News
blue o two’s Red Sea fleet gets a makeover
UK-based diving tour operator blue o two have upgraded their Red Sea fleet.
M/Y blue Fin, M/Y blue Horizon, M/Y blue Melody and M/Y Red Sea Adventurer have had a team of over 100 people working hard on each vessel over the last few months, updating both the interior and exterior of each boat.
Guests on board any one of the Red Sea fleet can spend their evenings in redecorated cabins with new fixtures and fittings, carpets and colour schemes.
The inside saloon of M/Y blue Fin in particular has been spoilt with up-to-date blinds and carpets, as well as new food and drink facilities to ensure ease for all guests making use of the saloon area at different times of the day in between dives.
Leaving the tranquil experience of the underwater world to the crystal blue surface above and on deck, a sky lounge sun deck has been created onboard M/Y blue Melody for the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day full of diving, providing a serene infinity view of the sea from mid deck surrounded by open space and brand new teak furniture.
Not only has M/Y blue Melody been fitted with a sky lounge sun deck, but the sun deck on board M/Y blue Horizon is now new and improved, extended by 1.5 metres, enhancing the infinity view of the sea from mid deck with a brand new Jacuzzi. Guests can bubble their evenings away taking advantage of the peaceful view whilst sharing their experiences from their day of diving.
Continuing the effortless layout of the vessels, bar areas in both the main saloon and on the sun deck of M/Y Red Sea Adventurer have been completely redesigned to create an open and comfortable space. M/Y Red Sea Adventurer has also received a complete new paint scheme, whilst the outside of the rest of the Red Sea fleet have been given a fresh lick of paint for an extra sleek look.
Built by divers, for divers, these incredible vessels allow guests to experience a variety of the top dive sites in the Red Sea. Basking in spectacular scenery and gliding above the rich and diverse ecosystem, the Red Sea is unique with a marine paradise that offers some of the most spectacular diving in the world.
blue o two provides a selection of itineraries to choose from ensuring everything that the Red Sea offers is included in an exciting trip for all. From the famous Northern Wrecks & Reefs to Daedalus & St Johns in the South, divers will witness the wonders of nature and experience a trip of a lifetime.
For more information about blue o two and their scuba diving holidays, visit www.blueotwo.com. Alternatively, contact the blue o two team by emailing divingholidays@blueotwo.com or by calling +44 (0)1752 480808.
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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