Solomon Islands Dive Chamber

Diving in the Solomon Islands is a unique and breathtaking experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Spread across a vast and remote area, transport infrastructure can be difficult to navigate. That's where the Solomon Islands Dive Chamber comes in - playing a vital role in the dive infrastructure of the region.

One of the most important benefits of the dive chamber is its ability to reduce the time to critical care for any patient. With the nearest secondary chamber located in Townsville, Australia or Port Moresby, PNG, having a local facility can make a massive difference in emergency situations. That time to treatment is a critical factor in the success and medical outcome of DCS and Barotrauma cases.

The chamber also provides a service that's invaluable to local divers who'd otherwise be unable to access treatment overseas due to prohibitive costs. Plus, having quality care available adds to the attractiveness of the Solomon Islands as a destination. Visitors can enjoy diving in the area, safe in the knowledge that expert assistance is available if anything goes wrong.

The Facility

The Chamber is located in Honiara, which is perfect for anyone diving in locally. However, if you plan to dive outside of Honiara, you may need additional emergency transportation to reach the Chamber. In the event of an emergency, arrangements can be made with either Solomon Airlines or Helicopter Support Limited for transport. Your DOSI member dive operator will be able to assist you in coordinating activities.

The medical practice, assessment and monitoring is provided by Honiara-based physicians trained in hyperbaric medicine (when available) in consultation with U.S. specialists, or by telephone by U.S. specialists. Operation of the facility is performed by volunteers who have been trained as Chamber Operators and provide the first point of contact for the Chamber.

Additionally, Honiara has clinics that can help provide diagnostic services and hospital care if it's required. With all of these provisions in place, you know you'll be in excellent hands if something should go wrong while diving in the Solomon Islands.

Funding

The chamber is owned and funded by Hyperbaric Partners Limited (HPL), a U.S. company closely affiliated with the Divers Alert Network (DAN). HPL’s goals are to provide high-quality medical facilities with specialized equipment for the treatment of diving injuries, and to improve overall diagnostic abilities, treatment protocols, and standard of health care for divers in remote areas, all at a reasonable and affordable cost. We are grateful for their support.

Dive Insurance

Dive Operators of Solomon Islands strongly recommends that every diver in Solomons carry comprehensive and adequate insurance. In the event of a DCS incident, the costs can quickly sky-rocket. Many of the dive operators require insurance and will not allow you to dive without it. Please be aware before you arrive in Solomon Islands.

DAN (Divers Alert Network) Insurance is our preferred as DAN has a contractual arrangements in place with the Chamber, reducing delays which prevent the financial and “red tape” issues from getting in the way of providing medical care without delay.

Divers who have chosen not to secure adequate insurance to cover diving-related evacuation and injuries, will still receive treatment. However, they will be considered “self-insured” and in the event of an accident and will be liable for any costs of treatment and/or evacuation. If so, it is suggested that they have funds immediately available to guarantee payment for any services required to manage the illness/injury. Failure to have adequate funds available may cause unnecessary delays, whereas insured persons have worldwide support of their “Call Centre” in time of need.

Diving Emergency Procedure

All DOSI participating operators are provided with Diving Emergency Procedures which is regularly updated.