News
DAN Medical Services is here for you every step of the way
For more than 40 years, DAN has been here to help divers, dive professionals, and health care providers stay safer and better prepared. With its vision of making every dive accident- and injury-free, DAN Medical Services offers an array of essential services trusted by millions of divers worldwide. DAN’s new video highlights some of the ways DAN is here to help divers — before, during, and after emergencies.
Click below to watch the video on the DAN website:
24/7 Emergency Hotline
DAN medics are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to assist divers and medical personnel manage diving emergencies through the DAN Emergency Hotline. Since the hotline became operational in 1981, the Medical Services team has fielded tens of thousands of emergency calls and managed thousands of emergency medical evacuations around the world. In event of a dive emergency, call local emergency medical services, then call DAN at +1 (919) 684-9111. See a timeline of an emergency call.
Medical Information Line
DAN Medical Services handles more than dive injuries. DAN medics operate the medical information line, which can be used by members to get answers to questions about dive medicine, fitness to dive, illnesses, medications, and more. The DAN Medical Information Line is available during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. ET) at +1 (919) 684-2948, Option 4.
Ask A Medic Online
Divers can connect with an EMT, paramedic, or nurse through DAN’s Ask A Medic feature on DAN.org. Used for non-emergency inquiries, Ask A Medic is especially valuable to divers seeking medical information when traveling out of the country or in areas with limited cell phone service.
Physician Referral Network
DAN maintains a worldwide network of physicians who serve the diving public. If you need a doctor to conduct a diving physical or would like a consultation with a dive medicine specialist in your area, DAN can connect you with a doctor trained in dive medicine. If you are a physician who would like to become part of DAN’s referral network, apply today.
Online Health Resources
DAN Medical Services maintains a comprehensive collection of online resources that provide valuable information on topics critical to diver health and safety as well as common issues encountered by new and experienced divers. These resources include DAN’s diseases and conditions library, dive medical reference books, health and safety guidelines, smart guides, and safety quizzes. DAN Medical Services also provides information about preventing COVID-19 while diving, how to properly disinfect scuba equipment, and diving after recovering from the illness.
“Divers should know that DAN is here every step of the way as you return to diving,” said Bill Ziefle, DAN president and CEO. “For many, this spring and summer will be the first time back in the water after an extended period of inactivity during the pandemic. Our Medical Services team is standing by, ready to assist members with medical questions or to manage medical care in the event of an injury.”
As you make plans to dive and travel this summer, remember that access to DAN Medical Services is an important benefit of both Regular Membership and DAN’s new Enhanced Membership. Whether you’re looking for an answer to a simple question or you need assistance with a medical emergency in progress, we are here to help.
Join the DAN community or learn more at www.DAN.org.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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