Becoming a DAN-Certified Hyperbaric Chamber Operator in Nosy Be
Hyperbaric chambers are essential for diver safety, especially in remote locations like Nosy Be, Madagascar. I recently completed the DAN Hyperbaric Chamber Operator Course, which now allows me to assist with treatments (under supervision) and—with enough practice—eventually operate the chamber independently.
This training was not only a professional milestone for me as an instructor, but also a deep dive into the challenges and innovations that come with running a hyperbaric facility in remote areas.
Why Training Matters in Remote Hyperbaric Chambers
One of the biggest challenges hyperbaric chambers in isolated locations face is staff turnover. Many rely on local diving professionals to assist during treatments, but as team members come and go, new training is constantly required.
Often, doctors or medical staff temporarily stationed in these regions provide instruction, but without standardized materials, each training is different. This inconsistency can lead to confusion and even compromise safety protocols.
How DAN RCAPP Supports Local Facilities
To address these issues, the DAN RCAPP team (Recompression Chamber Assistance & Partnership Program) created the Chamber Operator Course.
What’s truly impressive is that DAN adapted the course to our specific chamber here on Nosy Be. We didn’t have to learn theoretic input that wouldn’t apply to our Chamber. Instead, they just put the focus on what we really need here!
Hands-On Hyperbaric Training in Nosy Be
The course wasn’t just theoretical. We practiced:
- Safely starting up and shutting down the chamber
- Monitoring air quality and pressure
- Ensuring constant supervision of the patient inside
- Troubleshooting small technical problems
This experience gave me a whole new respect for the complexity and precision required to run a chamber, especially when every second counts in an emergency.
Why This Matters for Divers in Madagascar
Nosy Be attracts adventurous divers from all over the world—but with great dives come great responsibility. The island’s limited emergency infrastructure makes this kind of local expertise and training vital.
With DAN’s help and continued practice, I’ll soon be qualified to operate the hyperbaric chamber in Nosy Be independently—contributing to safer diving in one of the most beautiful (and remote) corners of the Indian Ocean.
Curious about diving safety procedures in remote areas? Want to learn from someone actively working on the ground in Madagascar?
👉 Get in touch here
or
📷 Follow me behind the scenes on Instagram
