THE DES (NZ) Divers Emergency Service
0800 4 DES 111,
or
0800 4 337 111

  (Click on Logos to go to Emergency Services web sites.)
                   Who supports the helpline?

The DAN Divers Emergency Service is supported by a partnership of organisations involved in diver safety. DAN SEAP provides a grant to fund the cost of the calls and NZUA makes up any shortfall and deals with all the administration associated with the line. The 24-hour line is manned by Medic from the Deveonport Naval Base Hospital and calls are transferred to either the Devonport or Christchuch hyperbaric chamber.

How many calls does the helpline receive?
The number of calls to the line shows seasonal variation, presumably reflecting the amount of diving that is done at different times of the year. Total calls are around 200 per year. In the summer months, there are approx 20-30 calls per month, dropping to about 10-20 in the winter.

Where do the calls come from?
The majority of calls come from mobile phones and lines within the Auckland region. Next highest are the Northland or Wellington regions. These probably reflect the areas where most diving is done and/or areas of highest population density.