We are a professional association of dive program administrators, committed to advancing safe, effective, and well-managed diving programs through collaboration and communication.
Founded at DEMA in New Orleans in 1994, we provide a forum for dive programs to share ideas, solve operational challenges, and promote education, conservation, and risk awareness. Our work continues through our annual symposium and year-round professional engagement.
Our Mission
To create a professional space for sharing ideas, support, and solutions that enhance diver safety and risk management across zoos, aquariums, and related organizations.
Our Objectives
- Build and maintain a strong professional network for regular communication among dive programs.
- Support administrators and supervisors in managing diver safety, compliance, risk assessment, and resources.
- Promote ongoing professional development in dive program administration and safety oversight.
- Help programs maximize impact on public education, conservation, and stewardship while maintaining safety standards.
Dive Program Administrator
A Dive Program Administrator is the primary risk manager and supervisory authority for all diving operations, ensuring the safety of personnel, protection of assets, and organizational compliance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Establishing and enforcing policies, procedures, and training aligned with regulations and best practices.
- Conducting risk assessments and evaluating hazards to ensure proper controls are in place before diving operations.
- Supervising dive staff and volunteers, reviewing dive plans, incidents, and near-misses to drive continuous improvement.
- Coordinating with safety, legal, HR, and medical teams to manage injuries, fitness-to-dive assessments, and compliance documentation.
The Administrator balances operational needs with safety imperatives, using professional judgment to approve, restrict, or suspend diving activities as needed. Through effective supervision and risk management, they ensure all diving operations are conducted safely, responsibly, and in alignment with the organization’s mission.