By Frauke Tillmans, PhD

A cancer diagnosis can be a challenging and life-changing event. The severity and progression of the disease varies by cancer type and stage — and from person to person. This talk will cover what cancer patients and survivors should know and consider when thinking about returning to diving. 

By Frauke Tillmans, PhD 

In April 2023, the fourth rebreather forum, hosted in Malta, welcomed over 350 members of the CCR community to advance and consolidate knowledge of rebreather technology and its use by technical, government, and scientific divers, with the goal of improving rebreather diving safety and performance. In this talk we will summarize the main takeaways from RF4. 

By JoAnn Haack, MSE 

This Upgrade Workshop is intended for BLS and DEMP V2.1 Instructors (who are not also DFA Pro Instructors) and DEMP ITs who still need to complete the update to the 3.0 versions of the DAN first aid courses. This workshop along with completion of the online training will requalify a current V2.1 Instructor. 

By JoAnn Haack, MSE

Divers Alert Network Instructors, Instructor Trainers, and Examiners are invited to attend the 2024 Update. This session will cover improvements and changes from the past year and provide an outlook on changes coming in the year ahead.

By Francois Burman, PrEng, MSc

COVID-19 gave us a new appreciation for the need to properly disinfect our diving equipment. The pandemic may have passed, but controlling the spread of infectious diseases remains crucial. In this talk we will cover lessons learned about effective disinfection products and methods.

By Francois Burman, PrEng, MSc

Dive operators’ and professionals’ vulnerability to legal liability suits is more concerning now than ever before. To make matters worse, insurance premiums have soared. While we can’t expect this situation to resolve anytime soon, we can at least understand and better address the risks that lead to lawsuits — and thereby be better prepared to protect ourselves.

By Matias Nochetto, MD 

Come join us for another opportunity to discuss real cases from the DAN Emergency Hotline. We’ll cover critical thinking, rationalization of signs and symptoms, and whether the signs, symptoms, and case history suggest DCI or not. We believe this is an invaluable exercise for active-duty dive leaders.

By Matias Nochetto, MD 

Jellyfish are perhaps the most iconic hazardous marine life, and they are among the ocean’s most fascinating and underrated creatures. When it comes to first aid and definitive treatment, there is science, there is nonsense, and there is vinegar. We’ve learned a few things about these animals that we think you should know, too. 

By Mauritius Bell

Mesophotic Coral Reef Ecosystems (MCEs), which range in depth from 100 feet to 500 feet, are among the least explored and studied areas of the oceans. Since 2013 a small group of divers from the California Academy of Sciences has been diving and characterizing MCEs, focusing on reefs between 250 and 500 feet deep. The team has discovered dozens of new species of fish, corals, and invertebrates. Safely conducting working dives to these depths is challenging, and the team has had to manage decompression sickness, thermal stress, exertion at depth, hypercapnia, equipment failures, bailouts, and much more. 

By David Charash, DO

This presentation will cover the physical and mental changes that occur as we age and how they might impact one’s safety while diving. We’ll answer questions including, “When am I too old to dive?,” “Are there certain medical conditions that might impact my dive safety?,” and “How often should I undergo a diver medical physical evaluation as I get older?”