Divers Alert Network

09/19/2025

Did you know that middle-ear barotraumas (MEBT) are the most common dive injury?

It occurs when the pressure in the air space of the middle ear is not equalized to the ambient pressure. This can happen while flying or diving and can lead to ruptured ear drums.

If a diver has problems equalizing, middle-ear pressure during descent will first feel like clogged or stuffed ears and could progress to severe pain. Further descent will increase the pain. Other symptoms may include fluid buildup, bleeding, and eardrum rupture, leading to hearing loss or vertigo.

For more information on why this happens visit: https://dan.org/health-medicine/health-resources/diseases-conditions/middle-ear-barotrauma-mebt/.

09/17/2025

Not every dive begins in the ocean. Some start in downtown Atlanta. From safety drills to animal care, Georgia Aquarium divers dive with purpose.

Read the full story here: dan.org/alert-diver/article/beyond-the-acrylic.



✍️ Jonathan Langham

09/16/2025

Early US Navy dive tables weren’t designed for recreational divers logging multiple dives over consecutive days. Michael Lang, Ph.D., explains how dive computers help but don’t eliminate the risks.

Watch the full interview: https://youtu.be/C34gRghIj-Q.

09/15/2025

Have you been recalled before? 📣

Recall systems can alert divers in an emergency, but they are no substitute for a solid emergency action plan and clear predive briefings. Knowing the signals and how to respond could make all the difference.

Read more here: dan.org/alert-diver/article/diver-recall-systems.

Photo by Stephen Frink

09/12/2025

While diving the Taiyo shipwreck in the Solomon Islands, a DAN member, Kelly, suddenly developed severe back pain after surfacing. Within minutes, one leg was paralyzed and she was in excruciating pain.

Oxygen on board helped stabilize her until DAN coordinated a 75-minute helicopter evacuation to the nearest hospital and hyperbaric chamber at Honiara hospital.

After 24 hours of oxygen treatment, Kelly made a full recovery and was cleared to fly home. Doctors suspect an arterial gas embolism, possibly linked to a PFO.

Thanks to quick action, local support, and DAN’s emergency response, this frightening incident had the best possible outcome.

09/11/2025

On August 6, 2025, divers, researchers, and community members gathered at DAN headquarters in Durham, North Carolina, to celebrate the return of the DAN Public Lecture Series. After being on pause since the pandemic, this in-person event brought our community together to share knowledge, stories, and a passion for dive safety, research, and exploration.

The evening’s theme, Future Dive Leaders, showcased the work of our 2025 summer interns: Tyler Horton, Anna Krylova, and Samantha Nosalek.

Beyond the interns’ presentations, the evening provided an opportunity for attendees to connect with fellow divers and DAN staff.

Join us for future events as we continue sharing research, stories, and innovations that inspire and strengthen the diving community. DAN plans to host the series quarterly.

Read more here: dan.org/dan-public-lecture-series-future-dive-leaders.

09/10/2025

When it comes to dive gear, the DAN office has their favorites! What about yours? 🤿

DIN or Yoke? Aluminum or Steel? Jacket or Backplate?

Drop your setup in the comments 👇🏽

09/09/2025

Commercial divers Armando Gonzalez and John Villareal, hosts of the Bottom Dwellers Dive Shack podcast, join The DANcast to bridge the gap between recreational and commercial diving. With over 35 years of experience underwater, they dive into the realities of the job — from communication systems and surface-supplied air to decompression tables and hyperbaric chambers.

Along the way, they compare commercial and recreational diving, bust common myths, and share practical advice for sport divers curious about making the crossover.

To keep up with Bottom Dwellers, visit thebottomdwellers.com for updates and episodes.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/k-ASM2VD_Aw

09/08/2025

“Diver’s throat?” Voice change? Post-dive reflux? The Mayo Clinic is studying how diving might affect voice, breathing, and reflux, and they need your help! Whether you’ve been formally diagnosed or just noticed symptoms, your input matters.

Who can participate:
🤿 SCUBA divers aged 18+
🗣️ With or without known reflux, laryngospasm, or voice issues

What’s involved:
📋 A short, anonymous survey

Take the survey here: redcap.link/refluxindiving.

09/07/2025

Dr. Simon Mitchell, a renowned anesthesiologist, technical diver, and diving medicine researcher, shares his journey from a seaside childhood in New Zealand to leading academic and clinical roles in hyperbaric and diving medicine.

In conversation with Dr. Matias Nochetto, vice president of medical services at DAN, Dr. Mitchell discusses his career path, recent decompression research, and the role of technical diving in advancing diving capabilities.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fG3DNj-m4g.

09/05/2025

Always open your tank valve slowly and keep the face of the SPG pointed away from your face. Although rare, this serves as an essential reminder that accidents, big or small, can happen at any time.

No one was injured, but this is one of the reasons we don't allow customers to hook up and fill tanks, also the reason you should point the gauge away from you when pressuring up. Super rare, but gauges can blow.

09/04/2025

From a seaside childhood in New Zealand to leading academic and clinical roles in hyperbaric and diving medicine, Dr. Simon Mitchell has charted an extraordinary path.

In conversation with Dr. Matias Nochetto, Dr. Mitchell discusses his career path, recent decompression research, and the role of technical diving in advancing diving capabilities.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fG3DNj-m4g.