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Courtyard by Marriott Bonaire and Dive Friends Bonaire Unveil Brand New Dive Facility

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The Courtyard by Marriott Bonaire has unveiled a 3200 square-foot retail dive center at the hotel near the Flamingo International Airport. The new facility was designed and created in conjunction with Dive Friends Bonaire, the largest provider of scuba diving and related services on the island. A gala unveiling ceremony to celebrate the opening was held at the facility last Friday evening.

According to Director of Hotel Sales Mingli Chung, the new facility was designed with scuba diving guests in mind. “The Courtyard Bonaire provides guests with all the amenities, benefits and comfort expected from a Marriott property. Our new dive center provides the added convenience, service and expert knowledge that guests who dive also demand. We are pleased to offer this added benefit for our hotel guests and are honored to be opening our Dive Center together with Dive Friends Bonaire.”

The 140-room Courtyard Bonaire represents two significant “firsts” in the local Bonaire market. The new hotel, which opened in December, is the first US-branded hotel to open on Bonaire. In addition, the property is the first Courtyard by Marriott in the world to open an on-site scuba diving center.

Dive Friends Bonaire, a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center, will provide full-time staff, equipment, training and technical expertise at the Courtyard Bonaire property. Dive Friends Bonaire, which has six different dive facilities (soon to be seven) and four retail shops strategically placed across the island of Bonaire, can handle virtually any diving-related request, equipment or training need with its team of dedicated professionals.

“This facility allows Dive Friends Bonaire to provide even better service to visitors coming to Bonaire,” said Pascal De Meyer, General Manager. “We are proud of what Dive Friends offers our diving guests and this new facility is an extension of that commitment. We look forward to building on our partnership with Courtyard by Marriott with this new facility.”

The new retail facility offers a complete selection of equipment, diving accessories, training materials, accessories and much more. In addition, there is an on-site classroom, secure locker facilities for gear storage and the capacity for two convenient “drive-up” stations for air and nitrox tanks.

Courtyard Bonaire offers diving guests the unique opportunity to use Marriott Rewards points for their stay AND the unique opportunity to earn bonus points when booking nights at the hotel. There are multiple package programs available for all levels of scuba divers.

Source: www.divenewswire.com

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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paul watson

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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