News
BSAC Diving Conference 2016 award winners announced
The BSAC Diving Conference 2016, held at the Birmingham NEC on 22 October, saw over 600 delegates enjoy a packed and informative programme of BSAC news, diver training updates and open forums. With an increased number of breakout sessions, impressive external speakers and – new for 2016 – an after conference dinner, the 2016 event was a sell-out.
The keynote speakers – world-renowned authority on diving medicine Dr Neal Pollock and underwater explorer and filmmaker Jill Heinerth – informed and enthralled the conference audience while underwater photographer Steve Jones entertained the after dinner crowd.
Following the event, BSAC has announced the full list of BSAC Diving Conference 2016 award winners:
COLINS & CHAMBERS OWI AWARD – for the most meritorious candidate on the Open Water Instructor course
Winner: David Humphreys
ANALOX AI AWARD – for the most meritorious candidate on the Advanced Instructor course
Winner: Alan Brown
FIRST CLASS DIVER – awarded to the successful 2016 candidates
Michelle Haywood, Philip Welch, Martin Keane, Scott Ayrey, Tim Gort, Colin Walker
AP DIVING AWARD – awarded for the most admirable performance in the First Class Diver exam
Winner: Tim Gort
NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR – awarded to the successful 2016 candidates
Dai Atkins, Simon Child, Philip Johnston, Rob Sewell
WEEZLE AWARD – awarded to the person who performs most meritoriously in the National Instructor exam
Winner: Rob Sewell
WILKINSON SWORD – awarded for the most admirable performance in a BSAC nationally assessed examination
Winner: Rob Sewell
BSAC SAFETY AWARD – presented in recognition of endeavouring to save a life without involving diving techniques
Winners: Mark Paisey , Jack Ingle, Lee Woodmass
ALAN BROADHURST AWARD – awarded for the use of good diving lifesaving techniques
Winners: Jason Tamplin, Peter Routledge, Ashley Roberts, Mark Lamb
HEINKE TROPHY 2016 – for the branch judged to have done the most in furthering the interest of BSAC and its members
Winner: East Cheshire SAC
Commended: Severnside SAC and Sheffield University SAC
BSAC EXPEDITION TROPHY – presented to the organizer of the most significant British diving expedition of the year
Winner: Sub C Divers and Bury SAC (Northern Ireland Venture 2015)
COLIN MCLEOD AWARD – to the person/s who in the opinion of the BSA Jubilee Trust has contributed to international cooperation and harmony in diving and associated activities
Winner: Dave Shaw
SCUBAPRO COUSTEAU AWARD – for the BSAC member who goes that extra mile in the promotion of the club’s aims and objectives
Winner: Russell Field
THANK YOU AWARD – presented to those leaving positions at the time of the Conference
Mike Rowley, Maria Harwood, Paul Compton, Martyn Bowie and Phil Harrison
Check out BSAC’s Facebook page for more photos and news from the BSAC Diving Conference 2016.
To find out more about BSAC, visit www.bsac.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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