News
New Red Sea liveaboard: M/Y Scuba Scene
Introducing M/Y Scuba Scene, the latest diving liveaboard setting the highest standards for liveaboards in the Egyptian Red Sea, with regards to comfort, safety, attention to detail, honesty and transparency. M/Y Scuba Scene is available exclusively in the UK through Oyster Diving.
Beautifully laid-out and appointed across her four decks, the 43m, steel hulled Scuba Scene is both spacious and comfortable – with each cabin affording guests their own fridge, en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning.
Other on-board facilities include two large ice machines, sundecks, bar, professional coffee and espresso maker, camera tables, as well as lots of international power charging stations and places to store valuables. While a washing machine and dryer mean guests can bring fewer clothes to reduce their luggage weight or bring more of their diving kit!
When it comes to safety, Scuba Scene is fitted to the most rigorous safety standards, including life jackets, life rafts, oxygen and medical first aid, as well as smoke detectors, fire alarms and fire extinguishing systems across the boat.
But what really sets this liveaboard apart is the team who run it, two of the most well-known faces in Red Sea Diving, Ahmed Fadel and Dr. Elke Bojanowski.
Ahmed, an experienced Tech instructor up to Advanced Trimix, has been a guide on liveaboards for over 21 years and is the author of the book ‘Southern Red Sea Dive Guide’.
Elke, having completing her Ph.D in marine biology, set up and now runs the Red Sea Shark Trust, which today boasts the biggest database for Oceanic Whitetip Sharks in the world. Little wonder she is better known to many as ‘The Shark Lady’.
Elke’s shark weeks are renowned for her fascinating talks; underwater she seems to attract the sharks and is only too happy to share her passion and knowledge.
Since January 2019, all dive guides working on Liveaboards in the Egyptian Red Sea have had to attend a mandatory seminar on guidelines and safe diving practices for interactions with Oceanic Whitetip Sharks. The seminar was written and presented by Elke and has been attended by more than 1400 guides and other dive professionals to date.
Both Ahmed and Elke will be running trips focusing on their respective specialities, Tech and sharks, offering additional information and education for their guests on-board Scuba Scene.
A week on Scuba Scene is about having an experience you can cherish and remember forever. Itineraries include Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone, Daedulus & St. Johns, Shark Weeks, photography weeks with Duxy, and classic North & Tiran trips. All itineraries are tech-friendly, and special Tech trips are on offer.
Prices start from £1,000 per person for a week including transfers to/from the airport, 7 nights’ accommodation in a twin room, meals and snacks, water, soft drinks, tea & coffee, 12ltr tank and weights, marine park and port fees.
Mark Murphy, the Managing Director of Oyster Diving told us:
“We are thrilled to be working with Ahmed and Elke, and Scuba Scene. We have run many trips with them over the years and customers always tell us how fantastic they are and what an amazing experience they’ve had. The fact that they now manage their own liveaboard means they can introduce all of the finer details that customers have told us they would like over the years but aren’t on existing Red Sea liveaboards. We can’t wait to start sending people on their incredible adventures so they can experience the best way to see one of the world’s greatest diving destinations.”
Due to the still fragile situation of the travel market – even after implementing the new traffic light system with its three-weekly reviews, Oyster Diving are opening up bookings for their dive safaris on board M/Y Scuba Scene in Egypt from October 2021 only.
Divers making bookings at this point are not required to make any deposits, but will be expected to honor their reservations, unless Egypt’s status changes from amber to red at any point from their booking until the departure of the trip.
Divers are encouraged to arrange any bookings through Oyster Diving, giving them the option to book packages including flights while enjoying the financial protection of a fully bonded tour operator.
As Ahmed Fadel, technical instructor and manager of M/Y Scuba Scene explains: “We strongly feel, that this is the most honest and fair way to deal with our valued guests in this period.”
The 2021 & 2022 schedules are published on the Scuba Scene website at www.scubasceneliveaboard.com/trip-schedule.
Or visit www.oysterdiving.com/trip/scuba-scene-egypt or call 0800 699 0243 for more information.
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.
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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