First Batch of Diving Safety Management Graduates Set New Benchmark in the Industry

First Graduates of Innovative Diving Safety Management Bachelor’s Program Receive Certificates

In a landmark event held on Monday, December 4th, the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) celebrated its first-ever graduation ceremony for students of the unique Bachelor of Science in Diving Safety Management program. This pioneering program, a collaboration between Divers Alert Network (DAN) and ITS, marks a significant stride forward for the diving industry.

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Four trailblazing students

Paul Tickle, Audrey Farrugia, Tiit Krutob, and Raymond Arce – received their certificates from an esteemed panel that included Malta’s Minister of Tourism, Clayton Bartolo, Dr. Alessandro Marroni and a host of professors from ITS. This graduation signals the start of an exciting new chapter for these graduates and the broader diving industry.

The comprehensive program spans three years and equips students with a wide range of knowledge in diving safety. The curriculum includes advanced medicine and research, hyperbaric medicine, law and regulations, workplace safety, fire safety, marine protection, and sustainability in the diving industry. It also covers technical, recreational, and freediving knowledge, along with the latest advancements in science diving.

Minister Clayton Bartolo underscored the vital importance of this new academic endeavor for both Malta and the global diving industry in his address. He highlighted how the program elevates diving from a mere training activity to an advanced scholarly subject.

The outstanding quality of this novel program was demonstrated by student Paul Tickle who achieved the highest grade across all bachelor’s programs at ITS. An emotional Tickle shared his journey through the rigorous three-year study period during his speech, much to the admiration of his peers and professors.

This momentous occasion heralds a new era of qualified specialists who will lead the future of the diving industry with expertise and safety. Congratulations to the first graduates of this ground-breaking program on their remarkable achievements!

DAN

The Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the safety and health of recreational scuba divers. It was founded in 1980 and has since been recognized as the authority on diving safety, health, and research.

DAN provides services to divers across the globe, including emergency medical advice and assistance for underwater diving injuries, promoting diving safety, conducting research, and providing public education on safe diving practices. The organization also offers insurance services to divers, covering things like medical treatment for diving accidents and emergency evacuation costs.

One of DAN’s most known services is its 24-hour emergency hotline that provides information, assistance, and referrals to divers who have suffered a diving accident or illness. The network consists of diving medicine specialists, physicians, and researchers who are experts in handling dive-related accidents or illnesses.

In addition to these services, DAN conducts and supports research into diving physiology and the prevention, treatment, and understanding of diving illnesses such as decompression sickness and oxygen toxicity. The organization also offers a range of training courses in first aid, oxygen provision, and diving safety.

The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)

The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) in Malta is a government-funded vocational education and training institution. Established in 1987, the institute specializes in providing high-quality education and training programs in the field of hospitality and tourism.

ITS offers a wide range of courses, from certificate to degree level, in various areas of the tourism and hospitality industry. These include culinary arts, hotel management, event management, travel and tourism, and many others. The institute aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen careers within the hospitality and tourism industry.

In addition to its academic programs, ITS also focuses on industry-based learning, providing students with practical experience and exposure to the real-world scenarios they will encounter in their professional lives. The institute has partnerships with numerous local and international industries, allowing students to gain valuable work experience during their studies.

Overall, the Institute of Tourism Studies plays an essential role in Malta’s tourism sector, fostering the development of professional individuals who contribute significantly to the industry’s growth and sustainability.