News
Deptherapy team herald most successful training programme yet
A team from scuba diving rehabilitation charity Deptherapy has recently returned from their largest ever and most successful programme yet.
14 wounded in service veterans, all suffering from life changing mental and/or physical injuries, took part in the Deptherapy programme in May at Roots Red Sea, El Quseir, Egypt.
Six veterans successfully completed the PADI Open Water course with five of these continuing on to qualify as PADI Advanced Open Water Divers during the week. A further five completed their PADI AOW Diver course and Deep Specialty. All 11 completed their Enriched Air/Nitrox Course and experienced a night dive at Roots house reef.
Three of the wounded in service veterans assisted in the training programme as Instructors and Dive Masters. The teaching team included Chris Middleton, who lost both legs in Afghanistan and has subsequently worked through the Deptherapy programme from Open Water to Divemaster, as he aims towards his ultimate goal to become the first double amputee PADI Instructor.
Andy Searle, another bilateral amputee who assisted on the programme said:
“If you had asked me just over a year ago if I would be helping to teach fellow veterans to scuba dive I would have laughed. Last week I had that opportunity. How does that feel? I’m not sure I can answer that as my emotions run so high. I have been supported in and out of the water by the Deptherapy team, who have changed my life. To help others, my injured brothers in arms, is just the greatest honour.”
The work of Deptherapy and Deptherapy Education does not stop when the veterans exit the water and return back to their daily lives. As well as life changing physical injuries, 80% of the programme members suffer from acute PTSD and can be considered “hard to reach”. The charity provides 24/7 support to programme members before, during and post diving through the Deptherapy Buddy Peer Support system.
On this trip, one individual disclosed that he had not left the house for the past six years; another, that this had been the first time since his injury and diagnosis of PTSD that he has been able to talk about what happened to him.
With such high stakes it is no surprise that most of those wounded in service veterans who take part in the Deptherapy programme consider it a life changing and pivotal moment in their rehabilitation and return to civilian life.
Jon Beever was medically discharged from the Royal Engineers and last year suffered a serious motorcycle accident in which he and his girlfriend came close to death. He attained his OW and AOW on this trip and had this to say:
“The Deptherapy programme has given me an insight to the real me and shown that I can do whatever I put my mind to. This has affected me deep down and taught me that it’s great to talk. Deptherapy provides an enriched environment where mental illness and physical injuries mean nothing. It teaches that you can do, that you can speak your problems through… and delivers what it says on the packet.”
Chris Ganley, formerly of the 1st Battalion The Rifles and who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, resulting in him losing an arm, qualified as an OW and AOW on this trip and said:
“It has been an incredible experience… diving is like entering another world. An exceptional experience that will stay with me for my life. The support the team give you is beyond description. Deptherapy say they are a family; I am now a part of that family.”
Dr. Richard Cullen, Founder and Chairman of Deptherapy and Deptherapy Education and who led the programme added:
“I am not sure that words can adequately describe our programme this May. It was amazing and humbling, inspirational and life changing, emotional and ultimately, a massive success… Deptherapy and its members are indebted to everyone who took part in the programme and our dedicated support team; particular thanks go to Roots Red Sea, PADI, Thomas Cook Airlines and the Royal Foundation’s Endeavour Fund whose funding allowed the programme to take place. This was an experience never to be forgotten.”
During the programme, the 14 wounded veterans also joined local Egyptian schoolchildren in Hands Across the Sands. This international event sees people come together to join hands, forming symbolic barriers against spilled oil to promote a clean energy future.
The Deptherapy team is now working towards their next training programme, a liveaboard for 12 wounded in service veteran divers in the Red Sea in June, as well as continuing their active support for all those who have already taken part in the charity’s programmes and become part of the Deptherapy family.
For more information about the work of Deptherapy and Deptherapy Education visit their NEW website at 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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