Diving and the Lungs
Safe diving starts with healthy lungs and proper breathing. Underwater, ambient pressure continuously changes, requiring the lungs to work harder to inhale and exhale air. Barotrauma, oxygen and carbon dioxide balance, and breathing control are crucial factors for both scuba divers and freedivers. What should we pay attention to during medical assessments, and why?
Divers with Disabilities
Diving is possible and valuable for many people with physical or sensory disabilities, provided that the assessment is tailored to the individual. The focus is not on the diagnosis, but on functional capacity.
Key points of attention include: lung function and ventilation, mobility and self-reliance, spasticity or coordination problems, thermoregulation, underwater communication, medication use, and buddy structure.
The central question remains: can the diver act safely under realistic conditions?
Freedivers
Freediving (apnea diving) places different demands on the body compared to scuba diving, with emphasis on breath control and hypoxia prevention.
Key points of attention include: risk of loss of consciousness (“shallow water blackout”), hyperventilation, lung compression and blood shift at depth, cardiovascular response, recovery times between dives, and strict safety procedures.
Where does this differ from the recreational scuba diver, and does this affect the diving medical examination?
Vulnerable Divers and Special Diving Groups
Some divers require extra medical attention, such as older divers or younger divers. Here too, functional capacity and medical stability determine whether someone can participate safely.
Key medical considerations include:
Can the diver participate safely under realistic conditions, with adequate medical precautions and support, regardless of his age?
“Pura Vida” means “Pure Life” – and that is exactly what guests can expect at la Pura Vida. This spacious beachfront resort, located in the municipality of Dauin, approximately 16 km south of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, is managed by a Swiss team and designed by divers for divers. It features a state-of-the-art dive center and also offers various facilities and activities for the entire family, making it an ideal destination for both diving enthusiasts and recreational guests.
The island is surrounded by marine reserves and offers more than 30 stunning dive sites, with world-class macro and night diving. Highlights include the presence of whale sharks and the famous Apo Island, a 72-hectare volcanic island with unique rock formations, 650 documented fish species, and more than 400 coral species, making it an absolute must-visit for divers.
There are also numerous opportunities for excursions and non-diving activities, which can be booked directly at the resort.
Date:
November 7 (departure November 5 or 6) through November 14, 2026
Number of participants:
Due to the course format and its interactive character, a maximum of 25 participants can attend. Partners do not count toward this maximum.
Entry level:
The course is open to physicians with demonstrable knowledge of diving medicine at a minimum level of Medical Examiner of Divers or Diving Physician A, C, or D. Those who have completed Level 1 course part 1 are also admitted.
Accreditation:
Granted by ABAN (16 hours), ECB, and pending with RIZIV.
Certificate:
Participants will receive a certificate at the end of the course.
Course materials:
Course materials will be provided digitally approximately 14 days prior to departure. The course and course materials will be entirely in English if there are non-Dutch-speaking participants.
Travel
The flight departs from Amsterdam Schiphol and ends in Dumaguete. From there, the transfer continues by comfortable bus to the beautiful Pura Vida resort. You may arrange your own flights (see registration form) or make use of our offer.
Accommodation
Garden Rooms: 8 rooms available
The 10 air-conditioned bamboo cottages are located at the rear of the resort, surrounded by the peaceful garden. Each room has a balcony with a beautiful view of the centrally located garden. The two single beds can be combined into one comfortable double bed, and there are also 3 standard rooms available with a king-size bed. Each room also features a small cable TV, minibar, safe, and coffee and tea facilities. The bathrooms are fully tiled and equipped with hot and cold showers for your convenience.
Services & Amenities:
Deluxe Rooms: 10 rooms available
The 13 Deluxe rooms are located in double (10) or single (2) bungalows, beautifully situated around the swimming pool and extending toward the beach. Each room is elegantly equipped with split air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar.
Eight rooms have two comfortable single beds that can also be arranged as a double bed, while the remaining five rooms feature a luxurious queen-size bed. The recently renovated rooms also include a spacious walk-in closet and modern bathrooms, ideal for a refreshing hot shower after a day full of diving adventures. The inviting terrace offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the lush garden surrounding the rooms.
Pool View Apartment: 1 apartment available
The Deluxe two-bedroom apartment (up to 4 persons) is a stylish oasis of comfort. Spacious and bright, with modern appliances and beautifully handcrafted local furniture, it offers the perfect place to unwind. Settle into the comfortable beds or enjoy the gentle, fresh breeze on the lanai. Your ideal home away from home.
Services & Amenities:
Ocean View Apartment: 2 apartments available
The Premium one-bedroom apartment is the ideal place to relax and fully recharge. Elegantly furnished with modern appliances and beautifully handcrafted local furniture, it combines style and comfort.
The beach is just a few steps from your front door, and with a generous surface area of 121 m², the apartment offers ample space to enjoy your stay.
Diving
If you are a certified diver and not participating in a diving course, a 10-dive package is included in the price. Rental of diving equipment is not included (air and weights are included). For those certified in Nitrox, Nitrox is available free of extra charge. On course-free days, various diving excursions can be arranged.
Costs
Including flights, transfers, accommodation based on bed and breakfast, double occupancy Garden Room*, 10 boat/shore dives, and the diving medicine course (including coffee, tea, and refreshments), the starting price is €3,200**.
The later one books, the higher the price may become due to limited airline seat availability***. Given the large number of participants booking their own tickets, group bookings are not possible. Individual tickets can be booked separately. Prices fluctuate significantly. The above price is based on the economy class fare as of March 1, 2026.
As our accommodation requires a deposit, we ask for a €800 deposit upon registration.
If you choose not to book your own ticket and prefer us to arrange it for you, we require an additional €1,000 deposit. We will then book your ticket immediately.
You can transfer your deposit to the Scott Haldane Foundation, IBAN account number: NL23INGB0001911767, Swift/BIC: INGBNL2A, stating “Dauin26W1” and your name.
We advise taking out travel and cancellation insurance to ensure you are covered at all times in case of unforeseen circumstances such as volcanic eruptions, etc.
*) Subject to availability
**) Price adjustments by airlines, governments, hotels, and currency exchange rates may be passed on.
***) As flights fill up, seats become more expensive; therefore, the closer to the departure date, the higher the price may be.
Program to be completed
Friday, November 6
Departure in Schiphol
Saturday, November 7
Arrival in Dauin
Sunday, November 8
Acclimatization and practical diving
Monday, November 9
08:00 – 12:15: Course Part 1 and 2
12:15 – 13:00: Lunch
13:00 – 17:00: Practical diving
Tuesday, November 10
08:00 – 12:15: Course Part 3 and 4
12:15 – 13:00: Lunch
13:00 – 17:00: Practical diving
Wednesday, November 11
08:00 – 17:15: (Diving) excursions
Thursday, November 12
08:00 – 12:15: Course Part 5 and 6
12:15 – 13:00: Lunch
13:00 – 17:00: Practical diving
Friday, November 13
08:00 – 12:15: Course Part 7, 8, and exam
12:15 – 13:00: Lunch
13:00 – 17:00: Practical diving
Saturday, November 14
Departure from Dauin
Sunday, November 15
Arrival at Schiphol
2026 – Jubilee Year: 50 Years of Knowledge Transfer in Diving Medicine
In 2026, the Scott Haldane Foundation celebrates its 50th anniversary – a remarkable milestone in international knowledge transfer in diving medicine. To mark this festive year, we are organizing the latest advanced course, “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Repeat” at an exceptional and inspiring location: Dauin, in the Philippines.
Breathing seems self-evident. In diving medicine, it never is. To dive safely, our lungs must function optimally, and breathing must remain controlled and safe under all circumstances. But how do we assess fitness to dive in specific target groups? What does this require of us when working with divers who have physical or sensory disabilities? Which physiological limits play a role in freedivers? And how do we address factors such as attention regulation and impulsivity in divers with ADD?
During this jubilee edition, we will explore exactly these questions in depth. We combine current insights into pulmonary physiology, respiratory regulation, and cardiovascular responses with practical case studies and risk assessment. The focus is not on diagnosis, but on functional capacity and the key question: under what conditions is diving safe and responsible?
The Scott Haldane Foundation offers a fully internationally accredited training program that meets all requirements of the European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine (ECHM).
This course forms part of the training program for Diving Medicine Physician (Level 2D) and qualifies as accredited continuing education for the re-registration of Medical Examiners of Divers and Diving Medicine Physicians.
The course is directly accredited by the European College of Baromedicine (ECB). For Duikerartsen D, accreditation is provided through ABAN.
Register now for this unique jubilee course and secure your place at this exceptional location.
The following cancellation policies apply to this course:
More than three months before the start
In the event of cancellation by the participant or their partner more than three months before the start of the activity for which they have registered, the cancellation fee amounts to 40% of the total registration costs, plus any non-refundable ticket costs.
Between three months and one month before the start
In the event of cancellation by the participant or their partner between three months and one month before the start of the activity for which they have registered, the cancellation fee amounts to 90% of the total registration costs, plus any non-refundable ticket costs.
One month or less before the start
In the event of cancellation by the participant or their partner one month or less before the start of the activity for which they have registered, the cancellation fee amounts to 100% of the total registration costs.
In practice, courses fill up quickly. The availability of airline seats and accommodation depends on the order of registration. Your registration is confirmed once we have received your registration form. However, the date of the deposit determines the order of registration.
By signing or submitting the registration form online, you also declare that the Scott Haldane Foundation cannot be held liable in any way for any costs resulting from damage incurred during or as a result of participation in this course, or for any damage of any kind caused by third parties.
All information provided by participants and/or partners is confidential to SHF, its staff, and the instructors. The general terms and conditions of the Scott Haldane Foundation apply.
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