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DAN Appoints Francois Burman as Director of Diving and Hyperbaric Safety

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DAN

Divers Alert Network (DAN) has announced the appointment of Francois Burman Pr. Eng, Int PE (SA), BSc, MSc, MSAIME, FSAIW as their new Director of Diving and Hyperbaric Safety.

francois_bBefore joining DAN, Burman received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cape Town. He then served two years as a naval officer where he gained hands-on experience in naval engineering and ship design. He went on to become a Professional Engineer with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and Welding. In 1994, Burman joined an organization specializing in life-support and underwater engineering. Shortly after, he helped establish the first private hyperbaric oxygen therapy company in Southern Africa and was accepted into the Executive Committee of the Southern Africa Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Association.

Burman joined DAN Southern Africa in 1997 as the Operations Director. He was later appointed the CEO, responsible for all aspects of DAN and its programs. He serves on the board of International DAN and is the technical consultant for various international recompression chamber assistance programs. During his time as CEO, Burman earned a Master of Science degree in Medical Sciences (Baromedical Sciences) at the University of Stellenbosch.

In 2016, Burman was chosen as the recipient of the Wilbur T. Workman award. The award is presented to an individual who shows enthusiasm in the fields of aerospace and hyperbaric medicine and is instrumental in establishing and maintaining safety standards for the specialized field of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.

“Francois’ contributions within the dive industry, as well as the DAN organization, are significant and he brings an extensive set of skills to this position,” said Bill Ziefle, President and CEO, Divers Alert Network. “His expertise in developing safety and risk mitigation protocols specific to the dive community is unparalleled. We are excited to have him aboard to help expand our resources and take our programs to the next level,” added Ziefle.

As Director of Diving and Hyperbaric Safety, Burman will place emphasis on developing and promoting programs to improve safety through risk awareness and mitigation, reducing liabilities, preventative training, and prompting appropriate response to safety violations and injuries.

www.diversalertnetwork.org

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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regulator

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.

regulator

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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