News
Check out the latest diving deals from Scuba Travel including NEW Oman Aggressor
It seems our predictions of Spring were a little out of sync with Mother Nature… so if you are looking to escape the UK weather, take a look at the latest dive holiday deals from our friends at Scuba Travel and book yourself some sunshine!
Royal Evolution I Sudan Deep South I 19 April I Save £250, only £1645
The Sudan Deep South itinerary is serious about sharks. For a short window each year, the conditions in the deep south of Sudan are perfect for pelagic sightings. And by pelagics we mean the chance to dive with hammerheads, silkies, tiger sharks and even manta. Do you lust for adventure and the thrill of a lifetime? Then this is your dream Sudan itinerary.
Royal Evolution is a sleek, stable vessel that excels in Red Sea diving. Between the two sundecks and enormous saloon there is always a peaceful corner for relaxing. The bar and jacuzzi form the social hub and at the end of your day, the cabins all have aircon, ensuite, fridge and TV for your comfort.
Trip includes flights from the UK, transfers, full board and fully guided diving.
Just Launched! Mike Ward Escorted Trips 2019 I Whirlwind I 11 May or 21 September I Only £1295
For those of you who missed out on booking Mike’s 2018 trips which are now full, Scuba Travel has just launched two Northern Red Sea trips for 2019. Escorted by leading wreck expert Mike Ward, discover the secrets behind the iconic Red Sea Wrecks. Mike has accompanied over 50 trips with Scuba Travel and what he doesn’t know about the Red Sea Wrecks isn’t worth knowing!
Whirlwind is a favourite Red Sea liveaboard with Scuba Travel guests and it boasts a well deserved reputation for comfort and attentive crew.
Trip includes return flights from either LGW or Manchester, 7 nights full board and up to 21 fully guided dives.
NEW Oman Aggressor I Hallaniyat Islands I 17 or 24 March I Save £750, only £1845 boat only
Scuba Travel is super excited to introduce their latest luxurious liveaboard, the Oman Aggressor. Book now to discover the thrill of diving in this hot new region. Diving highlights are undoubtedly the opportunity to see the resident population of humpback whales but the islands are a paradise of untouched dive sites where manta, rays, reef sharks and big balls of reef fish await you on pristine unspoilt reefs.
The Oman Aggressor is a whopping 45m liveaboard with a range of cabins all boasting aircon and ensuite bathrooms. For relaxation after your dives, you have the choice of the large sundeck with shade, a jacuzzi and bar, or the spacious saloon area. There is also a complete photo video centre for any photographers on board.
Trip includes 7 nights in a deluxe stateroom on full board basis incl. soft drinks and local beer and wine with your evening meal, and up to 25 fully guided dives.
Introductory offers also available in April (Hallaniyat Islands) and in May / June (Daymaniyat Islands).
Scuba Seraya, Bali I 17 March – £1695
Discover the opulent reef dives of Bali at this premier dive centre. Based in the Tulamben area of Bali you are moments by boat from the famous Liberty wreck and rich reefs. There is also easy beach entry for divers to explore a great variety of critters just in front of the resort.
This intimate relaxed resort with only 12 bungalows is sprawled amongst tropical gardens on its own private beach. The resort also boasts a freshwater pool and beachside massage service for chill out days and the beachside restaurant offers a tasty array of International and Asian meals.
Trip includes return flights, 7 nights full board, 10 guided dives and unlimited unguided house reef diving.
Carpe Vita, Maldives I Seasonal Sensations Itinerary I December 1 I Save £350 – £2495
Wend your way between Male and Baa atolls, cherry picking the dive site highlights and including snorkelling at Hanivaru Bay in search of manta and whalesharks. Dive the east side of the atolls when these sites are at their seasonal hottest for sharks, manta and gorgeous coral reefs.
Carpe Vita goes above and beyond the usual Maldives liveaboard and has plenty of space for everyone, including a large lounge area and an expansive deck with jacuzzi and sun loungers.
Trip includes return flights, 7 nights full board and up to 4 fully guided dives per day.
To find out more about Scuba Travel and the dive holidays they offer call 0800 0728221, email dive@scubatravel.com or visit www.scubatravel.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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