The South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society’s (SPUMS) 54th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) has concluded in Palau after a highly successful week of scientific exchange, diving activities and cultural experiences in one of the world’s premier marine environments.
Managed by specialist dive travel agency Diveplanit, the event brought together 174 participants, including 136 conference delegates, from across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe and North America. Delegates gathered in Koror, Palau, for a week of presentations, workshops and practical diving sessions focused on advancing underwater and hyperbaric medicine.
The conference was hosted at Palasia Hotel in Koror, with delegates experiencing Palau’s internationally renowned diving, celebrated for its exceptional marine conservation, pelagic encounters and pristine reef systems.
The 2026 ASM scientific program, themed “Free Diving”, was convened by Dr Douglas Falconer and Dr Ian Gawthrope, who curated a program exploring the rapidly evolving field of freediving physiology, safety and hyperbaric medicine. Keynote speakers included internationally recognised diving medicine researchers Dr Peter Lindholm of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, whose work focuses on breath-hold diving physiology and hyperbaric medicine, and Professor Erika Schagatay of Mid Sweden University, a leading expert in human performance in extreme environments and freediving physiology. The conference also featured presentations and workshops from leading clinicians, researchers and diving medicine specialists from around the world.
Throughout the week:
- 133 divers completed an extraordinary 1,256 dives
- 27 snorkellers participated in marine excursions
- 18 freedivers joined dedicated activities
- 163 day tours were organised for delegates and accompanying guests
Dive operations included visits to some of Palau’s most iconic sites, including Ulong Channel, German Channel, Blue Corner and Siaes Corner. Delegates experienced drift dives, shark encounters, manta ray observations and vibrant coral ecosystems that have made Palau one of the world’s most sought-after dive destinations.
Diveplanit coordinated the extensive logistics operation, managing all accommodation, international and domestic flights, dive arrangements and daily activities for participants across the week-long event.
Diveplanit Co-Founder Deborah Dickson-Smith said:
“Hosting SPUMS in Palau has been an incredible opportunity to showcase not only world-class diving, but also the professionalism and collaboration required to deliver an event of this scale in a remote island destination. The response from delegates has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Diveplanit Co-Founder Simon Mallender added:
“Managing logistics for nearly 200 participants across diving, scientific sessions and touring activities is a significant undertaking, and we’re immensely proud of what our team and local partners achieved together. Palau proved to be an exceptional venue for SPUMS.”
In addition to the scientific program and practical diving sessions, delegates also experienced Palauan culture through local performances, traditional cuisine and guided cultural activities.
SPUMS was founded in 1971 and remains one of the leading organisations dedicated to underwater and hyperbaric medicine in the South Pacific region. The Society’s annual scientific meetings provide a unique combination of academic exchange and practical diving experience for diving physicians, researchers and medical professionals.
About South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS):
The South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society was established in 1971 to promote and facilitate the study of underwater and hyperbaric medicine, provide information to members and the wider diving community, and foster collaboration through scientific conferences and professional networking. SPUMS continues to attract leading experts in diving medicine and hyperbaric research from around the world. More information: https://spums.au/
About Diveplanit:
Diveplanit is a specialist scuba diving travel agency and wholesaler founded by divers Deborah Dickson-Smith and Simon Mallender. The company creates tailor-made dive holidays and manages group dive travel logistics, conferences and expeditions throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Diveplanit specialises in combining exceptional diving experiences with seamless travel coordination and sustainable tourism practices.
