Dafydd Phillips presented with Maurie Vierow Award of Excellence

The Maurie Vierow Award of Excellence is an annual award presented by ADAS to a trainer who has shown exceptional dedication to the support and training of people in the hyperbaric industry in a way that encourages high levels of safety, cooperation and skill.

Dafydd Phillips, owner, manager and ATAM (ADAS Training and Assessment Manager) of the Underwater Training Centre South Australia (UTCSA), was presented with the award at the 2024 ADAS ATE Meeting by the ADAS Chair, Dr Stuart Cannon.

Dafydd has been involved with ADAS for over 20 years, active in both the onshore and offshore industries in diverse hyperbaric fields including construction, aquaculture and ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicles). Gaining his first ADAS certification in 2004, Dafydd progressed to formally become an ADAS Diver Trainer in 2010. He currently represents the NAODTE (National Organisation of Diver Training Establishments) to the ADAS Board of Directors and liaises with ADAS in the development of training and assessment materials.

In addition to these contributions to the hyperbaric industry, the award recognises Dafydd’s exceptional skills as a trainer, demonstrated by consistent positive feedback to ADAS from his students and fellow ADAS trainers. Dafydd strives for improvements to the training and experience delivered to his students, including reviewing and updating school policies & procedures, introducing new technology to facilitate training and ensuring a high level of safety and compliance.