News
Announcing the Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2019
It’s been a fantastic year for video entries and a real pleasure to see them all. There have been many different styles as well as content. In general when judging the videos I look at how each film is constructed. Was there any pre-shoot planning, are the images sharp and well framed with good exposure? Has any animal behaviour been fully explored and captured rather than a simple portrait shot? Is the lighting good and the overall colour balance consistent throughout? I look at the editing skills shown as well as the style and relevance of any accompanying music. Are there titles and is there any narrative to help tell a story? I look at all these things before looking at content. Occasionally though it comes down to the films that have left the most lasting impression that have shone through.
With so many wonderful winning films in 2019 I asked Sven Harms, V.P at Pioneer Research and SeaLife imaging equipment and Sea Dragon lighting, if he would be guest judge. He kindly agreed, and with his associate Lindsay, gave the following result:
Runner-Up
April’s winner: Fiji Island by Serge Melesan
Sven: This isn’t perfect but it is very engaging… the fire dancers are a catchy start too. The reef is full of activity with many colourful and interesting critters and fish which inspires one to call their travel agent and plan a trip there!
Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2019
March’s winner: Critters of the Muck by Dean Spraakman
Sven: We like this one the most! Lindsay said it best: “it’s got a lot of creatures doing cool things.” I have to agree! This video keeps the viewer engaged and the well-lit close ups against a dark background are almost sci-fi. It’s not perfect, but very entertaining.
The bottom line is slick editing and perfect footage don’t necessarily make the winning video; in the end it’s how interesting and exciting the captures are….
Congratulations from all of the Scubaverse team to our winner and runner-up. Thank you to everyone that entered in 2019. We hope to see plenty more of your videos in 2020!
For your chance to win the 2020 title and some great gear from Scubapro and SeaLife, you simply need to enter your videos each month here: www.scubaverse.com/current-contest-video
Good Luck!
Scubaverse.com would like to say a big thank you to our Video of the Year’s sponsor, Scubapro.
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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