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blue o two present their brand new technical diving itinerary

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blueotwo_logo_hi_res_2013_cmykUK-based dive tour operator blue o two have announced their brand new technical diving itinerary in the Red Sea, ‘North Red Sea by Tekstreme Diving’.

Technical diving is fast becoming a popular extreme sport with divers looking to go that bit deeper, for that bit longer and see that little bit more in a safe way. Join blue o two with Tekstreme and travel along stunning walls, through deep wrecks and into silent canyons that are teeming with marine life; that’s the incredible journey and adventure offered to you with Tekstreme.

Guests that book onto this itinerary on board one of their newly updated Red Sea fleet vessels will have the chance to dive and explore the northern end of the Red Sea where the area is especially rich in coral and other marine biodiversity, as well as a great mixture of wrecks. This northern technical safari will feature a variety of diving locations including the Wreck of the Lara, Wreck of the Gulf Fleet and Thomas Canyon.

Itinerary highlight Wreck of the Lara lays on the north side of the Jackson Reef where the skeletal remains of the mysterious Lara wreck live. A unique dive, Wreck of the Lara provides divers with open bulkheads and debris fields to explore. A highly technical dive due to the position of the wreck, Wreck of the Gulf Fleet is adorned with beautiful corals, with lionfish and Napoleon Wrasse regularly spotted making home here.

Divers on this brand new itinerary will also have the chance to explore Thomas Canyon which ranges 40 – 90m and is home to three impressive arches. There is a variety of marine life on the main reef wall and sightings of tuna, fusiliers and blue fin are common.

Begun in 1997 as a TDI facility, Tekstreme Diving has grown substantially over the years and is now one of the only active BSAC technical training facilities in Egypt. In 2011 it was awarded the PADI TecRec Centre rating and in 2012 became a representative for the ever growing technical services offered by SSI from entry level through to Instructor trainer levels. From entry level divers to expedition divers, OC or CCR, Tekstreme Diving provides a custom service for all the technical diving community with no compromises made.

technical divingEstablishing herself over the last 14 years as one of the leading organisers of technical diving expeditions within the Red Sea, Cat Braun of Tekstreme Diving offers bespoke specific technical safari trips covering the length of the Red Sea. As an International Technical Training Director for SSI, Cat has been directly involved in the development of the Extended Range programmes on a global scale to ensure that the training content meets the highest standards of safety and ensure the level of technical instructors throughout the agency. Through her OC and CCR technical instructor levels within TDI, PADI TecRec and BSAC, Cat has a broad knowledge of the various approaches to technical training that each agency brings to the table and is able to provide the blue o two guests with this same approach.

Cat said; “I am continually looking forward to the future and am very excited that Tekstreme Diving are now able to offer blue o two customers our services within Egypt and on a worldwide scene.”

This new itinerary offers the perfect opportunity for technical divers to explore some of the most renowned technical dive sites in the Red Sea.

For more information about blue o two, their ‘North Red Sea by Tekstreme Diving’ itinerary and scuba diving holidays, visit www.blueotwo.com. Alternatively, speak to their expert travel team by emailing divingholidays@blueotwo.com or by calling +44 (0)1752 480808.

Main photo: www.charleshood.com

Photo of Cat Braun: Frogfish Photography

Gear News

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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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