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Divers Alert Network began its mission of dive safety in 1980 under the direction of Dr. Peter B. Bennett, Ph.D., D.Sc., Executive Director and President of DAN. Since that time, hundreds of thousands of divers have sought out DAN's advice, seeking help with making informed decisions about diving. Here's a quick look at DAN's history.
1977
Undersea Medical Society (later the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society) introduces the concept of a national organization (to replace LEO-FAST at Brooks Air Force Base, directed by Colonel Jefferson Davis, M.D.) where one telephone call from anywhere could connect the caller to a diving medicine specialist 24 hours a day.
1980
Divers Alert Network becomes a reality in September under the name "National Diving Accident Network," with a two-year NOAA and NIOSH grant to Dr. Peter B. Bennett of the F.G. Hall Hyperbaric Center at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C.
1981
DAN's "Underwater Diving Accident Manual" first published. The first emergency calls come into the Hyperbaric Center. DAN receives 305 calls for information and assistance.
1982
DAN implements a medical/safety advisory telephone line (919) 684-2948 to handle questions from recreational divers with non-emergency questions.
1983
DAN changes its name from "Diving Accident Network" to "Divers Alert Network." In August, DAN launches a membership program to provide funding and support for DAN's activities on behalf of recreational divers. Individual DAN members receive an "Underwater Diving Accident Manual," tank/equipment decals and waterproof ID card. The first DAN Diving Accident and Hyperbaric Treatment course with CME credit given is held at the Duke University Medical Center.
1984
Federal grant monies to DAN are decreased (50 percent in 1982 and then by 25 percent in 1983). As of 1984, support comes exclusively from divers and the diving industry. DAN introduces the slogan "Divers helping divers."
1985
Sponsor Program begins for clubs, stores, corporations and sponsoring organizations. The first DAN oxygen unit featuring Life-Support Products' (LSP) unique demand inhalator valve, Pocket Mask ™ with O2 inlet and non-rebreather mask was sold.
1987
DAN pioneers an insurance program - Prepared Membership - to protect recreational divers against the high cost of evacuation and treatment for diving injuries such as decompression sickness, air embolism, and pulmonary barotrauma. DAN receives 3,554 calls, with 2,816 for information and 738 for emergencies.
1988
DAN membership doubles, from 14,000 in 1987, to 32,000 in 1988, with the introduction of DAN's diving accident insurance program from the previous year.
1989
Sponsorship becomes a full-time program and department within DAN.
1977-1989 | 1990-1999 | 2000-Present
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