News
Up to 40% off the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea with blue o two
UK-based Tour Operator blue o two are delighted to announce an incredible new special offer to one of the Pacific’s best kept secrets, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
Fishing was banned in the Solomon Islands over 20 years ago, allowing marine life to flourish and reefs to thrive, earning the Solomons Islands their enviable worldwide diving reputation. Boasting an abundance of WW2 history, there are over 200 ships, 690 aircraft carriers and countless barges to explore, many within recreational diving limits.
Papua New Guinea is bursting with wildlife, and is arguably one of the best diving destinations in the Pacific. Nicknamed as the ‘underwater photographer’s paradise’, sightings often include hammerhead and whale sharks, dolphins, pilot whales, turtles, sea snakes and plentiful macro life. Dive through coral atolls, sea grass beds and barrier reefs in this tropical oasis.
20% OFF and FREE nitrox!
For all trips with a departure date between 01/01/2018 – 30/06/2018, blue o two are pleased to offer customers 20% OFF your boat space, plus FREE nitrox for the duration of your holiday.
blue o two can also help to organise any required international flights and transfers, just contact a member of their travel team for more information.
LAST MINUTE DEAL
If you are available to travel in the next few weeks and want to get away for the Christmas period, then take advantage of this last-minute deal:
M/V Solomons PNG Master – Best of Solomons (10 nights) – 23/12/2017
- Suite – SOLD OUT
- Upper Deck Cabin – SOLD OUT
- Lower Deck Cabin – Was £3320, NOW £1992!
Terms and conditions: All special offers are available on a first come, first served basis and the promotion may be withdrawn without notice. Please visit blue o two website for full package inclusions but please note that ALL Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea prices EXCLUDE International flights which can be organised on request. No further discounting can be applied inclusive of Loyalty Club and BSAC. BSAC Kickback Contribution Scheme not available for redemption on special offers.
For more information on this special offer, visit their website at www.blueotwo.com or please contact a member of the blue o two travel team on either divingholidays@blueotwo.com or call 01752 480808.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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