DAN DISPATCH: DAN Receives the 2023 NAUI Award for Innovation 

Every year the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) recognizes individuals and organizations that make significant contributions to advance the sport of diving and have a noteworthy impact on the dive industry. In 2023 Divers Alert Network received the Award for Innovation, which NAUI presents to those who provide significant innovations to diving and dive education.

DAN Receives the 2023 NAUI Award for Innovation

Championing Dive Safety in Indonesia

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.

Bonaire’s Wild Side

Bonaire is known for continual trade winds, typically blowing in from the east and averaging 12 knots. All the diving on the west side of the island, including Klein Bonaire, is in the lee protection from the wind.

cannons

In-Water Recompression Survey

In-water recompression (IWR) is a controversial topic in dive medicine. Some people think it is a potentially lifesaving last resort for a diver exhibiting symptoms of decompression illness (DCI) when far from definitive care. Others emphasize the evident risk of potentially making a bad situation worse.

Emma Kate looking at a DAN In-Water Recompression article

Mystery Wreck of Prince Edward County

There are two mystery shipwrecks lying offshore in Canadas’ Prince Edward County. The wreck and its discovery are a mystery.

The wreck known as Petrie 2 lies in the icy depths of eastern Lake Ontario.

High on Mercury

Grouper populations are on the rebound thanks to protection efforts. But a major threat to these fish remains: mercury.

A school of angry-looking grouper

Mooring Buoys

Mooring buoys minimize the impact on the environment and protect fragile coral animals and nonrenewable historical resources from anchor damage. Marine biologist John C. Halas developed the mooring buoy system we know today: an embedment anchor connected to an 18-inch round, white, floating buoy with blue reflective tape around the middle with a yellow polypropylene pick-up line. The mooring buoy system is one of the most visible accomplishments of NOAA’s efforts to provide resource protection while supporting the community’s access for the enjoyment of sanctuary resources.

Divers drill seafloor to install a mooring buoy system

Shooting “The Click Effect”

The film “The Click Effect” uses virtual reality technology to give viewers a deeper connection of ocean wildlife, specifically whales and dolphins.

Two large whales float close to a diver

Onward and Downward

A new venture will offer underwater thrill-seekers a glimpse of ancient history through the windows of a luxury submersible. Read more.

SubSea Explorers is using a radical new approach to funding maritime archaeology: taking paying customers deep into the Mediterranean Sea in luxury submarines to view shipwrecks from antiquity.

Coral Restoration Expands Internationally

Coral restoration projects are underway all over the world. Thanks to these projects, coral populations and reefs are thriving.

French angelfish, has yellow spots, and swims over corals