VALLETTA, MALTA – January 23, 2024 – Last month, three years after its launch, the pioneering Bachelor of Science in Diving Safety Management program at the Institute of Tourism Studies in Malta proudly presented its inaugural graduates. This academic program, the first of its kind globally, is tailored to diving professionals, aiming to elevate standards in the diving industry. The curriculum focuses on dive safety, medical research, and the sustainable management of both economic and environmental aspects of diving operations.
“I started the journey to create this program six years ago with many hopes but also many uncertainties,” said DAN Europe President and CEO Alessandro Marroni. “It is particularly gratifying to witness how the science of diving safety has now gained academic dignity. Congratulations to the students, Audrey Farrugia, Paul Tickle, Ray Arce, and Tiit Krutob. Their dedication, passion, and commitment will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the future of diving safety.”
The program was designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of diving safety, management, and scientific diving. Lectures are held at the Institute of Tourism Studies campus in Qala, Gozo, providing students with access to diving opportunities at spectacular local sites in the Maltese archipelago.
“We’re very proud of the class of 2023 and have no doubt they will make meaningful contributions to our industry,” said DAN President and CEO Bill Ziefle. “We believe in this program and are glad to support it. Its graduates will help promote a culture of safety in diving for decades to come.”
The Diving Safety Management program is promoted by the International School of Diving Safety and Medicine, a joint effort of DAN Europe and the Institute of Tourism Studies, in collaboration with Divers Alert Network, DAN Southern Africa, PADI, and Professional Diving Schools Association Malta, under the supervision of Malta’s Ministry for Tourism, Ministry for Education, and Ministry for Gozo. The faculty includes members of the European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine, the European College of Baromedicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, University of Stellenbosch, and Northwest University.
About DAN: The world’s most recognized and respected dive safety organization, Divers Alert Network (DAN), has remained committed to the health and well-being of divers for more than 40 years. The organization’s research, medical services, and global-response programs create an extensive network that supports divers with vital services such as injury prevention, educational programs, and lifesaving evacuations. Every year, hundreds of thousands of divers around the world look to DAN as their dive safety organization. Join the DAN community or learn more at DAN.org.