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Chamber
Access
To maintain this facility and have it
available on a daily basis is a very expensive undertaking and that is the reason why we developed the ACCESS program to subsidize
some of our operating expenses. The chamber cannot survive solely on insurance billing because we only have an average of 2 to 3 cases per month, but
we must maintain readiness and have the ability to react instantly.
We ask for the full cooperation of divers who may require our services to provide us with all their insurance information, this way we can continue providing this vital
safety service to all those unfortunate victums who require it.
As an incentive to local dive masters and non-profit organizations, SSSB offers diver ACCIDENT AND EVACUATION COVERAGE to the dive personnel of its members. This is a special package, which is offered to the members at 50% discount, meaning that SSSB absorbs half of this cost. The premium of the insurance is $80 USD per annum and it is offered to our members at $40 BD. This offer is only for current members of the ACCESS program and subscription must be
made at this facility.
THE CHAMBER ACCESS PROGRAM
The chamber access program is a system whereby the dive shops pay a membership fee to become part of the program. After they become members, the dive shops are asked to collect a nominal levy or fee (typically $1 USD for each tank dived) - and forward to the chamber at the end of every month. This money is used to pay for stand-by operating expenses, which include doctors, utilities, technical maintenance, upgrades, salaries etc.
This program gives direct access to chamber service at anytime for dive shops that are part of the program and are current with their payments. The contribution however, is not insurance, the diver will still be asked to supply the chamber with all their insurance information. The company will bill the insurance carrier of the patient. If patient is lacking any health/accident insurance, the chamber shall apply a nominal cost recovery fee.
WAIVING THE CONTRIBUTION
If you refuse to make the $1 USD contribution per tank dived and you require our services, you will be requested to make a cash deposit of $2500 USD even if you have insurance. You will then be charged a fee of $800.00 USD per hour treatment. The company will provide you with medical records and evidence so that you can file for a refund in case you're adequately insured.
CONTRIBUTOR, BUT UNINSURED PATIENT
If the diver requiring treatment contributed their $1 usd per tank dived but does not have any kind of insurance (ie.) No valid policy, rather than a policy with crafty exclusions), then the chamber will apply a mere cost-recovery fee, which is a nominal payment.
CONCLUSION
Diving is a relatively safe sport; however, there will always be potential emergencies. Whether these emergencies evolve into a full-blown accident or death often depends on the immediate care the victim receives. All divers should be aware of the causes, signs, and symptoms of potential diving emergencies and be prepared. Ensuring dive buddies are properly trained in emergencies is just as important; a little planning and education can save someone's life.
DAN EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
DAN 24 Hr Emergency: 001-919-684-8111
DAN Travel Assist: 001-202-296-9620
DAN Member services: 001-919-684-2948 Ext. 333
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