The first graduates of the first academic program in the world to be specifically tailored to dive professionals have recently been awarded their Bachelor of Science in Diving Safety Management degrees at a ceremony in Malta.
The BSc in Diving Safety Management is hosted by the International School of Diving Safety and Medicine (ISDSM), based at Malta’s Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) in Qala, Gozo. The school is part of a joint effort between the European branch of the Divers Alert Network (DAN Europe) and ITS, in collaboration with the Divers Alert Network, DAN Southern Africa, PADI and the Professional Diving Schools Association Malta (PDSA).
The four-year, part-time degree focuses on diving safety, medical research, and the sustainable management of both economic and environmental aspects of diving operations. The curriculum includes a number of DAN and PADI training programmes, from Open Water Diver to Instructor, the complete set of DAN courses from the basic Oxygen Provider to Dive Medicine for Divers, plus Technical diving, freediving and dive equipment courses.
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The four graduates – Paul Tickle, Audrey Farrugia, Tiit Krutob, and Raymond Arce – were presented with their certificates during a ceremony in December 2023 by Malta’s Minister of Tourism, Clayton Bartolo; ITS CEO, Pierre Fenech; and the Founder, President and Chief Medical Officer of DAN Europe, Dr Alessandro Marroni.
‘I started this journey six years ago with many hopes but also many uncertainties,’ said Dr Marroni. ‘It is particularly gratifying to witness how the science of diving safety has now gained academic dignity. Congratulations to the students, Audrey, Paul, Ray, and Tiit. Their dedication, passion, and commitment will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the future of diving safety.’
More information about the degree and entry requirements can be found on the ISDSM website
