Malta’s Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) and Divers Alert Network Europe have announced new bachelor’s degrees and the first Honoris Causa degrees in Diving Safety.
Among the recipients were academics and professionals who have made significant contributions to the program’s development.
Simon Caruana, director of ITS’s Center of Contemporary Tourism, said:
“It is an honor for me to be part of this remarkable team. We have built a unique training program together. The honorary degree recognized not only their contribution to this program, but also their dedication to promoting safety in the field of diving throughout their professional and academic careers.”
During the ceremony, degrees were awarded to a new batch of students — the third intake of the Bachelor of Science in Diving Safety Management (BSc DSM) course, a unique program integrating scientific, technical and managerial disciplines to train diving industry professionals.
The BSc DSM is a three-year program that provides individuals with the skills to assess and reduce the risks associated with diving activities. It offers an in-depth understanding of the relevant aspects of human physiology, life support and operating procedures in the recreational, technical, scientific and commercial areas of diving.
In addition, students develop a comprehensive understanding of diving activities and business, acquiring managerial, economic and human resource management skills.
Graduates are ready to take on positions of responsibility such as Diving Safety Officer, Diving Operations Manager, Hyperbaric Chamber Operator, Diving Business Manager and many other strategic positions in the diving industry.
The program is promoted by the International School of Diving Safety and Medicine (ISDSM), a partnership between ITS Malta and Divers Alert Network Europe. ITS provides the academic and logistical structure, while DAN Europe contributes research, field experience and scientific expertise.
During this edition, four students – including Maltese professionals and international students – successfully completed the course.
Prof. Alessandro Marroni, founder and president of DAN Europe, said:
“I am particularly proud that the educational and research activities of the DAN Europe Foundation, carried out jointly with ITS during the ISDSM academic programs, can represent an important element that I hope will contribute to ITS being recognized as a Technical University.”
The ceremony also emphasized the pivotal role of the diving sector in Malta’s economy, with the attendance of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Deputy Prime Minister, Ian Borg, who highlighted that diving tourism contributes approximately 20% of the nation’s tourism GDP.