News

DEMA reveals the latest recipients of the Reaching Out award 2014

Published

10 years ago

July 9, 2014

On Monday 7th July, this year’s recipients of DEMA’s ‘Reaching Out’ Award for 2014 were announced. The award presentation itself will take place at a dinner event on November 21, 2014, to celebrate the achievements of three individuals who have contributed greatly to the world of diving as each has a strong passion for the sport.

Each year this celebration of scuba is built around a theme. This year that theme happens to be ‘Hitsville, USA‘ taking those present back to the many glorious hits of Motown. The Joint, a wildly entertaining venue at The Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, will be the setting for the event. An energetic crowd is sure to be on hand to give their support and appreciation to the winners.

Patrick Hammer was so enthralled with diving at an early age that he became a dive instructor in the 70’s and enjoyed it so much that he formed his own dive club, drawing in over 150 members to enjoy the sport with him. From then on he was addicted to diving and went on to open his own dive store which turned into five stores by 1982. He found his niche in the industry with search and recovery. It so intrigued him that he went on to work for several fire departments which then led into developing safety procedures on proper search and body recovery techniques. It has been a long and exciting road for Patrick Hammer and he has written over 40 specialty dive programs. The accomplishment that he may be most proud of is his ‘Our World Underwater‘ consumer show that has become a tradition year after year, and over time, it has been labelled as the largest consumer dive event in the Midwest. He encourages kids to explore the world of recreational diving and he is a generous contributor to the Tim Early Foundation which is a very active non-profit organization promoting educational dive programs for children and supporting various dive programs, such as research of Lake Michigan shipwrecks.

Hammer’s contributions don’t stop there. He has also co-founded the Ralph Erickson Foundation whose goal has been to help diving enthusiasts in underprivileged areas start their scuba career through a grant program that helps provide access to equipment and training. Underprivileged youth and young adults, in multiple locations in the Caribbean, have reaped the benefits of Hammer’s philanthropy. He has written 2 skin diving manuals, two operations and resort training manuals, other articles and has contributed to worldwide diver training programs including serving on the board of the PADI Retail Association Board, Coral Reef Alliance, Aqua Lung Advisory Board and DEMA Board of Directors. Patrick Hammer can look back with self-satisfaction and deep fulfillment for all that he has done and how far he has come with more adventures ahead of him.

The other recipients are a duo that have traveled extensively together all over the globe with a passion for sharing their underwater explorations through photographs, lectures and all things ‘scuba diving.’ Alese and Mort Pechter have fervently shared their years of findings with scientists and writers. They have made scuba diving the family sport that it is today. The couple are special teachers, creating a curiosity in children to draw them into the world of scuba diving and all that it has to offer. They work extra hard to promote ocean conservation and the Pechters’ children’s book, What’s In The Deep, has received newsworthy acclaim including being chosen as a Public Broadcasting System Reading Rainbow selection. It was the first ocean-oriented book directed towards young children using actual photographs of the underwater world. You can’t miss their names as authors in popular publications of Underwater USA, Caribbean Travel & Life, Dive Training and Sport Diver. Their scientific explorations have taken them to serve as Fellow National members in the Explorers Club. The Pechters belong to the National Marine Education Association, Historical Divers Association and Oceanography Society. Alese was even chosen as a charter member for the highly prestigious Women Divers Hall of Fame. Honors over the course of their careers include the United Nations Environment Program, and they were even recognized by the US Navy as Honorary Deep Seas Divers. They were also honored by the South Florida Police Search & Rescue Teams, were selected as the Photojournalists of the Year in 1996, and were awarded the 2003 NOGI for Distinguished Service.

These individuals come with highly expert qualifications and a desire to share scuba diving with the entire world. They are shining stars with a love of the ocean and we all celebrate their successes.

For more information, visit www.dema.org.

Source: www.examiner.com

Gear News

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

Published

2 days ago

December 18, 2024

Team Scubaverse

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.

regulator

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.

regulator

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.

regulator

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.

regulator

Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

regulator

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

Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

Published

3 days ago

December 17, 2024

Team Scubaverse

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.