News
blue o two announce new Destination of the Month: Fantastic Fiji
It’s that time again! blue o two are delighted to bring their divers another fantastic Destination of the Month. This month, blue o two are heading to the beautiful island of Fiji!
The Fijian islands and atolls are embraced by a network of amazing coral reefs and are known for their pelagics. Fiji comprises an archipelago of more than 332 islands (of which only 110 are inhabited) and more than 500 islets. Divers can see a variety of sharks and rays including manta, grey reef, hammerheads and silvertips along with schools of fish and colourful hard and soft coral.
Divers will be able to experience the magnificent atolls of Fiji whilst relaxing on board the stunning S/Y Fiji Siren. She has the same specifications as her sister Siren yachts and welcomes a maximum of 16 divers on each trip. The cabins offer comfort and flexibility and can be used as twin or double bedded rooms. There is an expansive dive and leisure deck, ample space for kitting up, two high-powered Zodiacs and divers also benefit from free equipment hire and nitrox.
blue o two also offer divers the chance to stay at one of Fiji’s best kept secrets, Volivoli Beach Resort. Located on the northernmost tip of the island of Viti Levu, the resort delivers luxury with a perfect blend of white sandy beaches and coral reef, an exciting range of watersports, a sunny climate all year round and friendly Fijian hospitality and culture.
blue o two are offering customers 25% off for any bookings at Volivoli Beach Resort with an arrival date that falls between 01/12/2017 – 31/12/2017. Bookings must be confirmed by the end of September so if you wish to take advantage of this amazing offer then be quick as spaces are subject to availability.
To celebrate Fiji as Destination of the Month, the discounts continue as blue o two offer some superb reductions on board S/Y Fiji Siren which are as follows:
09/12/2017 – S/Y Fiji Siren – Beyond the Bligh (7 nights) – Was £2809 – Now £2107
The package includes: Full board accommodation (incl. tea, coffee, juices, soft drinks & local beers), all diving on air, nitrox if certified, 12lt cylinder, weights & weight belt, equipment hire (BCD, regulator, 3mm shorty wetsuit, mask, fins & boots). Given changes in exchange rates the final package price can only be confirmed at the time of booking. The price shown EXCLUDES flights and local transfers although these can be organised on request. Subject to availability. Loyalty Club Discount is applicable to this offer but this cannot be combined with BSAC discount. Loyalty Club discount on this offer is capped at maximum 5% and the additional 5% ‘Returning home’ discount may not be applied to this promotion. BSAC Discount is applicable to this offer but this cannot be combined with Loyalty Club discount. Must book by 30th September 2017. GROUP DEAL – Book FIVE spaces, and receive the sixth for FREE!
25/12/2017 – S/Y Fiji Siren – Beyond the Bligh (10 nights) – Full package with flights – £4999
The package includes: Return flights London Heathrow – Nadi, return transfers from and to Nadi airport, 10 nights full board accommodation on Fiji Siren based on double occupancy (incl. tea, coffee, juices, soft drinks & local beers), all diving on air, nitrox if certified, 12lt cylinder, weights & weight belt, equipment hire (BCD, regulator, 3mm shorty wetsuit, mask, fins & boots), 2 nights at Volivoli Beach Resort in Ocean View Room with half board (1 night before liveaboard and 1 night after), and 1 night hotel at Incheon Seoul airport on return journey. Based on double occupancy at Volivoli Beach Resort and shared transfers; single supplement will apply to individual travelers. Given changes in exchange rates and airfare the final package price can only be confirmed at the time of booking (pricing accurate as of 1/9/17). Subject to availability. No further discounts are applicable to this full package special offer (such as Loyalty Club or BSAC discount).
For further details on these offers then please contact the blue o two travel team on +44 (0) 1752 480 808 or divingholidays@blueotwo.com, or visit www.blueotwo.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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