News
Deptherapy announces NCVO membership as part of exciting expansion plans for 2017
Diving rehabilitation charity Deptherapy is pleased to announce its membership of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
This announcement comes at the start of an exciting year for Deptherapy in which the charity will introduce more injured ex-servicemen to the benefits of diving than ever before.
Joining the NCVO is an important step for the charity and shows its commitment to building the strongest foundations for the future. Deptherapy joins the ranks of 12,500 voluntary sector organization NCVO members across England. NCVO Membership gives access to resources and expertise that is an invaluable aid to ensure charities like Deptherapy maximise their potential for their beneficiaries.
As part of its membership of the NCVO, Deptherapy has also committed to gaining accreditation using the Practical Quality Assurance System to obtain the PQASSO Quality Mark. Working towards this nationally-recognised award, which is endorsed by the Charity Commission, means Deptherapy will undertake a programme of vigorous assessment over the next 12 months.
“Working towards the PQASSO Quality Mark is important to us as both a means of analysis and a way to continuously improve the quality of our service,” explains Dr. Richard Cullen, Founder and Chairman of Deptherapy and Deptherapy Education. “Our eventual achievement of the Quality Mark will offer external verification of the robustness of our charity and will demonstrate that we have systems and processes in place that are fit for purpose and meet the highest standards.”
As well as this work behind the scenes, 2017 will see Deptherapy get an unprecedented number of injured ex-servicemen into the water. Places on the Deptherapy courses are in high demand and the charity will run two Open Water and Advanced Open Water programmes at Roots Red Sea in May and October this year.
These programmes are mostly funded by Deptherapy’s partnership with the Royal Foundation’s Endeavour Fund and will cater for 20-25 divers. This funding has also resulted in the purchase of several dry suits to allow more experienced programme members to start UK diving and progress their continuing education.
Other courses already planned for 2017 include a Mental Health First Aid for the Armed Services Community Course in February and two Deptherapy Education Professional Courses in April and May for Dive Instructors and Dive Masters wanting to learn about adaptive teaching.
Planning has also started on Deptherapy’s major 2018 expedition to Truk Lagoon, which has been funded by the Chancellor of the Exchequer using LIBOR funds. This funding will allow the charity to run two build-up programmes in 2016: a wreck liveaboard in the Red Sea and a further developmental programme later in the year.
Key to Deptherapy’s continued expansion in 2016 and future success is the charity’s commitment to constant improvement. “The Board of Deptherapy prides itself on our quality of business planning and service delivery,” says Dr. Richard Cullen. “By joining the NCVO and submitting the charity for accreditation this year, we have committed to ensuring our system and processes are simply the best.”
For more information about the work of Deptherapy and Deptherapy Education visit www.deptherapy.co.uk.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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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