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Divetech’s Nancy Easterbrook to be inducted into Cayman’s Scuba Diving Hall of Fame

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Hall of Fame Cayman Islands

untitledCayman dive pioneer Nancy Easterbrook, owner of DiveTech, will be honored for her contributions to the dive industry at the 2015 International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) induction ceremony in Grand Cayman October 2.

A long-time core member of local dive leadership, Easterbrook is one of three local and five international honorees to be recognized at the ceremony, the highlight of Cayman’s 2nd annual Legends and Lions scuba diving festival.

“I am humbled to be included with so many icons in the industry that I look up to, and many of whom have guided me,” said Easterbrook.

Easterbrook began diving in 1973, and bitten by the diving bug, moved to Grand Cayman with her kids in 1994 and started Divetech. Over the past 21 years, Nancy has developed Divetech into a leading dive training facility and topnotch dive operation. She pioneered technical diving, Rebreathers and free diving, and she has made conservation and ocean education a priority. Easterbrook spearheaded an 8-year project to bring the USS Kittiwake to Cayman as an artificial reef.

To celebrate Divetech’s 20th anniversary in 2014, Nancy and her husband Jay sank the Guardian of the Reef statue just off their dive shop at Lighthouse Point in Northwest Grand Cayman. A portion of each fee for diving the site goes to ocean conservation efforts and education. Divetech sponsors the West Bay Eco Warriors, an after school program for local kids to learn to swim, snorkel and dive.

“Our children’s diving programs are all about the next generation of divers. It’s the coolest sport in the world for young and old,” says Easterbrook.

A dedicated environmentalist, Nancy has been a pillar of support for enforcing conservation guidelines and organizing local beach and underwater cleanups as well as other programs and events. In 2014 she received the Governor’s Conservation Award for the Cayman Islands. Easterbrook is also a member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame.

Gladys Howard and the late Dr. James “Jimmie” Poulson will also be recognized at the induction ceremony, which caps off a month of dive specials and events hosted by various dive operators and hotels including: Red Sail Sports, Sunset House and Divetech. Package prices vary and include:

  • Seven nights accommodation
  • Six two-tank dives
  • Photo Clinic with the option to submit photos for the final week competition
  • Scuba social – e.g. catamaran to Rum Point Club for a beach barbeque
  • Lionfish seminar with Lionfish dive
  • Treasure hunt or similar activity
  • Equipment manufacturer’s demo

Divers who book the package for the final week will also attend the induction ceremony on October 2. For more information visit www.caymanislands.ky/divecayman/consumer.aspx.

Gear News

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

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regulator

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.

regulatorregulator

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.

regulatorregulator

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

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

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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