News
Red Sea Diving Safari And Jeff Goodman Announce Underwater Videography Competition Winner
Red Sea Diving Safari has just announced the winner of the latest video competition judged by Scubaverse’s very own Jeff Goodman who runs Video workshops at all the RSDS resorts.
Jeff writes about his choice for the winner and comments on all the other entries:
“Difficult choice. Good videos by everyone. It is obvious that each entrant enjoyed their underwater experiences. Here are some comments.
Video 1. Nice opening followed by some great wildlife shots. All nicely framed with good exposure. The video had a ‘good feel’ to it and the music was the right mood for the shots. Perhaps the entire video was a little too long. Moritz obviously loves being underwater.
Video 2. Great effort but it was really difficult to see what was going on in the shot. Florian could try to get closer to the subjects and be at eye level if possible. Although the video was only a single shot there is no reason why this should not be entered into the competition but even if the action is good, the subject does have to be close so the audience can see what is happening. Dare I say, come on one of my courses and let me show you how best to film these great bits of behaviour.
Video 3. Mixed feelings about this one. It certainly showed the great excitement of seeing the Dugong and the effort needed to get some great shots of it. But, I would have like to have seen a message somewhere in the video or perhaps even narration to say that chasing such animals as the Dugong can harass it to the point of stress and panic. Although this did not look the case in this instant as the boat driver obviously knew what he was doing. What we should be trying to avoid is encouraging inexperienced drivers and their guests chasing the dugong and other marine species in a harmful way.
Having said that, the images were really nice and I am glad you had the experience of seeing this wonderful animal.
Video 4. Sascha put a lot of though into this and has put together some lovely shots. Good framing and exposure. Had a nice feel to it and certainly showed the wealth of marine life to be found on the Red Sea reefs. My suggestion would be to now try and make a few sequences of different subjects and try to move on to the next stage of your video making.
Video 5. Great video. Loved the slow motion at the beginning. Nice conservation graphics to make the video more poignant. Good choice of music but I think one track would have been enough. In others words the video could have been shorter and still put across the conservation message. All nicely shot, well exposed and framed and good animal behaviour. The written introduction to the video was good and certainly worth doing. Well done and please do keep going.
Now to make a decision on the winner. I think it has to be Video 1 from Moritz Pechtold.”
The latest entries and rules for future RSDS competitions can be seen here.
If you would like information on RSDS’s underwater Video Courses click here. You can contact Jeff directly at uwv@scubaverse.com.
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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