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And the BSAC Diving Conference 2013 award winners are…

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More than 400 delegates enjoying a packed programme of news, diver training and skill development course updates and open forums at BSAC’s Diving Conference which was held this year at DIVE 2013. The speakers at the conference – renowned Diving physician Prof Simon Mitchell and polar cameraman and diver Doug Allan – also went down a storm.

BSAC have revealed their Diving Conference award winners. There will be a full report and pictures from the BSAC Diving Conference 2013 in the December issue of SCUBA magazine (out from the 12th November) but in the meantime here are the winners:

BSAC AWARDS 2013

COLLINS & CHAMBERS OWI AWARD – for the most meritorious candidate on the Open Water Instructor Course

Winner: Damian Gascoyne

ANALOX AI AWARD – for the most meritorious candidate on the Advanced Instructor exam

Winner: Jason Hall

FIRST CLASS DIVER – Awarded to the successful 2013 candidates

Martin Smith, Maria Harwood, Gordon Lambert and Hubert Desgranges

AP VALVES AWARD – awarded for the most admirable performance in the First Class Diver exam

Winner: Maria Harwood

NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR – Awarded to the successful 2013 candidates

Louise Whitehouse and Michelle Kim

WEEZLE AWARD – awarded to the person who performs meritoriously in the National Instructor exam

Winner: Michelle Kim

WILKINSON SWORD – awarded for the most admirable performance in a BSAC nationally assessed examination

Winner: Louise Whitehouse

BSAC SAFETY AWARD – presented in recognition of endeavouring to save a life without involving diving techniques

Winners:

Fort William: D Sydenham, S Duncan, C Harvey, R Higgins, G Melville, P Johnson, R Douglas, K Douglas, S Gosden, R Hollstein

Wraysbury: Joanne White, Yvonne Tatchley, Mark Bruce, Paula Hutton, Mark Edwards, Paul Compton

ALAN BROADHURST AWARD – awarded for the use of good diving lifesaving techniques

Winners:

David Williams, Marian Boyde, Peter Craig, Chris Tridgell, Jackie Bush, Clive Bush; Anthony Smith; Neil Hope

BSAC EXPEDITIONS TROPHY – presented to the organiser of the most significant British diving expedition of the year

Winner: Tyneside Branch 114 (for their Skerryvore expedition to Tiree)

PETER SMALL TROPHY – for the branch who has undertaken the most worthwhile underwater project of the year

Winner: Southsea SAC (for their project ‘Kedge Hook’ – HM Landing Craft Tank 427)

COLIN McLEOD AWARD – to the person/s who in the opinion of the BSA Jubilee Trust has contributed to international cooperation and harmony in diving and associated activities.

Winner: Dr John Bevan (a founding member of the Historical Diving Society)

SCUBAPRO COUSTEAU AWARD – for the BSAC member who goes that extra mile in the promotion of the Club’s aims and objectives

Winner: Mark Wilson

THANK YOU AWARDS –

Retired from Regional Coaching positions during 2013 – Dr Pat Farrell, Mark Callaghan and Len Young

For long-standing support as BSAC liaison officer to the UKSDMC – Dr Pat Farrell

HEINKE TROPHY – for the branch judged to have done the most in furthering the interests of BSAC and its members

Winners: Oxford BSAC

Commended: Abu Dhabi SAC

SUUNTO BRANCH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2013 – nominated by their fellow branch members

New Volunteer of the Year – Angela Clewes (Chorley SAC)

Young Volunteer of the Year – Lucy Fanet (Budehaven SAC)

Event Organiser of the Year – Sandra Burgen (Bradford SAC)

Long-serving Volunteer of the Year – Paul Nusinov (Swansea Yacht & SAC)

Instructor of the Year – Nigel Hilburd (Rhondda SAC)

Branch Volunteer of the Year (general) – Dave Hoskins (Swindon SAC)

JONATHAN CRUSHER OF THE YEAR – presented to the most outstanding Volunteer of the Year

Winner: Nigel Hilburd

you can check out BSAC’s Facebook page for more photos and news from the BSAC Diving Conference 2013.

Gear News

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Octopus OP-30

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

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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

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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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.

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