Valletta [Malta], 12 December 2025 – The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) in Malta celebrated two significant milestones in diving training: the awarding of diplomas to graduates of the third intake of the Bachelor of Science in Diving Safety Management, and the first conferral of Honoris Causa degrees to leading international figures in diving safety and education.
Among the recipients were academics and professionals who have made significant contributions to the development of the programme, bringing international excellence in diving training, scientific research, and advanced techniques to the ITS classroom.
“It is an honour for me to be part of this remarkable team. We have built a unique training programme together. The honorary degree recognised not only their contribution to this programme, but also their dedication to promoting safety in the field of diving throughout their professional and academic careers.” said Simon Caruana, Director Centre of Contemporary Tourism at ITS.
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 programme integrating scientific, technical and managerial disciplines to train diving industry professionals.
The Bachelor of Science in Diving Safety Management (BSc DSM) is a highly innovative three-year programme that brings academic value and professionalism to the diving sector. Until now, this sector has been barely regulated by accredited educational institutions.
The course 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 programme is promoted by the International School of Diving Safety and Medicine (ISDSM), a partnership between ITS Malta and DAN Europe. ITS provides the academic and logistical structure, while DAN Europe contributes research, field experience and scientific expertise. The result is a training course of excellence that is recognised at European level and has an MQF/EQF Level 6 qualification (equivalent to a Bachelor's degree).
During this edition, four students – including Maltese professionals and international students – successfully completed the course, further consolidating ISDSM's reputation as a global centre of excellence for diving safety and hyperbaric medicine.
“I am particularly proud that the educational and research activities of the DAN Europe Foundation, carried out jointly with ITS during the ISDSM academic programmes, can represent an important element that I hope will contribute to ITS being recognised as a Technical University” commented Prof. Alessandro Marroni, founder and president of DAN Europe.
The ceremony also emphasised 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. Borg highlighted that diving tourism contributes approximately 20% of the nation's tourism GDP.
The success of the course and the collaboration between ITS and DAN Europe serve to consolidate Malta's role as an academic and operational hub of international excellence, with new expansion projects already underway in Jordan and China.
DAN Europe
DAN Europe (Divers Alert Network Europe) is an international non-profit medical and research organisation dedicated to diver health and safety. Since 1983, DAN Europe has offered medical assistance, scientific research, education, and safety initiatives, while also advocating for environmental responsibility and sustainable diving practices. https://www.daneurope.org/en/home
Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)
The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) is Malta’s leading educational institution for tourism and hospitality. Established in 1987, it delivers programmes from Foundation to Master’s level, focusing on hands-on training, small classes, and affiliations with top international universities. Boasting high pre-graduation employment rates, ITS equips entrepreneurs, managers, and experts for global careers. https://its.edu.mt.
