News
DAN Europe VP Laura Marroni Inducted into Women Divers Hall Of Fame
DAN Europe’s Exec. Vice President Laura Marroni has just been inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF), in recognition of her efforts to promote diving safety.
The WDHOF announced the selection of seven new Members last December 8. The newest inductees have been celebrated during an official ceremony, which was held on March 23, 2024 at Beneath The Sea, Meadowlands Convention Center Seacaucus, New Jersey (USA).
“I feel deeply grateful and honored for becoming a member of the Women Divers Hall Of Fame, a prestigious organization composed of amazing women who dedicated their lives to the underwater world”, declared Mrs. Marroni.
”I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful people who supported my nomination: Dan Orr, Betty Orr, Alessandro Marroni, Jarrod Jablonski, Michael Menduno, Morne Christou and the now fellow sister Chantelle Taylor-Newman”.
“Over the past few decades, much has been done to increase the safety of our sport” – continued Mrs. Marroni. “This includes divers’ education, procedures, and technological advancements in scuba gear, but also emergency response, scientific research and first aid training for diving accidents. Today, I am particularly proud to be able to work with our extended team of DAN researchers, analysts and volunteers on new projects focusing on enhanced dive profiles analysis and new telemedicine tools, for the benefit of the community”.
Laura has grown up by the sea, and embarked on her diving journey at the tender age of eight. Today, she stands as a highly skilled technical and cave diver, and a fervent advocate for advancements in the safety of professional and recreational diving. After earning a Bachelor of Economics and MBA, she started serving as Executive Vice President at DAN Europe, taking the lead in various research projects focused on understanding the physiological effects of diving on the human body. Her ultimate aim is to enhance safety measures in all types of diving and make diving an increasingly accessible and sustainable activity.
The six other fellow sisters who will constitute the Class of 2024 are: Ronnie Damico (Instructor, Scientific Diving Officer, NAUI Board Member), Elizabeth Kintzing (Educator, Scientific Diver, Ocean Advocate), Mikki McComb-Kobza (Explorer, Conservationist, Educator), Robyn McGinn (Navy Diving Program Manager), Penelope “Mossy” Powell (First Woman Cave Diver, posthumous), Samantha Whitcraft (Conservation Biologist, Oceans Advocate, Environmentalist).
About WDHOF
Founded in 1999, the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) acknowledges women divers who have made outstanding contributions to the exploration, understanding, safety and enjoyment of our underwater world. WDHOF supports the underwater world and its associated careers by promoting opportunities in diving through grants, scholarships, internships and mentoring, as well as providing a worldwide network of industry contacts. There are 263 Members in the Hall, hailing from 30 U.S. states and Territories and 22 countries worldwide. New Members are selected on an annual basis.
About DAN Europe
DAN Europe exists to assist and protect all divers through the most extensive and reliable network of diving physicians worldwide. The organisation is known to offer the community pioneering services, including the first-ever insurance designed specifically for divers. DAN also conduct scientific research to better understand diving physiology and share that knowledge with the goal of making diving a safer, more accessible activity. First aid educational programs have been developed, to preserve life in and out of the water. We recognise the unique beauty and fragility of the Blue Planet, and act as ambassadors for more sustainable practices within our community.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
Gear News
Introducing the RS Series Drysuit from DYNAMICNORD
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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