Connect with us
background

News

Diving With…. Cipooz Guadez, Atlantis Azores Liveaboard

Published

on

In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…

What is your name?

Cipooz Guadez

What is the name of your business?

Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards

What is your role within the business?

Cruise Director at Atlantis Azores. I am responsible for all onboard hospitality and dive activities.

How long has the business operated for?

The Azores started life with Atlantis in January 2010, so we are ten years old.

How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?

I first went diving in 1999 and really loved it. I then became an Instructor in 2014.

What is your favorite type of diving?

Muck Diving is my top pick, but drift diving and night diving are also my favorites.

If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you, what would it be?

The People, the authentic Filipino hospitality and service, where guests go first before we do. Our experienced staff have been with us for decades and that makes you feel like a homecoming on your return. And, not to mention the diversity of reefs and Island culture; it’s an authentic tropical island paradise experience.

What is your favorite dive in your location and why?

Our locations offer a variety of diverse underwater seascapes. From dynamic drop offs, flat reefs or slopes, and each place offers a different experience from great muck dives, schools of fish, to big stuff like whale shark and mantas. They are all my favorites.

What types of diving are available in your location?

I am lucky as we dive three separate itineraries through the year – so I get to dive most of the Philippines! Almost all types of diving are available, from reef dive, wreck, drift, night dive, from shore to boat dive, we love doing it…

What do you find most rewarding about your current role?

The best reward is getting paid to do what you love, meeting different people and connecting with them and sharing the passion of diving and lifestyle.

What is your favorite underwater creature?

I love the encounter of gentle giants like Mantas and Whalesharks but I always enjoy the small critters too, especially nudibranches.

Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?

There is always a rainbow after the rain. I have always believed that every trial and tribulation that has come has a purpose. Coping and overcoming all of this makes us more driven and motivated to move forward. I am excited for the next chapter after this and will embrace it strongly.

As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?

As our world is facing this health crisis, all are affected; normal life and businesses are interrupted.

Is your center involved in any environmental work?

Our center works with researchers and ocean advocates and is involved in helping and protecting our environment, especially our ocean.

How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?

I hope not much changes except being aware that this pandemic taught us a lot and we should better protect ourselves and others.

What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?

Our mother Earth is healing, and let’s heal together with it. The ocean is our sanctuary, diving is one of our therapies.

We are ready and prepared to welcome you back with us.

Where can our visitors find out more about your business?

Website: www.atlantishotel.com/dumaguete-resort/

Facebook: @atlantisdiveresorts


Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

Published

on

regulator

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.

regulator

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.

regulator

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.

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.

regulatorregulator

The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

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.

regulatorregulator

Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

regulator

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.

www.dynamicnord.com

Continue Reading

Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

Published

on

paul watson

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.

Continue Reading

E-Newsletter Sign up!

Instagram Feed

Shortcode field is empty!Shortcode field is empty!

Popular