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Announcing the Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2016

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Winner Chosen by our panel of experts:

Jeff Goodman, Scubaverse.coms Editor-At-Large and resident underwater videography expert

Sven Harms, Managing Director of SeaLife Cameras

Luke Inman, Photographer, Film Maker and PADI Course Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winner: The Sea by Ronald Faber

Winning Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gVgk7lTMp0

Scubaverse.com’s Jeff Goodman got together with Sven Harms from SeaLife Cameras and Photographer and Film Maker Luke Inman to pick their favourite videos of 2016. An excellent year for Scubaverse’s monthly video competitions with many outstanding films being entered. In fact the entire overall standard was extremely high and we have enjoyed watching them all.

Here are each of our top three videos put in order and with comments on each:

First Place: The Sea by Ronald Faber

Jeff’s comments:

Over the course of the year there were two films that stood out for me. “I remember” by Matthias Lebo and “The Sea” by Ronald Faber. I do realise that these two films are both in the same vein and deciding which was to be the winner was quite difficult. But in the end it came down to “The Sea” by Ronald Faber. A good story, well shot and planned with excellent music and narration. An emotive film that makes the viewer think again about the true nature of the sea.

Sven’s comments:

Good introduction – Engaging story line – Large variety of sea creatures  – Good color balance – Fluid camera movements – Clear and concise voiceover.

Luke’s comments:

The winner for me is The Sea by Ronald Faber. It is very engaging, in fact my only criticism would be it has not been edited for “Safe Broadcast” – the whites are a little blown out, but for an Amateur video that is not important. Voice over is good, camera movements are good, variety, but most importantly it is engaging, it holds my attention (which is very difficult, I am Mr A.D.D). I am not aware of what camera was used or the system to edit, but the story is so engaging all this becomes irrelevant as the story dominates, as stories always should with any film.

Second Place: “I remember” by Matthias Lebo

Watch Mathias’ video here.

Jeff’s Comments:

As always with your films Matthias, this was truly well conceived and planned. Beautiful narration and sentiments. Excellent choice of music and well shot. Just one thing though, I was expecting the diver to be a lady as the narrator was giving such a personal account. Perhaps the man’s voice would have been better with these images.

Sven’s Comments:

Sven actually put this film as 3rd and says:

Creative introduction and story line – Variety of sea creatures – Fluid camera movements – Clear and concise voiceover and exciting background music.

Luke’s Comments:

I thought this was a good music choice, possibly the best. It had simple elements like good camera movement, and again the story wins! The story wins! Story is most important.

Third Place

Here is where the judges parted ways and gave three different results. “Dive Belize” by Curtis Lahr, “I remember” by Matthias Lebo and “Nightvision, a magical night dive” by Klemens Gann:

Jeff’s Comments:

“Nightvision, a magical night dive” by Klemens Gann artistically portrayed a wonderful selection of night time animals. All very well shot with emotive music.

Sven’s Comments:

“I remember” by Matthias Lebo. – Creative introduction and story line – Variety of sea creatures – Fluid camera movements – Clear and concise voiceover and exciting background music.

Luke’s Comments:

“Dive Belize” by Curtis Lahr. Excellent transition from topside to underwater. Excellent colour balance and fluid camera movements.

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Congratulations from all of the Scubaverse team to our winner and to our runners-up. Thank you to everyone that entered in 2016. We hope to see plenty more of your videos in 2017!

As our 2016 Video of the Year Winner, Ronald will receive an exclusive Scubapro Travel Kit, which comprises of a SeaLife Micro HD+ Action Camera, a Scubapro Mantis M1 Dive Computer, and lots more (full details of the prize can be found here).

For your chance to win the 2017 title, you simply need to enter your videos each month here:

www.scubaverse.com/current-contest-video

Good Luck!

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Scubaverse.com would like to say a big thank you to Video of the Year’s sponsor, Scubapro.

Jeff is a multiple award winning, freelance TV cameraman/film maker and author. Having made both terrestrial and marine films, it is the world's oceans and their conservation that hold his passion with over 10.000 dives in his career. Having filmed for international television companies around the world and author of two books on underwater filming, Jeff is Author/Programme Specialist for the 'Underwater Action Camera' course for the RAID training agency. Jeff has experienced the rapid advances in technology for diving as well as camera equipment and has also experienced much of our planet’s marine life, witnessing, first hand, many of the changes that have occurred to the wildlife and environment during that time. Jeff runs bespoke underwater video and editing workshops for the complete beginner up to the budding professional.

Gear News

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

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regulator

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.

regulator

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.

regulator

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.

regulatorregulator

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.

regulatorregulator

Octopus OP-30

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

regulator

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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