News
Blue O Two brand to continue as Blue O2 Ltd goes into administration
It was announced late yesterday afternoon, 15 November 2021, that UK-based Tour Operator Blue O2 Ltd had sadly gone into administration, another casualty of the COVID pandemic. The much-loved and well respected Blue O Two brand will, however, now continue with Scuba Tours Worldwide Ltd adopting the name and re-branding.
Existing customers are invited to visit www.blueotwo.com for more information or email support@blueotwo.com.
Here is the full statement we have received from Blue 02 Limited:
Dear Customers and Friends
In 2003, we created a company around our love of diving. During this time, we have facilitated more than two million dives for our customers, to some of the best diving locations around the world. It’s been a journey of many highs. And more recently, some significant lows – none of our own making.
Our Greatest Ever Challenge
Covid-19 presented us with the greatest challenge in 18 years of trading. The UK has had the most stringent of travel restrictions in place. They have been consistently changing, hard to understand, and made it almost impossible to deliver what you all love doing the most – diving.
With limited tailored support for our sector, livelihoods and families were affected across the entire travel industry.
The battles we have fought personally coping with the last 20 months of disruption have given us many sleepless nights.
During this period of huge uncertainty, decision-making has been very difficult. In fact, we wished on many occasions we had a crystal ball. Team members have got used to decisions one day having to be reversed overnight – depending on global government guidance andupdates, in particular the UK travel restrictions.
Your Support
During a very challenging 20 month period, you have been very patient with us and in some cases have had your holiday rescheduled; in some circumstances, several times. We have felt and shared your pain and always tried to do our best for our customers. We are extremely grateful for the support and understanding you have given us.
We also want to acknowledge and thank our fellow team members from the bottom of our hearts for all the hard work and change they have put up with over the past 20 monthsof COVID disruption. We ask that you all be understanding and respectful to them all through this difficult time. Please be gentle with us…
Our Love for Our Customers and our Brand
Throughout this period, our commitment to our customers has never wavered.
We were ecstatic when the UK government removed travel restrictions and we were able to operate again. And recent feedback from you, our friends and customers, made it all worthwhile.
One of our core pillars is ‘One team, being the best we can be’. You, our customers, drive us on to live this truth every day. You are a part of our DNA. Many thousands of you come back to us time and time again and for this we can’t tell you how grateful we are.
We have done everything we can to keep the Blue O Two brand alive – one that both you and we love.
We have given it our all and always remained determined and hopeful. It’s our life’s work and we couldn’t have done it without you.
Recent Changes and Updates to the Travel Industry
Recently, our ATOL license was renewed by the CAA – the travel industry regulator.
Although we were granted a new license to provide packages including flights, the CAA, with consumers best interests in mind, imposed conditions on Blue 02 Limited’s ATOL license. This, as well as refunding many millions of £s, has made it difficult for the Directors to see a way forward for Blue 02 Ltd which protects the interests of our customers in the current COVID climate.
Given the financial damage caused by the pandemic, and despite our relentless best efforts to save Blue 02 Ltd, unfortunately, and with regret, the decision was made to cease trading on 15th November 2021.
A New Hope
The reality of life beyond Blue O Two, our life’s work, was hard to contemplate. In fact, putting that previous sentence into action is the hardest thing we have ever done.
So we are delighted to say that the Blue O Two brand lives on under Scuba Tours Worldwide Limited – which now trades as Blue O Two. We will continue to operate and provide scuba diving liveaboard holidays with the same devoted team of people.
As such, we will be able to provide some existing holidays booked with Blue 02 Limited as planned, to some customers. If you have a live booking or credit note, to see how you are affected by this news, visit our website for more information or email us on support@blueotwo.com.
We have opened our hearts to you many times over the years. We have been on many journeys together. And we will continue to dive the world together. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and disruption this situation has caused. We can only hope for your understanding and continued support as we recover from the unprecedented challenges of COVID.
With best wishes,
Jason Strickland and Nathan Tyler
Welcome to Day 4 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Thalassas Ocean-Inspired Apparel
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
Dive into comfort and style with Thalassas! Featuring T-shirts, hats, leggings and more, each piece is designed to bring the tranquillity and beauty of the sea to your everyday life. Whether you’re lounging by the coast or exploring city streets, our gear has you covered.
Your purchase has a purpose! A portion of every sale supports beach cleanup initiatives and organizations.
HOLIDAY BUNDLE PRICING STARTS NOVEMBER 18th!
This holiday season, we’re offering bundle discounts on our best-selling tees, hats, and leggings! Mix and match to create your perfect set – and enjoy savings when you buy more. It’s the perfect time to stock up on ocean vibes for yourself or the diver in your life.
🌊 Holiday Bundle Discounts: Save More When You Buy More! 🌊
Don’t miss out, these deals won’t last long! FREE SHIPPING on all orders in the USA.
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
XDEEP Navy Signature Hoodie
info@nautilus.uk / XDEEP on nautilus.uk / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
The long-awaited XDEEP Signature hoodie is finally available! Apart from being super-trendy, it’s also quality stuff: made in EU of 100% premium cotton with solid japan-made YKK metal zippers.
The main features of this stylish hoodie are the following:
– 100% cotton
– Strong metal zipper
– High-quality print
– Made in EU
Furthermore, all XDEEP hoodies and t-shirts (including fabric) are manufactured in EU using top quality 100% cotton.
The XDEEP Signature Hoodie is perfect for keeping warm and looking trendy at the same time.
To find out more about XDEEP products, visit www.xdeep.eu.
Nautilus are the distributor for XDEEP and other leading dive equipment brands in the UK. Find out more about Nautilus brands at nautilus.uk/our-brands.
info@nautilus.uk / Buy in the UK / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
Oceanarium Regulator Bags & Octo Holders
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Oceanarium products offer great gifts for all lovers of life underwater, including unique designs of regulator bags, octopus holders, gear tags & cloak towels.
This range brings fun & enjoyment to your dive making your kit distinctive.
Check out the very popular regulator bags available in 6 designs, including the Oceanarium Whaleshark design, as well as the two new designs of Octopus Holders; Pygmy Seahorse & Jellyfish.
Buy a Christmas gift for a friend and make them smile… Diving is Fun!
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Fourth Element Pelagic Dive Watch
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
The Pelagic dive watch from fourth element combines British design with Swiss-craftmanship in a hand-built automatic watch which captures the essence of classic scuba-diving timepieces.
Named after the vast reaches of the open ocean, the Pelagic combines exceptional craftmanship with high-specification engineering. Designed in the UK and hand-built in Switzerland, it is rated to a depth of 500m. The Pelagic features a stunning automatic movement, seen through the sapphire crystal glass case back, powered by a Swiss made precision self-winding movement. This is a watch suitable for the most extreme environments on Planet Earth.
The Pelagic has a brushed stainless-steel case with the choice of 22mm silicone/rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet. It features a helium escape valve, positioned at 9 o’clock ensuring that this watch is even equipped for saturation diving. The watch features a unidirectional black ceramic bezel, allowing maximum dive times to be planned, luminous hands and markers and date function.
Design detailing includes ‘fourth element’ engraved on the rotor, buckle (on the silicon/rubber strap version) or clasp (on the brushed stainless-steel version). The crown features the fourth element icon representing the four elements earth, air fire and water.
The Pelagic watch is packaged using only recycled materials (recycled PET) and FSC certified paper and card, demonstrating fourth element’s continued commitment to its OceanPositive mission.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
– Movement: 26 Jewel Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic with hacking function
– Water resistance: 500m / 1640ft
– Helium escape valve: 9 o’clock
– Crown: screw down locking
– Case width: 44mm
– Case thickness: 14mm
– Shatter and scratch resistant sapphire crystal
– Lug to lug: 52mm
– Case material: 316l brushed stainless steel
– Bezel: 120-click unidirectional with black ceramic insert
– Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 on markers and hands
– Strap: 22mm silicone/rubber strap or brushed stainless steel bracelet
– Warranty: 2 years
– Swiss made
RRP: GBP £1475 / USD $1975 / EUR €1795 / AUD $2950 / CAD $2595
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
Nautilus Seascape Mask & Clamshell Case
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
The Nautilus Seascape single lens mask builds on the experience of proven design with the latest technology.
The ultra soft liquid silicone skirt and strap ensure this frameless mask gives the best fit whilst ensuring a wide 120 degree field of vision.
The antislip buckles means the strap stays where set it and the ultra clear, high vision tempered glass means virtually all light passes through to your eyes.
A substantial nose pocket means that equalising is a joy and that, combined with comfort, makes this the ideal mask for most divers.
To find your nearest Nautilus dealer, click here.
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
Welcome to Day 3 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Beuchat Voyager XL Travel Bag
info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.beuchat-diving.com/gb / Beuchat Facebook
The Beuchat Voyager XL travel bag is ideal for diving expeditions or other trips, with practical trolleys and two spacious compartments.
Large XL travel bag designed to meet all your travel needs, whether it’s a diving expedition, a scuba-hunting trip or any other adventure. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Here are the characteristics of the VOYAGER XL-BEUCHAT bag:
Big storage capacity
- Volume: 130 L
- Dimensions: 75x47x39 cm
- Weight: 3,6 KG
- Thanks to its large capacity, you can transport your equipment and personal items efficiently and comfortably when you’re on the go
- Beuchat Shell Case: semi-rigid, thermoformed EVA protective shell that combines lightness with extra protection for the contents of the bag during transport, handling and rolling.
- Padlock eyelets
- Molle system for attaching external accessories
- Inside mesh side pocket
- Two separate large interior compartments
- Backpack straps
- Telescopic pole
- Made in Ripstop, 600 denier and 1000 denier nylon/PVC: lightweight, highly resistant fabric
- Zipper protection for central compartment: shifted inwards to prevent rubbing on the ground
- Replaceable trolley wheel
info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.beuchat-diving.com/gb / Beuchat Facebook
AP Diving BCDs
sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV
Here’s some more inspiration & top-end gift ideas for the diver in your life…
Treat them (or yourself!) to a brand spanking new BCD from the AP range? Maybe a new Commando, Tekwing or Explorer? Or one from our lightweight Travel range – the Travelwing or Escape?
AP BCDs have been the gold standard for UK and northern European divers for over 40 years. They are designed by divers for divers, built to last and built for adventure and honed to perfection over the years by listening to what divers actually want.
From now until Xmas you can grab a 10% discount on any AP BCD. (see below for details)
Check out the AP BCD pages online for the full story:
https://www.apdiving.com/shop/en/bcd-open-circuit/bcds.html
GRAB A SEASONAL DISCOUNT on any AP BCD, AP Ratchet Reel or AP Surface Marker Buoy!
Enter the Voucher Code AP-XMAS-24 at the checkout online to get 10% off.
Offer ends 19th Dec. Last postage dates vary with the carrier and destination. If in doubt, please check with the AP office 01326 561040 for up-to-date delivery information.
sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV
SlipIns Swimsuits
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
The SlipIns Swimsuit is the perfect surf suit. Even in the heaviest surf or wipeout, the suit stays put. It is fabulous for all water shorts like snorkelling, paddling, kayaking, swimming or just lounging.
This tight-fitting, tailored lycra swimsuit offers 4-way stretch for maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the worlds best sun protection is the most comfortable suit you will ever put on.
SlipIns are:
*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays
*Quick dry, breathable lycra fabric
*Flattering fit
Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!
SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
Icelandic Wool Gloves, Socks & Blankets
by KUBI
sales@KUBIstore.com / www.KUBIstore.com / Varma on KUBIstore / KUBI on Facebook / KUBI on Instagram
KUBI have worked closely with a quality manufacturer in Iceland to bring you a range of products made from very hardy & warm wool produced in the country.
We offer a range of Socks & Blankets, as well as our very popular Thermal Gloves from Iceland.
Socks are available in Icelandic Wool & Angora Wool in a mixture of colours & sizes to suit your requirements for winter.
We also stock the luxurious Icelandic brushed wool blankets, ideal for wrapping yourself up and snuggling in on a chilly evening.
Not forgetting as well, our outstanding Icelandic Wool KUBI Gloves, the most popular in our range
Ideal gifts for everyone this Christmas with – The Warmth of Iceland!
sales@KUBIstore.com / www.KUBIstore.com / Varma on KUBIstore / KUBI on Facebook / KUBI on Instagram
-
News4 weeks agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs3 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News2 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Sharkpedia
-
Gear News2 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News1 month agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News2 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
News2 months agoComing Soon – 52 Assignments