DAN News
PADI and DAN Join Together in Diver Safety
Last Updated: 5/29/2007 11:54:33 AM

ORLANDO, Fla. – 7 November 2006: When two industry leaders join forces, something great is bound to transpire. At the PADI Member Social kicking off the DEMA Show 2006 in Orlando, Fla., USA, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) announced a new alliance with Divers Alert Network (DAN).

Joining together in the interest of increasing safety for all divers, the collaboration brings together the complementary elements of PADI’s expertise in training and education, and DAN’s expertise in emergency assistance, insurance, medicine, research and dive safety training.

As of 31 December 2006, the PADI-endorsed Diver Protection and Student Protection programs will be discontinued, and on 01 January 2007, DAN will become PADI’s preferred provider of dive accident insurance as well as the official insurance provider of the PADI Diving Society.

“The alliance between PADI and DAN is a shining example of how industry organizations working together can benefit all divers,” commented Drew Richardson, President and Chief Operating Officer of PADI Worldwide. “PADI focuses on the core competencies of excellence in training and diver education, while providing our divers access to DAN's world renowned diver safety programs.”

The alliance between PADI and DAN represents two of the most recognized brands in the diving industry bringing their respective strengths together to create a stronger network for all divers to utilize. Between DAN and PADI, divers have access to every level of dive training from entry- through professional-level, a comprehensive dive accident insurance program, dive safety training, information and safety resources, and 24-hour emergency assistance.

Dan Orr, President and Chief Executive Officer of DAN says, “PADI has always been a tremendous supporter of DAN, and this alliance represents the continuation of that support, as well as an unprecedented opportunity for us to further our mission. We are thrilled at the prospect of introducing so many divers to the resource DAN can be for them, and we look forward to welcoming into the fold all divers new to our organization and providing them the many benefits of DAN membership and insurance.”

In addition to endorsing DAN’s Dive Accident Insurance program, as of 31 December 2006, PADI will also encourage the use of DAN’s Student Membership Program and actively support DAN’s Recompression Chamber Assistance Program.

PADI is the world’s largest recreational dive training, certification and membership organization. PADI Members (dive centers, resorts, educational facilities, instructors, assistant instructors and divemasters) issue nearly 1,000,000 certifications worldwide each year, making underwater exploration and adventure accessible to the public, while maintaining the highest industry standards for dive training, safety and customer service.

Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit medical and research organization dedicated to the safety and health of recreational scuba divers and is associated with Duke University Medical Center. Founded in 1980, DAN has served as a lifeline for the scuba industry by operating the only 24-hour diving emergency hotline, a lifesaving service for injured divers. Additionally, DAN operates a diving medical information line, conducts vital diving medical research, and develops and provides a number of first-aid and continuing education programs for everyone, from beginning divers to medical professionals.

For more information see the associated Q&A here.