Event Summary
Date: 28 September 2024
Time: Starts at 9 AM until 1 PM. Best to arrive around 8:30 AM!
Address: NSRI Station 10, Impact Divers, King George Way, Cape Town, 7975
Google Maps Link: https://bit.ly/nsri-station-10

Your registration was successful, and we look forward to seeing you at the DAN event. If you chose to contribute to the catering, the DAN office will send you a payment link shortly.

If you want to get in touch with a DAN staff member, please call the DAN office Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 16:00.

For event or membership queries:  Tel: +27 11 266 4900 or Email: mail@dansa.org

The Chester Step Test – A Practical Approach
Presenter: Dr Lourens de Kock
Start Time: 9 AM

Talk Summary: More and more employers are requesting VO2max (oxygen uptake) values for their crew members as adjuncts to the pure clinical tests like lung function and stress ECG testing. The VO2max on its own or in combination with the others makes for a more practical and holistic assessment of physical fitness. This assessment can be done in a consultation room with basic equipment at a reasonable cost.  The practicalities of conducting the test might seem overly complicated but with the right tools it can easily be done in a standard office. I will be demonstrating the practical aspects of the test and elaborate on the technicalities that needs to be kept in mind. A few academic points will also be discussed regarding the origin, value, and proper conclusions that one can draw from the test. It is noteworthy to remember that the Chest Step Test is only one of a range of tests that will ultimately give an indirect value for the client’s actual VO2max value.

Sharks Below The Surface
Presenter: Dr Sara Andreotti
Start Time: 10:30 AM

Talk Summary: A dive into South African shark research and conservation. "Dr Sara Andreotti is a marine biologist who has been working on shark population estimates, behaviour, and genetics for the past 15 years. Shark populations are facing a global decline, mainly due to overfishing and shark cull policies. Dr. Andreotti believes that through a better understanding of these fascinating animals, we can promote peaceful coexistence with them, increase their conservation, and ultimately improve the health of our oceans. In her talk, she shares fascinating insights into shark behaviour, some of the research work produced on South African sharks, and how the new SharkSafe Barrier technology can help promote shark conservation"

Seals & Rabies Updates
Presenter: Dr Jack Meintjes
Start Time: 12 PM

Talk Summary: In June 2024 a wild Cape Fur Seal from Bloubergstrand tested positive for rabies.  This prompted the examination of stored samples of seal brains and confirmed positive rabies cases in seven different sites spread all around the Western Cape coast.  It is now confirmed that rabies is present in the seal population in this area.  This is of concern to the divers, who frequently encounter these playful creatures underwater.  Once rabies is contracted, there is no cure, and the disease is fatal.  This presentation will update divers on the latest information on this issue and answer some questions you may have.

DAN’s new Travelers Medical Guide was created to help divers, boaters, and adventure travelers recognize and manage travel-related illnesses and injuries. Drawing on DAN’s decades of experience managing emergencies, this digital guide explains common symptoms, illnesses, and treatments in an easy-to-understand manner. 

DAN’s medical assistance services are available to divers, dive professionals, and health care providers. We offer an emergency hotline, medical information, physician consultations, continuing medical education, and a worldwide referral network of doctors who evaluate and treat divers. We provide real-time assistance during dive emergencies and work to prevent injuries and promote dive safety.