News
blue o two announces M/Y blue Voyager’s move to the Maldives and competition
In response to the increasing popularity of the Maldives and the wishes of the blue o two customers, blue o two have announced that M/Y blue Voyager will be moving from her home in the Red Sea and relocating to the pearls of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives.
Refurbished in 2015 ready for her move to the Maldives, M/Y blue Voyager is a 37 metre, steel hulled vessel that boasts three spacious double and ten twin cabins. She features a separate outdoor dining area, bar and sky lounge, as well as a Jacuzzi. All cabins are air-conditioned with modern and comfortable interiors and fittings, en-suite bathrooms, and in-cabin entertainment.
Now welcoming 26 divers on board, M/Y blue Voyager is an ideal diving liveaboard for the Maldives. Her steel hull will provide additional stability sailing around the Maldivian atolls. She has been fitted with new twin 600hp Cummins engines, providing additional dependability when compared to a single engine vessel.
Company director Jason Strickland says: “We are very excited for M/Y blue Voyager’s move to the Maldives. The Maldives is one of the finest diving destinations in the world, and we are thrilled to be able to expand our blue o two fleet in this stunning destination. We look forward to welcoming you all on board!”
To celebrate M/Y blue Voyager’s grand voyage, blue o two are offering you a chance to win two spaces on board the newly refurbished vessel once she arrives in her new home in the Maldives. To enter for a chance to win, simply offer up a guess as to how many hours it is going to take for M/Y blue Voyager to travel from Hurghada in the Red Sea all the way to Male in the Maldives. To submit your guess, visit the blue o two Facebook page and enter via the Competitions tab. Enter how many hours you believe this grand voyage will take, and the closest guess to the actual time taken will win a holiday for two to the Maldives. Should more than one person guess the nearest number of hours, the winner will be drawn at random from the blue o two hat.
Enter the competition through the blue o two Facebook page, or see the blue o two website for more information on how to enter and for full competition terms and conditions.
For more information about M/Y blue Voyager or to book your place onboard, contact the blue o two team now by calling them on +44 (0)1752 480808 or email info@blueotwo.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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