News
A statement from PADI CEO Drew Richardson
These are challenging times for everyone; especially those involved in diving and travel. We have received news from many individual Tour Operators and diving businesses who, although struggling themselves, are extending help to their clients and who will need all our support to get through the coming weeks and when travel bans are lifted.
Drew Richardson, PADI CEO has also made the following statement, pledging support for PADI Members, their health, and the health of their Dive Business:
“As President and CEO of the dive industry’s leading membership organization, I care deeply about the safety of our members, the safety of divers, and the health of your business. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 is affecting communities and businesses all over the world, especially those that are dependent on travel, and the dive industry is no exception. I want to assure you that our international network of PADI® Regional Teams remain committed to supporting PADI Professional, Retail and Resort Members during challenging times like these. We’re in this together.
I’ve authorized an immediate membership support package to help stimulate business, which is detailed out below.
PADI Launches Powerful New Customer Acquisition Campaign
First, we are launching a powerful PADI Open Water Diver acquisition campaign, called Start Your Adventure. In light of the current situation where people are traveling less, this campaign is focused on eLearning, so people can start their diving adventures at home, connected to our PADI Retail and Resort membership across the world.
Unprecedented Discount on PADI eLearning
To help increase PADI Dive Center and Resort success in receiving new customers from this marketing campaign, I’ve authorized a limited time offer of 20% OFF the wholesale price of PADI eLearning® courses (pricing is valid through 30 April 2020, some exclusions apply). By stocking up on PADI eLearning codes, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can pass these discounts on to customers to help drive demand to Start Your Adventure at Home with PADI eLearning. When the situation calms, which it eventually will, these dive students will head through your doors to complete their certification.
PADI Members: Contact your local PADI Regional Manager or Training Consultant to take advantage of your specially discounted eLearning codes.
PADI Ramps Up Commitment for Major Marketing Initiatives to Boost Your Business
Because demand is down, many organizations are pulling back to cut expenses during this time of disruption and uncertainty. As your advocate, my philosophy is to invest more now to launch global activations to highly-targeted audiences in domestic and resort markets. By using paid, earned and owned media, we’ll deliver an enhanced customer experience through new campaign materials, landing pages for non-divers and Discover Scuba® Diving (DSD) participants, driving these new leads directly to PADI Members. Download the Start Your Adventure toolkit.
Safety Recommendations and Precautions
The COVID-19 situation is unprecedented in many ways, making it dynamic and challenging to navigate and manage through for everybody around the world. On the PADI Pros Blog you can find suggestions and resources for preventative best practices – during dive and EFR training and in your routine dive activities – to address the fears and concerns that you and your students may be facing regarding this issue.
On behalf of the PADI Family, I want to thank you for your continued loyalty and support. I have found over the years that in the long run, we always emerge stronger after world events of this nature. In the short run, it is difficult to appreciate this reality. I encourage each of you to please remain vigilant and take prudent actions as recommended. Most importantly, there is power in the ability to stay optimistic. The global dive industry has weathered and prevailed through many challenges throughout the years. Our united resilience during these challenges shows that we have the strength and endurance to make it through this one, too. Be well and thank you for your membership and support.
Best personal regards,
Drew Richardson
President & CEO, PADI Worldwide.”
Find out more at www.padi.com.
Source: www.divenewswire.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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