News
SSI certify first Mares Horizon Instructors in UK
The first week of August saw the first SSI Extended Range Instructors certified on the Mares Horizon Semi Closed Rebreather. The training started at Stoney Cove and moved on to Dosthill, as SSI Horizon Instructor Trainer, Przemyslaw Kacprzak, put the group of 6 through their paces. We joined them for one of their open water training days at Dosthill.
The training included the following a mixture of academic and practical components:
- Equipment configuration session to learn the intricate details, assembly, functioning and maintenance of the SCR
- SCR Dive Planning session to learn how to safely plan SCR dives
- Academic presentations to ensure that our knowledge was instructor level
- Specific program exam
- Confined water sessions to learn the skills
- Open Water sessions to continue skill and instructor development
At the end of the week, the UK had 6 new instructors that will now be focussing on increasing their hours on the Horizon unit. The new instructors are:
Cat Braun – Tekstreme Diving (Egypt)
John Chambers – Cork Diving (Ireland)
Will Cooper – Divemaster Scuba (UK)
Andy Rose – Mares / SSI (UK)
Barry White – Fin Divers (UK)
Adam Wood – Divemaster Scuba (UK)
Cat Braun from Tekstreme Diving (Egypt) said “The training was very in-depth into the most intricate functioning of the SCR. As an instructor it was not only important for us to understand how to dive and teach the unit but more important was to understand the functions, the mechanical components and all the workings of the components.”
- The Mares Horizon SCR is easy to get familiar with and was very comfortable to dive.
- Open circuit divers should take to diving the unit with ease.
- The controller is clear to see (even in UK waters) and easy to follow.
- The SCR is super-efficient on carbon dioxide absorbent gives “real time” duration information.
- Any size cylinders can be fitted to the SCR making it super flexible.
- The flexibility on cylinders and the fact the unit is so light weight will also make it easy to travel with to other destinations.
You can find more information about courses here:
Mares Horizon
Base unit price is £3600 RRP plus £450 for optional deco kit.
For UK and Ireland course prices people should contact the following dive centres. Additional centres will be added during training programmes planned later this year.
Cork dive centre http://www.corkdivecentre.co.uk/
Divemaster Scuba, Nottingham https://www.divemasterscuba.com/
Morecambe area divers https://mad-divers.co.uk
Fin Divers, Stevenage https://www.findivers.com/
For more information about the Mares Horizon visit the website by clicking here.
Blogs
Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
News
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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