Originally called the AVS DDIV (Database of Demining Incidents and Victims), this database was renamed the DDAS (Database of Demining AccidentS) in 2001 by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).

In 2006, all control reverted to the originator of the database, Andy Smith (AVS). The DDAS and the DDIV are the same thing.

The DDIV/DDAS records have been put online so that people involved in Humanitarian Mine Action can see the records and learn from them.

The Database of Demining Incidents and Victims began in 1998 when Andy Smith was asked by US ARMY CECOM NVESD to gather accident records as part of his work for them. He agreed, but he did not expect to be able to gather much information without the authority of the UN Mine Action Service UNMAS). He was wrong. He was able to gather hundreds of records without any special authority. But today the support of the UN Mine Action Service has begun to significantly enhance access to these records.

Andy gathered so much information that he could not manage it without creating a software database for the purpose. NVESD did not want that database (having made their own using the text files he handed in) so Andy paid for the software to be written, added records and distributed the DDIV at his own expense (and with NVESD agreement) during 1998 and 1999. He thanks especially Colonel George Zahaczewsky, who was far sighted enough to see how useful incident data could be.

See http://www.state.gov/t/pm/rls/fs/22948.htm September 1998.

The DDIV was an invaluable asset during the revision of the Copenhagen UNMAS Mine Action Standards. That revision resulted in the current International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).

Th Intellectual Property Rights and day to day management of the DDIV belong to Andy Smith of AVS Mine Action Consultants (www.nolandmines.com).

Not all accident records are on line. The actual database always holds more records than are on line.

To ask a question, send an email to info(at)ddasonline.com