to "Divers Alert Network" and hosted the first annual Diving Accident and Hyperbaric Treatment continuing medical education course at the Duke University Medical Center.[1]

In 1984, federal grant monies were decreased (50 percent in 1982 and then by 25 percent in 1983) and support now comes exclusively from divers and the diving industry.[1] In 1985 DAN started a 'sponsor program' for clubs, stores and corporations, and in 1987 it pioneered an insurance program; with the introduction of this program the membership numbers doubled to 32,000 in 1988.[1]

The IRS granted DAN its 501(c)(3) non-profit status in 1990.[1] The organization continues to be associated with Duke University Medical Center, but moved its offices from the Frank G. Hall Labs to off campus office space. In 1991 DAN introduced its first training course 'Oxygen First aid Training Program' and DAN Travel Assist. In the same year the 'Flying After Diving' research trials began.

In 1991, International DAN – known as IDAN – was established to support the regional IDAN members which include DAN Europe, DAN Japan, and DAN Asia Pacific.[1][4] DAN was awarded the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society's Craig Hoffman Diving Safety Award in June 1992 for its significant contributions to the health and safety of recreational divers.[1] In Sept 1992 the first DAN Instructor Training Workshop was brought about alongside Oxygen First Aid Training program being introduced to Europe.

1993 saw DAN open an insurance company 'Accident General Insurance'. By 1996 Oxygen First Aid Training was being taught in seven continents. DAN introduced other diving related first aid training courses – 'O2 1st aid for aquatic emergencies' (1998), 'Remote Oxygen (REMo2) (1999), Hazardous Marine Life Injuries (2000), Automatic External Difibrillation (AED) (2001) and Advanced Oxygen Provide (2002.[1] DAN moved to its new, permanent headquarters, the Peter B. Bennett Center.[1]

Dr. Bennett received the 2002 Diving Equipment and Marketing Association Reaching Out Award for his contribution to the dive industry and the Carolinas' Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2002 award for contributions to business in the life sciences.[1][2] He announced his retirement as DAN President effective June 30, 2003[5] After Bennett resigned as DAN President and CEO, DAN Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dan Orr, MS was named acting president and CEO.[1] DAN established the Peter B. Bennett Research Fund, within the Endowment Fund to support research initiatives, enhancing dive safety into the future.[6] In 2004, Michael D. Curley, Ph.D. was named DAN President and CEO.[7] In 2006, Dr. Curley stepped down and Mr. Orr was named as the DAN President and CEO.

In February 2009, DAN launched a web site for their bi-monthly magazine "Alert Diver Online".[8]

Conferences

Rebreather Forum 3

In May 2012, DAN along with the American Academy of Underwater Sciences and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors hosted the Rebreather Forum 3 (RF3) which was organised by Rosemary E Lunn. This three day safety symposium was convened to address major issues surrounding rebreather technology, and its application in commercial, media, military, scientific, recreational and technical diving. Experts, manufactures, instructor trainers, training agencies and divers from all over the world discussed this technology and shared information. Associate Professor Simon J Mitchell chaired the final session at RF3 and, as a result, 16 key consensus statements were agreed and ratified by the global rebreather community.[9]

See also

References

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External links

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