Expanding Horizons

Text By Megan Wagner

Nestled in the turquoise waters off the northwest coast of Madagascar, the island of Nosy Be is known for its vibrant reefs, warm waters, and a dive community that continues to grow in both strength and spirit. In June, DAN Southern Africa had the privilege of conducting a highly successful training visit to this beautiful island that brought together professionals from across the diving industry and deepened connections with the region's dynamic diving network.

This trip formed part of DAN’s ongoing commitment to enhancing diver safety, building local capacity, and supporting the development of future leaders in the dive industry. The momentum generated in Nosy Be speaks to the value of investing in regions that are rich in diving activity. It was a powerful reminder that safety and education truly have no borders.

BUILDING CAPACITY WHERE IT MATTERS MOST

During the visit, we successfully certified seven new DAN Instructors and two Instructor Trainers (ITs), adding vital capacity to the region and creating new opportunities for continued training and outreach.

Among the newly qualified ITs is Christian, President of IANTD Indo-Pacific, whose extensive experience and leadership will undoubtedly strengthen the reach and delivery of DAN programmes in the wider region. Conrad, based permanently in Nosy Be, brings a valuable element of continuity.

The instructor development workshops were energising and well received. It was inspiring to see the professionalism and passion of the local dive community, many of whom are actively involved in training new divers and guiding dive tourism on a daily basis. By equipping these professionals with the knowledge and tools to teach DAN courses, we are contributing to a stronger, safer future for both instructors and divers alike.

A WEEK OF CHAMBER TRAINING

A central highlight of the visit was the weeklong chamber training, which offered participating dive professionals valuable insight into diver emergency management and hyperbaric chamber operations.

The sessions were expertly led by Michael Partridge and Jose Vieira, whose professionalism, passion, and hands-on teaching style created a dynamic and engaging environment for everyone involved. Their ability to deliver critical information in an accessible and practical way made a lasting impression on all who attended.

Throughout the week, the training sparked not only new understanding but also new relationships. Dive professionals from different centres came together with a shared goal: to grow in their ability to respond to emergencies and to support one another across organisational lines. This kind of shared learning environment promotes a broader culture of safety that can ripple outward through every dive operation on the island.

The chamber sessions also helped reinforce the importance of early recognition and swift response in diving-related incidents. Understanding how hyperbaric chambers operate and the role they play in treating decompression illness provided attendees with a deeper perspective on the chain of emergency care.

STRENGTHENING LOCAL CONNECTIONS

One of the greatest successes of the trip was the spirit of engagement that emerged across the dive community. From lively discussions during training to informal conversations over coffee and ocean sunsets, the week provided countless opportunities to connect on both a professional and personal level.

It was clear that there is an appetite not only for learning but also for strengthening the sense of community among Nosy Be’s dive operators and instructors. The willingness of everyone involved to engage openly, share experiences, and support one another created an atmosphere of collaboration that we hope to see flourish further in the months ahead.

A special thank you must go to Jose and the team at Sakatia Lodge for their incredible hospitality, support, and seamless arrangements throughout the stay. Their contribution made a meaningful difference to the success of the trip. From coordinating logistics and local transport to making sure every participant felt welcome and taken care of, their effort was felt in every detail. It was a true pleasure to work alongside such a dedicated and professional team in such a beautiful and inspiring setting.

A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE

This visit to Nosy Be was more than just a training exercise. It was a chance to connect, inspire, and empower. The professionalism, curiosity, and passion displayed by all those who participated confirmed what we already knew: that there is a deep and growing commitment to safety, education, and excellence in this part of the diving world.

With a strong local presence now in place and new instructors ready to teach, the foundations have been laid for a more resilient and safety-conscious dive industry in the region. This is only the beginning.

We look forward to building on the momentum generated in Nosy Be and to supporting dive professionals as they grow in their roles as educators and safety leaders. We are committed to continuing our presence, offering guidance and support, and helping to cultivate a culture of preparedness and care for years to come.

The future is bright for diving in Madagascar, and DAN Southern Africa is proud to be part of the journey.