News
Malta’s Newborn Institute of Diving Medicine and Safety Unveils its Programme
Malta’s first Institute of Diving Medicine and Safety (IDMS) has unveiled its academic programme as part of its efforts to continue making Malta a hub for diving excellence worldwide.
The IDMS aims to promote a broad academic education program by designing specific course curricula in the field of Diving Medicine, Safety and Research.
“Malta can attract divers not only for its submerged beauties, but for the opportunity to find the best training for the safe and profitable implementation of diving activities, be it for recreation and tourism, science, technology or industrial scopes,” said Prof. Alessandro Marroni, founder of DAN Europe.
Now a full Training and Education Program has been established in order to bring life to the project.
Programs are addressed to Divers, Diving Professionals, Diving and Hyperbaric Technicians and Physicians, and include: Diving First Aid and Emergency Management, Diving Safety and Risk Assessment, Marine Biology and Conservation, Diving Research and Citizen Science Programs, and Diving Medicine Programs for Professionals, Nurses, Technicians and Physicians.
Prof. Marroni added: “Our purpose is to promote a culture of diving safety in the first place, in an island where much has already been done, thanks to the local dive community and to very active institutions such as the PDSA (Professional Diving Schools Association).
A number of highly reputed institutions and experts, including the European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine (ECHM), the European College of Baromedicine, the University of Ancona, and the University of Stellenbosch, in addition to PDSA, have already confirmed their support as Faculty Members and Partner Institutions.
As the diving season will come to a close, a pilot course aiming at certifying local dive operators will be organised. Diving operators will in turn become Tutors and Mentors for the future Students of the IDMS, helping establishing a long-term calendar for Training and Education Programs.
Last May, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between DAN Europe and the Malta Institute of Tourism Studies, for the creation of an institution of excellence, the International Institute of Diving Medicine and Safety (IDMS), under the supervision of the Malta Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Education.
For more information about IDMS, contact communications@daneurope.org.
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
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.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
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
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