PNG Divers Association Acquires Hyperbaric/Recompression Chamber Facility in Port Moresby

The Papua New Guinea Divers Association Inc. (PNGDA) is proud to announce the purchase of the existing Hyperbaric/Recompression Chamber facility in Port Moresby. This landmark transition, effective from 1 January 2025, follows successful negotiations with the previous owners, Divers Alert Network/Hyperbaric Partners Limited (DAN/HPL), USA, and the various local industry stakeholders.

This facility represents a critical asset to Papua New Guinea, reinforcing the safety and medical preparedness of the country’s growing dive tourism industry. While not unique within the region—the nearest similar treatment centre being in Townsville, Australia—it remains a rare and invaluable resource. The chamber ensures that visiting divers and local dive professionals have access to advanced medical treatment in-country, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming overseas medical evacuations for conditions such as Decompression Sickness (DCS).

Over the years, PNGDA has worked diligently to establish a world-class evacuation and treatment system for PNG. Strategically located at the Tropicair Terminal at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby, the facility enables pressurised medivac aircraft to transport patients directly to the chamber. This significantly reduces critical response times by eliminating the need for ground transport, ensuring rapid access to life-saving treatment.

A comprehensive inspection and servicing of the chamber were conducted in October 2023 by DAN/HPL, who will continue to support the facility through maintenance and staff training. The chamber is operated by a small yet dedicated team of hyperbaric technicians, including volunteers, and is supported by registered nurses.

The facility’s operational funding is sourced from the PNG Divers Association’s Environment & Safety Fee,” which is collected from divers by PNGDA member operators. This sustainable funding model ensures the continued maintenance and staffing of the chamber.

Beyond treating diving-related conditions such as Decompression Illness, hyperbaric chambers play a crucial role in modern medicine. They are widely used for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), which is effective in treating various non-diving-related conditions such as non-healing diabetic ulcers, gangrene, gas poisoning, and certain sports-related injuries. PNGDA is actively working towards expanding the facility’s capabilities to offer these life-enhancing treatments in-country.

PNGDA President, Mr. Dietmar Amon, emphasised the significance of this acquisition, stating: “The purchase of the chamber firmly establishes the PNG Divers Association as a key player, not just in the dive tourism industry, but in the broader medical landscape of PNG. This facility will provide residents access to essential treatments that would otherwise require travel abroad”