News
Dive Show Report: Singapore Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 2014
The ADEX show was held from the 11th to the 13th April at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore. The venue is right on the Marina with stunning views of the city and bay. A huge very upmarket shopping mall is right next door packed with restaurants and top end labels.
The show itself kicked off on the Friday with an awesome performance from Baracuda Batucada on the main stage. When the doors opened the show soon filled up with people, from those who were looking to start diving to full blown diving legends!
There was certainly plenty to do when inside. There was a vast array of dive retailers selling everything from wetsuits to rebreathers, at very good prices. Mares and Scubapro had huge booths showing off their latest products as well as Halcyon with their very cool BCD wing designs, Fourth Element, Poseidon, and many more. Tour operators, Liveaboards, Resorts and clubs from all over the world were out in force. The Indonesia Tourism board had a great booth with resorts, trips and liveaboards from every corner of Indonesia all under one roof. The photo zone was very popular with lots of goodies to buy from the guys at ScubaCam – no real new photographic technology at the show but certainly some impressive equipment to spend your hard earned cash on (like the Nauticam Super Macro Convertor). Seacam had an impressive booth with a stunning gallery of Aaron Wong’s recent work, as well as the owner of Seacam, Harald Hordosch, who was there to answer any questions.
A highlight of the show was the guest speakers. In the photo zone there were continuous photographic talks on a range of subjects from some of the industry’s biggest names – Aaron Wong, Michael Aw, William Tan, Imran Ahmed, Christian Vizil and Jason Islay were just some of the very inspirational photographers who spoke at the show.
It wasn’t just in the photo zone where there were some big names speaking; on the main stage were some true legends presenting. These included Great White Shark Pioneer Rodney Fox, Coral Reef Ecologist Dr Mark Erdman and Dr Tom Goraeu, President Of Conservation Of The Global Coral Reef Alliance.
As well as the speakers other activities included Scuba and rebreather try dives. Ocean Artists painted a huge piece live at the show.
Saturday and Sunday proved especially busy with the booths receiving a lot of attention. The show shut its doors Sunday evening after a really great weekend with exhibitors jetting back to all corners of the globe. The organizers predicted around 30,000 visitors for the weekend, and judging by how many were passing by, I think they probably reached that.
ADEX proved to be a great weekend with a vast range of exhibitors and speakers combined with an awesome location, making this a must visit show in every diver’s calendar.
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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