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DAN Europe VP Laura Marroni Inducted into Women Divers Hall Of Fame

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DAN Europe’s Exec. Vice President Laura Marroni has just been inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF), in recognition of her efforts to promote diving safety.

The WDHOF announced the selection of seven new Members last December 8. The newest inductees have been celebrated during an official ceremony, which was held on March 23, 2024 at Beneath The Sea, Meadowlands Convention Center Seacaucus, New Jersey (USA).

“I feel deeply grateful and honored for becoming a member of the Women Divers Hall Of Fame, a prestigious organization composed of amazing women who dedicated their lives to the underwater world”, declared Mrs. Marroni.

”I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful people who supported my nomination: Dan Orr, Betty Orr, Alessandro Marroni, Jarrod Jablonski, Michael Menduno, Morne Christou and the now fellow sister Chantelle Taylor-Newman”.

“Over the past few decades, much has been done to increase the safety of our sport” – continued Mrs. Marroni. “This includes divers’ education, procedures, and technological advancements in scuba gear, but also emergency response, scientific research and first aid training for diving accidents. Today, I am particularly proud to be able to work with our extended team of DAN researchers, analysts and volunteers on new projects focusing on enhanced dive profiles analysis and new telemedicine tools, for the benefit of the community”.

Laura has grown up by the sea, and embarked on her diving journey at the tender age of eight. Today, she stands as a highly skilled technical and cave diver, and a fervent advocate for advancements in the safety of professional and recreational diving. After earning a Bachelor of Economics and MBA, she started serving as Executive Vice President at DAN Europe, taking the lead in various research projects focused on understanding the physiological effects of diving on the human body. Her ultimate aim is to enhance safety measures in all types of diving and make diving an increasingly accessible and sustainable activity.

The six other fellow sisters who will constitute the Class of 2024 are: Ronnie Damico (Instructor, Scientific Diving Officer, NAUI Board Member), Elizabeth Kintzing (Educator, Scientific Diver, Ocean Advocate), Mikki McComb-Kobza (Explorer, Conservationist, Educator), Robyn McGinn (Navy Diving Program Manager), Penelope “Mossy” Powell (First Woman Cave Diver, posthumous), Samantha Whitcraft (Conservation Biologist, Oceans Advocate, Environmentalist).

About WDHOF

Founded in 1999, the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) acknowledges women divers who have made outstanding contributions to the exploration, understanding, safety and enjoyment of our underwater world. WDHOF supports the underwater world and its associated careers by promoting opportunities in diving through grants, scholarships, internships and mentoring, as well as providing a worldwide network of industry contacts. There are 263 Members in the Hall, hailing from 30 U.S. states and Territories and 22 countries worldwide. New Members are selected on an annual basis.

About DAN Europe

DAN Europe exists to assist and protect all divers through the most extensive and reliable network of diving physicians worldwide. The organisation is known to offer the community pioneering services, including the first-ever insurance designed specifically for divers. DAN also conduct scientific research to better understand diving physiology and share that knowledge with the goal of making diving a safer, more accessible activity. First aid educational programs have been developed, to preserve life in and out of the water. We recognise the unique beauty and fragility of the Blue Planet, and act as ambassadors for more sustainable practices within our community.

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.

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.

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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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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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