The Partner of the Year awards recognise those Partners who deliver outstanding results and have successfully promoted DAN products and services during the previous year.
Both divers and dive operations can join the DAN Europe Partner Program. They obtain credits by earning points, promotional materials, the use of the DAN Partner logo, and of course prizes and rewards!
We will continue to collaborate with our Partners to let divers know the good services DAN has to offer to the dive community. DAN congratulates and deeply thanks this year's winners, as well as all active Partners for their work and commitment.
Partner of the Year Awards
2017 Winners
The winners of the 2017 DAN Europe Partner of the Year awards are:
Business Partner category
Tauchsportcenter Esslingen - Denkendorf, Germany
Tauchsportcenter Esslingen promoted 233 memberships in 2017 and received a free Business Partner enrolment for the current year.
Tauchsportcenter Esslingen is one of the largest and best known dive centres in the Stuttgart / Esslingen area, Southwest Germany. It was founded in 1983 (just like DAN Europe! – Ed.) as a shop of 50 sq m. Since 2009 it operates in a larger area of 600sq m hosting a diving shop, an SSI diving school (Diamond Instructor Training Center), a professional maintenance workshop and a diving travel agency. The centre features an in-house diving pool of 6 metres depth, which is used for all water activities. With more than 25 highly trained dive professionals, TSC offers a versatile and comprehensive range of dive courses, from beginners to instructors, as well as DAN Training first aid courses.
The centre regularly organizes diving weekends to Austria and Switzerland, and accompanied tours to international destinations. In 1998 the Tauchsportcenter created its own TSC Club, offering its members a number of benefits, including DAN Membership and insurance. TSC & DAN – a great partnership!
The centre regularly organizes diving weekends to Austria and Switzerland, and accompanied tours to international destinations. In 1998 the Tauchsportcenter created its own TSC Club, offering its members a number of benefits, including DAN Membership and insurance. TSC & DAN – a great partnership!
Professional Partner category
David Van Eerdenbrugghe - Waterloo, Belgium
David Van Eerdenbrugghe received a free Pro Silver membership.
Dive instructor, DAN Member since 2011, David has promoted 297 memberships throughout 2017.
Together with two associates, David runs Dive Factory, a renowned dive operation in Waterloo, Belgium, featuring a wide range of dive courses, a Shop with all major dive brands on sale or on rental (scooters, drysuits, twinsets, decos, side mount), and a maintenance centre for dive cylinders and repair centre for wet & dry suits.
Together with two associates, David runs Dive Factory, a renowned dive operation in Waterloo, Belgium, featuring a wide range of dive courses, a Shop with all major dive brands on sale or on rental (scooters, drysuits, twinsets, decos, side mount), and a maintenance centre for dive cylinders and repair centre for wet & dry suits.
Friend category
Antonio Pazzagli, Italy
For the third year in a row, this Italian scuba diver received a free Sport Silver membership. Number of membership promoted in 2017: 29
Antonio has been caring about safety issues since he first took up scuba diving activities. A diving instructor since 2000, he loves to dive in the Adriatic sea (Italy) and spreads his love for the ocean to all his students.
Certifications:
Certifications:
- NADD TEK PRO Instructor
- FIPSAS Instructor
- Oxigen provider and BLSD
- Nitrox
2016 Winners
The winners of the 2016 DAN Europe Partner of the Year awards are:
Business Partner category:
Tauchsportcenter Esslingen - Denkendorf, Germany
Tauchsportcenter Esslingen - Denkendorf, Germany
Tauchsportcenter Esslingen promoted 114 memberships in 2016 and received a free Business Partner enrolment for the current year.
Tauchsportcenter Esslingen is one of the largest and best known dive centres in the Stuttgart / Esslingen area, Southwest Germany. It was founded in 1983 (just like DAN Europe! – Ed.) as a shop of 50 sq m. Since 2009 it operates in a larger area of 600sq m hosting a diving shop, an SSI diving school (Diamond Instructor Training Center), a professional maintenance workshop and a diving travel agency. The centre features an in-house diving pool of 6 metres depth, which is used for all water activities. With more than 25 highly trained dive professionals, TSC offers a versatile and comprehensive range of dive courses, from beginners to instructors, as well as DAN Training first aid courses.
The centre regularly organizes diving weekends to Austria and Switzerland, and accompanied tours to international destinations. In 1998 the Tauchsportcenter created its own TSC Club, offering its members a number of benefits, including DAN Membership and insurance. TSC & DAN – a great partnership!
Tauchsportcenter Esslingen is one of the largest and best known dive centres in the Stuttgart / Esslingen area, Southwest Germany. It was founded in 1983 (just like DAN Europe! – Ed.) as a shop of 50 sq m. Since 2009 it operates in a larger area of 600sq m hosting a diving shop, an SSI diving school (Diamond Instructor Training Center), a professional maintenance workshop and a diving travel agency. The centre features an in-house diving pool of 6 metres depth, which is used for all water activities. With more than 25 highly trained dive professionals, TSC offers a versatile and comprehensive range of dive courses, from beginners to instructors, as well as DAN Training first aid courses.
The centre regularly organizes diving weekends to Austria and Switzerland, and accompanied tours to international destinations. In 1998 the Tauchsportcenter created its own TSC Club, offering its members a number of benefits, including DAN Membership and insurance. TSC & DAN – a great partnership!
Professional Partner category:
David Van Eerdenbrugghe - Waterloo, Belgium
David Van Eerdenbrugghe - Waterloo, Belgium
David Van Eerdenbrugghe received a free Pro Silver membership.
Dive instructor, DAN Member since 2011, David has promoted 222 memberships throughout 2016. Together with two associates, David runs Dive Factory, a renowned dive operation in Waterloo, Belgium, featuring a wide range of dive courses, a Shop with all major dive brands on sale or on rental (scooters, drysuits, twinsets, decos, side mount), and a maintenance centre for dive cylinders and repair centre for wet & dry suits.
Dive instructor, DAN Member since 2011, David has promoted 222 memberships throughout 2016. Together with two associates, David runs Dive Factory, a renowned dive operation in Waterloo, Belgium, featuring a wide range of dive courses, a Shop with all major dive brands on sale or on rental (scooters, drysuits, twinsets, decos, side mount), and a maintenance centre for dive cylinders and repair centre for wet & dry suits.
Friend Category:
Antonio Pazzagli, Italy
Antonio Pazzagli, Italy
For the second year in a row, this Italian scuba diver received a free Sport Silver membership. Number of membership promoted in 2016: 24
Antonio has been caring about safety issues since he first took up scuba diving activities. A diving instructor since 2000, he loves to dive in the Adriatic sea (Italy) and spreads his love for the ocean to all his students.
Certifications:
Antonio has been caring about safety issues since he first took up scuba diving activities. A diving instructor since 2000, he loves to dive in the Adriatic sea (Italy) and spreads his love for the ocean to all his students.
Certifications:
- NADD TEK PRO Instructor
- FIPSAS Instructor
- Oxigen provider and BLSD
- Nitrox
2015 Winners
The winners of the 2015 DAN Europe Partner of the Year awards are:
Business Partner category:
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K., Mainz , Germany
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K., Mainz, Germany
For the second year in a row Tauchsport Seekuh e.K. received a free Business Partner enrolment for the current year.
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K. is a renowned diving center in Mainz, running a shop and an online store. Promoting DAN and spreading awareness about diving safety has been a primary mission of the club's manager for many years. As a result, much emphasis is put on well-trained instructors and well-maintained emergency and dive equipment. The club offers a variety of first aid courses for divers, in addition to diving courses for beginners, instructors and technical divers.
Das Tauchgeschäft bietet neben Tauchkursen für Anfänger, Ausbilder und technische Taucher auch eine Vielzahl von Erste-Hilfe-Kursen für Taucher an.
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K. is a renowned diving center in Mainz, running a shop and an online store. Promoting DAN and spreading awareness about diving safety has been a primary mission of the club's manager for many years. As a result, much emphasis is put on well-trained instructors and well-maintained emergency and dive equipment. The club offers a variety of first aid courses for divers, in addition to diving courses for beginners, instructors and technical divers.
Das Tauchgeschäft bietet neben Tauchkursen für Anfänger, Ausbilder und technische Taucher auch eine Vielzahl von Erste-Hilfe-Kursen für Taucher an.
Professional Partner category:
Nico Kavaleff, Finland
Nico Kavaleff, Finland
For the fifth year in a row, Niko stands out in his category! Nico received a free Pro Silver membership.
Born in Finland, manager and owner of AfterDive Ltd.Nico has spread out his passion for scuba diving since 2001, when he started publishing Snorkkeli.net, the largest scuba diving community in Finland.
Certifications:
Born in Finland, manager and owner of AfterDive Ltd.Nico has spread out his passion for scuba diving since 2001, when he started publishing Snorkkeli.net, the largest scuba diving community in Finland.
Certifications:
- DAN Europe Instructor and Partner #89543
- PADI MSDT #76780
- Active Member of Boating Writers International (BWI)
Friend Category:
Antonio Pazzagli, Italy
Antonio Pazzagli, Italy
This Italian scuba diver received a free Sport Silver membership.
Antonio has been caring about safety issues since he first took up scuba diving activities. A diving instructor since 2000, he loves to dive in the Adriatic sea (Italy) and spreads his love for the ocean to all his students.
Certifications:
Antonio has been caring about safety issues since he first took up scuba diving activities. A diving instructor since 2000, he loves to dive in the Adriatic sea (Italy) and spreads his love for the ocean to all his students.
Certifications:
- NADD TEK PRO Instructor
- FIPSAS Instructor
- Oxigen provider and BLSD
- Nitrox
2014 Winners
The winners of the 2014 DAN Europe Partner of the Year awards are:
Business Partner category:
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K., Mainz , Germany
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K., Mainz, Germany
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K. received a free Business Partner enrolment for the current year.
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K. is a renowned diving center in Mainz, running a shop and an online store. Promoting DAN and spreading awareness about diving safety has been a primary mission of the club's manager for many years. As a result, much emphasis is put on well-trained instructors and well-maintained emergency and dive equipment. The club offers a variety of first aid courses for divers, in addition to diving courses for beginners, instructors and technical divers.
Das Tauchgeschäft bietet neben Tauchkursen für Anfänger, Ausbilder und technische Taucher auch eine Vielzahl von Erste-Hilfe-Kursen für Taucher an.
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K. is a renowned diving center in Mainz, running a shop and an online store. Promoting DAN and spreading awareness about diving safety has been a primary mission of the club's manager for many years. As a result, much emphasis is put on well-trained instructors and well-maintained emergency and dive equipment. The club offers a variety of first aid courses for divers, in addition to diving courses for beginners, instructors and technical divers.
Das Tauchgeschäft bietet neben Tauchkursen für Anfänger, Ausbilder und technische Taucher auch eine Vielzahl von Erste-Hilfe-Kursen für Taucher an.
Professional Partner category:
Nico Kavaleff, Finland
Nico Kavaleff, Finland
For the fourth year in a row, Niko stands out in his category!
Nico received a free Pro Silver membership.
Born in Finland, manager and owner of AfterDive Ltd.Nico has spread out his passion for scuba diving since 2001, when he started publishing Snorkkeli.net, the largest scuba diving community in Finland.
Certifications:
Nico received a free Pro Silver membership.
Born in Finland, manager and owner of AfterDive Ltd.Nico has spread out his passion for scuba diving since 2001, when he started publishing Snorkkeli.net, the largest scuba diving community in Finland.
Certifications:
- DAN Europe Instructor and Partner #89543
- PADI MSDT #76780
- Active Member of Boating Writers International (BWI)
Friend Category:
Marcello Foglia, Italy
Marcello Foglia, Italy
This Italian scuba diver received a free Sport Silver membership.
Marcello has been caring about safety issues since he first took up scuba diving activities. He acknowledges the role of DAN in promoting diving safety and encourages his diving buddies to check out the resources DAN makes available to the diving community. He is currently attending a course to become a 3 Star CMAS certified diver.
Certifications:
Marcello has been caring about safety issues since he first took up scuba diving activities. He acknowledges the role of DAN in promoting diving safety and encourages his diving buddies to check out the resources DAN makes available to the diving community. He is currently attending a course to become a 3 Star CMAS certified diver.
Certifications:
- 2 Stars CMAS Diver
- Night diving certification
- Nitrox
- Orientation
2013 Winners
The winners of the 2013 DAN Europe Partner of the Year awards are:
Business Partner Categorie:
Cool Divers, Belgium
Cool Divers, Belgium
This dive centre promoted 44 memberships in 2013, a great result!
Cool divers received a free Business Partner enrolment for the current year.
The Cool Divers Club started as a Recreational Dive Centre in 2006, followed by the opening of a dive shop in April 2011 and by the end of the year, Cool Divers became a PADI Five Star Dive Centre. The dive centre is an Authorised TEC REC Centre and an EFR Facility and is a DAN Gold Business Partner. From day one, they put lots of effort into dive safety. The centre trains divers to understand and behave according to safe practices vs. what not to do. Each time, divers are briefed about the dive spots, discuss the site rules and safety regulations to adhere to. Cool Divers has safety emergency plans for each dive spot they visit, and keep them up to date.
Certifications:
Cool divers received a free Business Partner enrolment for the current year.
The Cool Divers Club started as a Recreational Dive Centre in 2006, followed by the opening of a dive shop in April 2011 and by the end of the year, Cool Divers became a PADI Five Star Dive Centre. The dive centre is an Authorised TEC REC Centre and an EFR Facility and is a DAN Gold Business Partner. From day one, they put lots of effort into dive safety. The centre trains divers to understand and behave according to safe practices vs. what not to do. Each time, divers are briefed about the dive spots, discuss the site rules and safety regulations to adhere to. Cool Divers has safety emergency plans for each dive spot they visit, and keep them up to date.
Certifications:
- DAN Europe Business Partner #407377
- PADI 5* Dive Center #S-22253
- PADI TEC REC Center # S-22253
Professional Partner Categorie:
Nico Kavaleff
Nico Kavaleff, Finland
For the third year in a row, Niko stands out in his category! 343 divers joined DAN thanks to his promotion efforts: an amazing result!
Nico received a free Pro Silver membership.
Born in Finland, manager and owner of AfterDive Ltd., Nico has spread out his passion for scuba diving since 2001, when he started publishing Snorkkeli.net, the largest scuba diving community in Finland (more than 13.000 registered members, 35.000 visitors a month).
Certifications:
Nico received a free Pro Silver membership.
Born in Finland, manager and owner of AfterDive Ltd., Nico has spread out his passion for scuba diving since 2001, when he started publishing Snorkkeli.net, the largest scuba diving community in Finland (more than 13.000 registered members, 35.000 visitors a month).
Certifications:
- DAN Europe Instructor and Partner #89543
- PADI MSDT #76780
- Active Member of Boating Writers International (BWI)
Friend Partner Categorie:
František Harant
František Harant, Czech Republic
Third award in three years for František as well. He promoted 29 memberships during the past year. An example to be followed by all DAN Friends!
He received a free Sport Silver membership.
Born in Cheb (Czech Republic), František had his first contact with the underwater world at the age of 12, when he enrolled in a diving club in his home town. Completed his first OW course in 1996 and became a CMAS* diver, diving mainly in the dams and rivers of Czech Republic: his first scubadiving experiences thus were in cold, dark waters with scarce visibility.
Started working as a Dive Master in Croatia in 2000, then certified as OW Instructor with SSI. Opened his own diving school (DiversDream, based in Prague) in 2004, focusing on recreational diving and organising trips to dive sites worldwide. At the same time, he has been gaining relevant experience in commercial diving as well.
Certifications:
He received a free Sport Silver membership.
Born in Cheb (Czech Republic), František had his first contact with the underwater world at the age of 12, when he enrolled in a diving club in his home town. Completed his first OW course in 1996 and became a CMAS* diver, diving mainly in the dams and rivers of Czech Republic: his first scubadiving experiences thus were in cold, dark waters with scarce visibility.
Started working as a Dive Master in Croatia in 2000, then certified as OW Instructor with SSI. Opened his own diving school (DiversDream, based in Prague) in 2004, focusing on recreational diving and organising trips to dive sites worldwide. At the same time, he has been gaining relevant experience in commercial diving as well.
Certifications:
- SSI DCS Instructor (Divecontrol Instructor)
- Freediving Diver Level 2 (Apnea Academy)
- Commercial Diver
2012 Winners
The winners of the 2012 DAN Europe Partner of the Year awards are:
Business Partner Categorie:
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K., Mainz
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K., Mainz, Germany
This renowned German dive operation promoted 68 memberships in 2012, a great result!
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K., Mainz received a free Bronze Business Partner enrolment for the current year.
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K. is a renowned diving center in Mainz, running a shop and an online store.
Promoting DAN and spreading awareness about diving safety has been a primary mission of the club's manager for many years. As a result, much emphasis is put on well-trained instructors and well-maintained emergency and dive equipment.
The club offers a variety of first aid courses for divers, in addition to diving courses for beginners, instructors and technical divers.
Certifications:
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K., Mainz received a free Bronze Business Partner enrolment for the current year.
Tauchsport Seekuh e.K. is a renowned diving center in Mainz, running a shop and an online store.
Promoting DAN and spreading awareness about diving safety has been a primary mission of the club's manager for many years. As a result, much emphasis is put on well-trained instructors and well-maintained emergency and dive equipment.
The club offers a variety of first aid courses for divers, in addition to diving courses for beginners, instructors and technical divers.
Certifications:
- SSI Dive Center #700652
- IAC 5-Star- et Instructor-Training-Center
- PADI Dive Center #S-21527
- DAN Bussines Partner #S-21527
Professional Partner Categorie:
Nico Kavaleff
Nico Kavaleff, Finland
For the second year in a row, Niko stands out in his category! Also this time more than 300 divers joined DAN thanks to his promotion efforts: an amazing result!
Nico received a free Pro Silver membership.
Born in Finland, manager and owner of AfterDive Ltd., Nico has spread out his passion for scuba diving since 2001, when he started publishing Snorkkeli.net, the largest scuba diving community in Finland (more than 13.000 registered members, 35.000 visitors a month).
Certifications:
Nico received a free Pro Silver membership.
Born in Finland, manager and owner of AfterDive Ltd., Nico has spread out his passion for scuba diving since 2001, when he started publishing Snorkkeli.net, the largest scuba diving community in Finland (more than 13.000 registered members, 35.000 visitors a month).
Certifications:
- DAN Europe Instructor and Partner #89543
- PADI MSDT #76780
- Active Member of Boating Writers International (BWI)
Friend Partner Categorie:
František Harant
František Harant, Czech Republic
Second award in two years for František as well. He promoted 17 memberships during the past year. An example to be followed by all DAN Friends!
He received a free Sport Silver membership.
Born in Cheb (Czech Republic), František had his first contact with the underwater world at the age of 12, when he enrolled in a diving club in his home town. Completed his first OW course in 1996 and became a CMAS* diver, diving mainly in the dams and rivers of Czech Republic: his first scubadiving experiences thus were in cold, dark waters with scarce visibility.
Started working as a Dive Master in Croatia in 2000, then certified as OW Instructor with SSI. Opened his own diving school (DiversDream, based in Prague) in 2004, focusing on recreational diving and organising trips to dive sites worldwide. At the same time, he has been gaining relevant experience in commercial diving as well.
Certifications:
He received a free Sport Silver membership.
Born in Cheb (Czech Republic), František had his first contact with the underwater world at the age of 12, when he enrolled in a diving club in his home town. Completed his first OW course in 1996 and became a CMAS* diver, diving mainly in the dams and rivers of Czech Republic: his first scubadiving experiences thus were in cold, dark waters with scarce visibility.
Started working as a Dive Master in Croatia in 2000, then certified as OW Instructor with SSI. Opened his own diving school (DiversDream, based in Prague) in 2004, focusing on recreational diving and organising trips to dive sites worldwide. At the same time, he has been gaining relevant experience in commercial diving as well.
Certifications:
- SSI DCS Instructor (Divecontrol Instructor)
- Freediving Diver Level 2 (Apnea Academy)
- Commercial Diver
2011 Winners
The winners of the 2011 DAN Europe Partner of the Year awards are:
Business Partner Categorie:
Nautilos Trading
Nautilos Trading LTD
This dive operation promoted 42 memberships in 2011, a great result that will be surely replicated!
Nautilos and its manager Marios received a free Bronze Business Partner enrolment for the current year.
Nautilos is a well known dive operation based in Cyprus, with a team of qualified dive professionals. Most of them have attended or can teach DAN Training courses, helping DAN spread awareness about safety in diving. The dive club is able to offer a variety of dive course, addressed to both recreational and technical divers.
Nautilos and its manager Marios received a free Bronze Business Partner enrolment for the current year.
Nautilos is a well known dive operation based in Cyprus, with a team of qualified dive professionals. Most of them have attended or can teach DAN Training courses, helping DAN spread awareness about safety in diving. The dive club is able to offer a variety of dive course, addressed to both recreational and technical divers.
Professional Partner Categorie:
Nico Kavaleff
Nico Kavaleff, Finland
Almost 300 divers joined DAN through Niko in year 2011: an amazing result!
Nico received a free Pro Silver membership.
Born in Finland, manager and owner of AfterDive Ltd., Nico has spread out his passion for scuba diving since 2001, when he started publishing Snorkkeli.net, the largest scuba diving community in Finland (more than 13.000 registered members, 35.000 visitors a month).
Certifications:
Nico received a free Pro Silver membership.
Born in Finland, manager and owner of AfterDive Ltd., Nico has spread out his passion for scuba diving since 2001, when he started publishing Snorkkeli.net, the largest scuba diving community in Finland (more than 13.000 registered members, 35.000 visitors a month).
Certifications:
- DAN Europe Instructor and Partner #89543
- PADI MSDT #76780
- Active Member of Boating Writers International (BWI)
Friend Partner Categorie:
František Harant
František Harant, Czech Republic
František promoted 22 memberships during the past year.
An example to be followed by all DAN Friends! He received a free Sport Silver membership.
Born in Cheb (Czech Republic), František had his first contact with the underwater world at the age of 12, when he enrolled in a diving club in his home town. Completed his first OW course in 1996 and became a CMAS* diver, diving mainly in the dams and rivers of Czech Republic: his first scubadiving experiences thus were in cold, dark waters with scarce visibility.
Started working as a Dive Master in Croatia in 2000, then certified as OW Instructor with SSI. Opened his own diving school (DiversDream, based in Prague) in 2004, focusing on recreational diving and organising trips to dive sites worldwide. At the same time, he has been gaining relevant experience in commercial diving as well.
Certifications:
An example to be followed by all DAN Friends! He received a free Sport Silver membership.
Born in Cheb (Czech Republic), František had his first contact with the underwater world at the age of 12, when he enrolled in a diving club in his home town. Completed his first OW course in 1996 and became a CMAS* diver, diving mainly in the dams and rivers of Czech Republic: his first scubadiving experiences thus were in cold, dark waters with scarce visibility.
Started working as a Dive Master in Croatia in 2000, then certified as OW Instructor with SSI. Opened his own diving school (DiversDream, based in Prague) in 2004, focusing on recreational diving and organising trips to dive sites worldwide. At the same time, he has been gaining relevant experience in commercial diving as well.
Certifications:
- SSI DCS Instructor (Divecontrol Instructor)
- Freediving Diver Level 2 (Apnea Academy)
- Commercial Diver