This year, the VIT, in cooperation with DAN and the trade fair management, organized the Munich Divers' Day again at the f.re.e trade fair on the last weekend in February. For this year's "small" – 5-year – anniversary, the organizers were able to enjoy a record number of visitors: As the registration numbers already suggested in advance, the event was more well attended than ever with over 100 participants. In keeping with this, the top-class speakers ensured a varied program:

Dr. Ullrich Speer from Sharkprojekt reminded that every second breath is produced by the sea. He made it clear that sharks have existed for 400 million years that are perfectly adapted to this ecosystem and that they are an important link in the oceans. However, sharks are threatened with extinction. He also tried to make clear that "if the shark dies, the sea dies and if the sea dies, humans die".

Andreas Pacher, chairman of the Arge Tauchen Österreich showed real examples of diving accidents in alpine waters (e.g. Attersee). He explained the effect of deep intoxication on the actions of divers at greater depths. Furthermore, he pointed out additional factors (including partial pressures of gases in depth, equipment, self-overestimation) which can sometimes lead to serious diving accidents. Another reason for serious diving accidents, according to Pacher, is the unfavorable chaining of the above-mentioned factors.

Dr. Wilhelm Welslau clarified the symptoms of diving accidents and showed measures to be taken for a wide variety of symptoms. He also elaborated on the distinction between DCI in mild and severe manifestations. The most important thing, according to Welsau, is the administration of oxygen as quickly as possible, as highly concentrated as possible, for as long as possible and also in cases of doubt. Dr. Weslau introduced the 5 Minute Neurocheck from DAN, which is an orientation clinical and neurological examination that everyone can use if a diving accident is suspected to find out whether there is a DCI and how severe it is.

Werner Scheyer gave a lecture on the icing of regulators. In detail what happens when the regulator freezes and what the causes can be. An essential point is the humidity in the air we breathe. For this he showed the sources and demonstrated some test methods.

Dr. Ulrich van Laak explained the behavior of a diving accident in areas with poor medical care using case examples of diving emergencies. Above all, the preparation and the knowledge of how to behave in a diving accident are important here. He provided information about special diving accident insurance, among other things. DAN's insurance, because with many accident insurance companies, Dr. van Laak, treatment in a pressure chamber is not included, which can result in high costs for the casualty afterwards.

We would like to thank the speakers, the trade fair management and DAN for the good and constructive cooperation and we are looking forward to the 6th Munich Divers' Day!