News
You can have it all in Malta with Regaldive
For those who happily settle for the ‘you can’t have it all’ line on their dive holidays, then it’s time to reassess says diving holiday specialist Regaldive. With no need to compromise on price, the distance travelled, above the water activities and below the water variety, Malta offers the all-round package for divers. Just three hours from the UK by plane and costing from just £323 per person for a seven night stay including flights, there’s every reason to plan a visit.
Best visited in the season between May and October, Malta and Gozo’s clear, calm waters and sheltered bays offer the ideal conditions for divers looking to enhance their skills. The islands’ diverse award-winning dive sites offer exciting and challenging dive opportunities. Divers can take advantage of the varying depths ranging from 12 to 50 meters, while those looking to explore something unique can explore the fascinating underwater topography or admire WWII wrecks and historical artefacts.
Above the water, the Maltese islands offer plenty to keep visitors entertained after an exciting days diving. Guests can make the most of the lively atmosphere in the cosmopolitan areas, or explore the ancient streets which hide more than 7,000 years of history. With sandy beaches, pretty coves, picturesque seascapes and ample walking and cycling routes, Malta and Gozo are particularly suited to those who want to make the most of their holiday.
For those looking to immerse themselves in history both above and below the water then the wreck diving hub of Malta is the ideal base. Seven nights’ at the Sands Apartments, located in the village of St. Paul’s Bay, cost from £323 per person. The apartments are ideal for travelling divers and are located just 100 metres from the dive centre. The cost includes flights, transfers and seven nights’ room only accommodation. A six shore dive pack costs from £162 per person, to include a guide, air tanks, weights, belt and road transport, if required. Dives may be spread over the course of a holiday or combined with a day’s diving in Gozo (additional supplement payable locally €25).
For divers wanting to get away from it all, the smaller and more tranquil island of Gozo combines stunning caverns and swim throughs, with a simple rural charm. Seven nights’ at the St. Patrick’s Hotel, located on Xlendi’s bay in Gozo, cost from £401 per person, to include flights, transfers and seven nights’ B&B accommodation. A six day shore diving dive pack costs from £79 per person to include air tanks, weights and belt.
For further information or to book, visit www.regaldive.co.uk or call +44 (0)1353 659 999.
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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