SPUMS - South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society

24/11/2025

🌊 SPUMS ASM 2026 & 2027 — Big Announcements! 🌊

✨ PALAU 2026 — Early Bird Ends Soon!
Don’t miss the SPUMS 54th Scientific Meeting in breathtaking Palau — the perfect blend of science, diving, and tropical paradise.

📅 10–15 May 2026
📍 Palasia Hotel, Koror, Palau
🎯 Theme: Free Diving
🎤 Keynote: Professor Peter Lindholm

Why you’ll love it:
💙 Crystal-clear waters
🐠 Pristine reefs & thrilling drift dives
🏝 Iconic limestone islands
🌺 Rich island culture

🚨 Spots are nearly full — early bird rates end in January!
👉 Register now and secure your place.

Register here ... https://spums.au/index.php/asm-registration

✈️ Flight Updates for SPUMS Palau 2026

Qantas direct group fares from Brisbane are fully allocated, but seats remain available (from AUD $3,000+).

Best-value option: via Taipei
(with short stopovers and good connections from Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane)

📌 Sample flights:
CI 28 — Taipei → Koror (9 May)
CI 27 — Koror → Taipei (16 May)

💲 Approx. prices (as of 5 Nov 2025):
• Melbourne: AUD $1,400
• Sydney: AUD $1,450
• Brisbane: AUD $1,400

Alternate international route via Tokyo also available.

For flight assistance, email ✉️ SPUMSTravel@diveplanit.com
with your nearest airport and preferred travel dates.

🇵🇭 And for 2027… We’re heading to the PHILIPPINES!
More details coming soon — stay tuned! 🌟

30/09/2025

Get your copy now!

The September issue for 2025 is out now! Get your copy via your societal login at European Underwater and Baromedical Society or SPUMS - South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society.

What's inside this issue ..

Revised CNS limit for 1.3 atmospheres of inspired oxygen
HBOT for femoral head avascular necrosis
Bacterial survival in hyperbaric air
Vestibular rehabilitation after inner ear DCS
The role of ECGs in assessing fitness for military diving
Diving with autism spectrum disorder
Serial chest CT after freediving pulmonary syndrome
HBOT for dropped head syndrome after radiotherapy
Periorbital emphysema complicating HBOT
Treating neonates with HBOT
Tissue necrosis after marine sting and more ...

23/09/2025

🌊 Registrations are Filling Fast! 🌊
Don't miss your chance to be part of the SPUMS 54th Scientific Meeting – a truly unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most spectacular diving destinations: Palau! 🐠🌴

🗓 10–15 May 2026
📍 Palasia Hotel, Koror, Palau
🎯 Theme: Free Diving

Join us for an extraordinary week of cutting-edge research, world-class diving, and the opportunity to learn from the best in the field – including our keynote speaker, Professor Peter Lindholm, a global leader in free diving physiology. 🌟

✨ Why Palau?
Palau is a dream location for nature lovers and divers alike. Expect crystal-clear waters, pristine reefs teeming with colourful marine life, exhilarating drift dives with big pelagic encounters, dramatic limestone Karst I sland landscape, and rich local culture – the perfect backdrop for a world-class scientific meeting.

🚨 Early bird rates end in January and spots are limited!
👉 Click here to register https://spums.au/index.php/asm-registration

🔹 Step 1: Register for the conference
🔹 Step 2: Use your Booking ID to organise accommodation and diving
🔹 Step 3: You’ll then be directed to the Diveplanit website to organise your accommodation, diving, and tours for a seamless experience at the Palasia Hotel.

🔗 Don’t wait – secure your place today and get ready to dive into science in paradise! 🐬🧠🌊

19/08/2025

🚨 Registrations for the SPUMS 54th Scientific Meeting are OPEN and filling up fast! 🚨

Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible event! 🏝️✨ Secure your spot and early bird discount today!

Event Details:
🌊 Theme: Free Diving
📅 Dates: Sunday, 10 May – Friday, 15 May 2026
🏨 Venue: Palasia Hotel, Koror, Palau

Why Palau?
🌴 It's a diving paradise, crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, drift dives with pelagic action, limestone cliffs, and rich local culture. Dive into this bucket list destination while attending world-class scientific sessions!

How to Register:
1️⃣ Register FIRST. It’s quick and easy! [🔗 https://spums.au/index.php/asm-registration]
2️⃣ After registration, you’ll get a Booking ID as proof of your registration for accommodation and dive workshops!
3️⃣ After registering, you’ll be directed to the Diveplanit website to book your accommodation, diving and tours ensuring you have a seamless experience and a spot at the Palasia Hotel.

Important Travel Info:
🚨 Limited Flights – Due to high demand, Qantas flights are now ONLY available for Business Class on direct bookings for the conference week. There are only 7 tickets left at AUD $2,395 return (ex-Brisbane).
📧 Want one? Email us at spumstravel@divetravel.com
to secure your seat!

💡 Top Tip: Want to add peace of mind to your travel plans?
NIB Travel is offering 15% off on travel insurance for our members. Email spumstravel@divetravel.com
for a quote! 🌍✈️

Tag a friend who’s ready to dive into adventure!

08/08/2025

SPUMS 54th Annual Scientific Meeting 2026 – Registration is now open! ✈️🌍🌴😍

The wait is over! Registration is now officially open for the SPUMS 54th Annual Scientific Meeting 2026 and we can’t wait to see you in Palau for what promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Event Details:
Theme: Free Diving
Dates: Sunday, 10 May – Friday, 15 May 2026
Venue: Palasia Hotel, Koror, Palau

Registration Info:
Here’s what you need to know:
👉 Register for the Conference FIRST – it’s quick and easy! Click here to register now.
👉 After registering, you’ll be directed to the Diveplanit website to book your accommodation, ensuring you have a seamless experience and a spot at the fabulous Palasia Hotel.
👉 You’ll receive a Booking ID upon registration, which you’ll use as proof when booking your accommodation and practical diving workshops.

This is your chance to be part of an incredible event, diving into the latest scientific advancements and networking with industry leaders in one of the most stunning locations on Earth.

Convenors for the Event:
Ian Gawthrope and Douglas Falconer

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at convenor@spums.org.au.

We can't wait to share this experience with you in Palau. Let’s make memories together at SPUMS 2026.

Register here 👉https://spums.au/index.php/asm-registration

09/07/2025

Vale Des Gorman

It is with great sadness that I share the passing of Des Gorman on 2nd July 2025 in Auckland.

Des made a huge contribution to SPUMS and to diving and hyperbaric medicine internationally for over a decade at the
end of the 20th century.

Des was a former SPUMS President and Director of the Hyperbaric Unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Our condolences to his family and friends.

RIP Des

Written by Neil Banham
SPUMS President

17/04/2025

🚨 LAST CHANCE! 🚨

Registrations for the 53rd SPUMS Annual Scientific Meeting 2025 close TOMORROW – 18 April! ⏳

https://spums.au/index.php/asm-registration

🌊 Join us in beautiful Bali at the stunning Ramayana Candidasa Resort from Sunday 18 May to Friday 23 May 2025 for a week of knowledge, connection, and inspiration.

🧠 This year’s theme: “Oxygen: Too much, Too little, or Just Right?”
🎤 Featuring keynote speakers Dr Bruce Derrick and Pieter-Jan van Ooij
🌏 Over 120 registrants already – don’t miss out on what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable meeting with like-minded professionals.

👉 Secure your spot NOW before it’s too late!

28/03/2025

SPUMS ASM 2025, Registration closing soon!

Time is running out — registrations close on 18 April 2025. With over 100 people already registered, this ASM is shaping up to be unforgettable. Don't miss out on the excitement — secure your spot now.

SPUMS 53rd Annual Scientific Meeting will be held from Sunday 18 May to Friday 23 May 2025 in Ramayana Candidasa resort, Bali, Indonesia.

We have added a Keynote Speaker.

We are delighted to have Pieter-Jan van Ooij joining us as our second Keynote Speaker.

Register here .. https://spums.au/index.php/asm-registration

27/02/2025

SPUMS 53rd Annual Scientific Meeting will be held from Sunday 18 May to Friday 23 May 2025 in Ramayana Candidasa resort, Bali, Indonesia.

Update: Great news! The deadline for submitting your Abstract has been extended to 11 March 2025! Don't miss out — send your submissions to convenor@spums.org.au.

Abstracts aligning with the conference theme will be given priority, but there will also be free paper streams and also poster space available.

Download the Abstract Form from our website.
https://spums.au/index.php/asm-registration

Update: The Ramayana resort is now fully booked. We still have some rooms available in the adjacent Lotus bungalows. Visit Diveplanit Travel website for more information.
https://www.diveplanit.com/event/spums-2025-asm-bali-accommodation-diving-meals/

Registrations close 11 April 2025. Register for the conference - don’t miss out!
https://spums.au/index.php/asm-registration

20/12/2024

🎄✨ Wishing all our valued members a very Merry Christmas! ✨🎄

As we celebrate the holiday season, we’d like to remind you about the Early Bird registration for the 53rd SPUMS Annual Scientific Meeting 2025! 🩺

🗓 DATE: Sunday 18 May – Friday 23 May 2025
📍 VENUE: Ramayana Candidasa Resort, Bali, Indonesia
🎯 THEME: Oxygen – Too much, Too little, or just right?

Don't miss the chance to be part of this exciting event! Early Bird prices are available now, so be sure to secure your spot. ✍️

For more details, contact:
💌 Convenor: Hanna van Waart – convenor@spums.org.au
💌 Scientific Convenor: Xavier Vrijdag – scientific-convenor@spums.org.au

Looking forward to seeing you in Bali! 🌴🩺

06/12/2024

🌟 Join Us at the 53rd ASM 2025 for SPUMS in Bali! 🌟

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 53rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS)—next year in paradise! 🌴🌊

🔹 Where: Bali, Indonesia
🔹 When: 18 May to 23 May 202
🔹 Oxygen: Too much, Too little, or just right

Cutting-edge speakers from world-leading experts in diving medicine🌐
Riveting workshops and interactive sessions 🛠️
Networking with passionate professionals from around the globe 🌍
Stunning beachfront venue and vibrant cultural experiences 🇮🇩
And of course, the chance to explore Bali’s natural wonders—think crystal-clear waters, lush jungles, and unforgettable sunsets! 🌅

Whether you're a medical professional, researcher, or diver, this is the ultimate meeting to expand your knowledge and dive deeper into your passion. Dive into a mix of science, adventure, and tropical bliss! 🐠🌺

✨ Don’t miss out—secure your spot today and make waves at SPUMS 2024 in Bali! ✨

Register here 👉https://spums.au/index.php/asm-registration