News
DAN Europe’s #WhyWeDoIt campaign spreads the passion for diving
Divers Alert Network (DAN) Europe continues to spread the passion for diving through the recently launched #WhyWeDoIt campaign aimed at celebrating and inspiring the diving community around the world. The campaign follows four international divers who share their stories on camera. Through the portal wwdi.daneurope.org the public is invited to view these stories and share their own.
“Divers are often asked questions such as: ‘Aren’t you scared? Isn’t it too risky?’. Yes, diving comes with certain risks – that’s why dive safety is important. But, as any diver will know, there are so many more positive elements. It’s an amazing experience and we want to encourage others to be part of it through the stories of four inspirational divers who answer one key question: ‘Why do you do it?’,” said Cristian Pellegrini, DAN Europe Head of Marketing & Communications.
The four divers, who are all DAN Europe members, share a deep respect for the environment. Their sense of discovery pushes them to follow their passion. Through their inspiring stories they urge others to do the same:
Jason deCaires Taylor is a British sculptor and underwater photographer. He’s the creator of the monumental Museo Atlántico (underwater museum) in Lanzarote, Spain. Jason, an environmentalist, says the Ocean is “an incredible space where I disconnect” and where he can be alone with his thoughts. His work draws attention towards various issues such as the fragility of the underwater environment. In the video he talks about the intimate relationship between people and the sea, saying: “we are as dependent on the environment as it is dependent on us”.
Alban Michon is a French ice diver and explorer who lives his life pushing his boundaries and following his passion. Alban fell in love with diving at the age of 11. Like many divers, he was inspired by the great Jacques-Yves Cousteau and, one cold December day, he decided to “see what’s under the lake”. There he discovered a “fabulous” world of reefs and colours which made him want to preserve the environment. “The world of adventure is an interesting way to show off the environment,” he says.
American scuba dive blogger Justin Carmack is traveling the world documenting the top 100 dive sites. In the video he talks about how diving changed his life and about how “completely whole” and carefree he feels whenever he dives. He feels it’s a pity that 90 per cent of the people on earth never get to see the underwater marvels. Justin explains how there’s always something new to discover underwater and there’s a whole other world down there that makes his life “a thousand times better”.
Italian freediver Raffaella Schlegel is also an underwater photographer with a special interest in capturing images of large predators in their natural habitat. She reveals that she was never afraid of sharks and is on a mission to help everyone see that they are not the evil creatures depicted in movies. Her experience with these “elegant” creatures has taught her they all have their own personality. She confesses that she prefers larger species because she feels “tiny compared to them… they make me feel in harmony with them”.
Learn more about DAN Europe’s #WhyWeDoIt campaign and view the videos on wwdi.daneurope.org.
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.
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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