News
DAN Europe VP Laura Marroni Inducted into Women Divers Hall Of Fame
DAN Europe’s Exec. Vice President Laura Marroni has just been inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF), in recognition of her efforts to promote diving safety.
The WDHOF announced the selection of seven new Members last December 8. The newest inductees have been celebrated during an official ceremony, which was held on March 23, 2024 at Beneath The Sea, Meadowlands Convention Center Seacaucus, New Jersey (USA).
“I feel deeply grateful and honored for becoming a member of the Women Divers Hall Of Fame, a prestigious organization composed of amazing women who dedicated their lives to the underwater world”, declared Mrs. Marroni.
”I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful people who supported my nomination: Dan Orr, Betty Orr, Alessandro Marroni, Jarrod Jablonski, Michael Menduno, Morne Christou and the now fellow sister Chantelle Taylor-Newman”.
“Over the past few decades, much has been done to increase the safety of our sport” – continued Mrs. Marroni. “This includes divers’ education, procedures, and technological advancements in scuba gear, but also emergency response, scientific research and first aid training for diving accidents. Today, I am particularly proud to be able to work with our extended team of DAN researchers, analysts and volunteers on new projects focusing on enhanced dive profiles analysis and new telemedicine tools, for the benefit of the community”.
Laura has grown up by the sea, and embarked on her diving journey at the tender age of eight. Today, she stands as a highly skilled technical and cave diver, and a fervent advocate for advancements in the safety of professional and recreational diving. After earning a Bachelor of Economics and MBA, she started serving as Executive Vice President at DAN Europe, taking the lead in various research projects focused on understanding the physiological effects of diving on the human body. Her ultimate aim is to enhance safety measures in all types of diving and make diving an increasingly accessible and sustainable activity.
The six other fellow sisters who will constitute the Class of 2024 are: Ronnie Damico (Instructor, Scientific Diving Officer, NAUI Board Member), Elizabeth Kintzing (Educator, Scientific Diver, Ocean Advocate), Mikki McComb-Kobza (Explorer, Conservationist, Educator), Robyn McGinn (Navy Diving Program Manager), Penelope “Mossy” Powell (First Woman Cave Diver, posthumous), Samantha Whitcraft (Conservation Biologist, Oceans Advocate, Environmentalist).
About WDHOF
Founded in 1999, the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) acknowledges women divers who have made outstanding contributions to the exploration, understanding, safety and enjoyment of our underwater world. WDHOF supports the underwater world and its associated careers by promoting opportunities in diving through grants, scholarships, internships and mentoring, as well as providing a worldwide network of industry contacts. There are 263 Members in the Hall, hailing from 30 U.S. states and Territories and 22 countries worldwide. New Members are selected on an annual basis.
About DAN Europe
DAN Europe exists to assist and protect all divers through the most extensive and reliable network of diving physicians worldwide. The organisation is known to offer the community pioneering services, including the first-ever insurance designed specifically for divers. DAN also conduct scientific research to better understand diving physiology and share that knowledge with the goal of making diving a safer, more accessible activity. First aid educational programs have been developed, to preserve life in and out of the water. We recognise the unique beauty and fragility of the Blue Planet, and act as ambassadors for more sustainable practices within our community.
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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