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Diving with… Euro-Divers Vilamendhoo, Maldives

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In this ongoing series, we speak with the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…


What is your name?

Antoine Jegat

What is the name of your business?

Euro-Divers Vilamendhoo

What is your role within the business?

Dive Center & Watersports Manager

How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?

12 years, OWSI

What is your favorite type of diving?

Drift / wreck / macro / fluorescent night diving.

If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?

Vilamendhoo is simply splendid as white beaches, palm studded gardens, tropical lush vegetation and turquoise blue lagoons surround the island on all sides. The island is situated at the south of Ari Atoll between two channels and is about 900m in length. The transfer takes 25 minutes by seaplane.The 4 star Vilamendhoo Island Resort and Spa has been completely adapted to the needs of our guests and now features 184 single or double bungalows with perfect comfort and integration in the natural ambiance of the island.

What is your favorite dive in your location and why?

Broken Rock. This is a well known dive site in South Ari Atoll. A 2m wide canyon splits this small Thila (underwater reef) from the west towards the east. The canyon is the main attraction as its is covered with soft corals. On the north side at 25 to 30m, there are two big coral blocks with overhangs and beautiful fan corals. The top reef with intact hard corals is a perfect place to spot the huge variety of marine life present on this dive site.

What types of diving are available in your location?

Drift diving in channels, wreck dives, house reef diving, fluorescent night dives and diving with underwater scooters.

What is your favorite underwater creature?

Nudibranches

Is your center involved in any environmental work?

Beach and lagoon clean-ups.

What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?

Our diving center is centrally located on a private jetty, a few meters away from the reef on this famous diver’s island. Vilamendhoo is located directly between two channels, making the spectacular house reef very versatile and it therefore ranks amongst the best in the Maldives for diving and snorkeling.

The location on the eastern reef of South Ari Atoll guarantees a good supply of fresh water for excellent coral growth and plenty of fish. With over 50 dive sites and a fantastic house reef with ten entry points, Vilamendhoo is the perfect diver’s paradise for beginners and experienced divers.

Even the wreck ‘Kudhimaa’ is only a 30 minute boat ride away and is one of the regularly visited dive sites. South of the island you find a protected Marine Area, Khudarah Thila, an exceptional place for divers and of course the national park at the outside reef. Three times a week full day trips are offered to search for whale sharks in this area throughout the year.

Find out more about Euro-Divers at www.euro-divers.com. Follow Euro-Divers Vilamendhoo on their Facebook page or email the team at vilamendhoo@euro-divers.com. 

 

Gear News

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

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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.

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Octopus OP-30

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

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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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