News
Blue Label Diving Offering Specialised Tech Diving Liveaboard Trips
Blue Label Diving, a dive centre chain that teaches advanced diving courses and operates out of Thailand, Australia and Indonesia, are now offering specialised tech diving liveaboard trips in association with Onno Lenting from Scuba Dive Asia.
The first trip is to Truk Lagoon in May on Truk Siren. Ben Reymenants, founder and owner of Blue Label Diving, will be onboard to teach a Rebreather and Sidemount workshop. He will also be teaching the TDI advanced Wreck course over 4 days and a CCR trimix course to 60 meters over 5 days.
The Liveaboard
The Truk Siren is a 40 meter luxury liveaboard.
She offers spacious room for 16 guests in 8 cabins which are either fixed double or twin bed. She offers excellent tech diving and rebreather diving facilities.
There are also ample facilities for underwater photographers and videographers, providing both indoor and outdoor designated areas for charging and preparation of your camera and video equipment.
The liveaboard is departing from Weno directly to the main concentration of wrecks including the Fujikawa Maru, Nippo Maru, Gosei Maru, Fumitzuki and the Rio de Janeiro Maru. With over 61 sites to choose from there are no shortage of options for wreck divers.
Cruise Dates & Rates
- May 20 – 30, 2015. Regular rate is €3550
Those who book an additional course with Ben will only pay €3,195 pp for the trip.
- May 31 – June 10, 2015. We are happy to offer this to you for only €3,550 pp Back-to-back – You will get €250 discount on the 2nd trip
Advanced Wreck Course Rates
When you book the course with three people the rate is $2,500 for the group. If you book the course for one person the rate is $1,200.
CCR Trimix Course Rates
On JJ, Megalodon, Seven or Pathfinder When you book the course with 3 people the rate is $4,000 for the group If you book the course for one person the rate is $1,800 per person.
The logistics like oxygen, helium, tanks, equipment rental and scrubber have to be added and paid onboard. Exact costs for this will follow later.
Trip price includes: Essential dive equipment of Aqua Lung Wave BCD, Calypso regulator, 3mm shorty wetsuit, mask & fins. 12l or 15l aluminum tank & weights, SMB, Free Nitrox fills for all certified Nitrox divers. All meals, refreshments & snacks such as coffee, tea, herbal tea, fresh water, carbonated soft drinks, fruit juice, fresh fruit & cookies. Free local brand beer. Local transfers to/from the yacht to/from the local airport.
Trip price excludes:
International flights. Marine Park, Port Fees & Taxes – $200/ person.
Contact Onno from Scuba Dive Asia now for more info and to secure your place by emailing onno@scubadiveasia.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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