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Diving with… NEW Euro-Divers Dhigali, Raa Atoll, 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?

Natalie Skipworth

What is the name of your business?

Euro-Divers Dhigali

What is your role within the business?

Dive Centre and Watersports Manager

How long has the business operated for?

1 Month!

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

12 years, PADI IDC Staff Instructor and Freediving Instructor

What is your favorite type of diving?

Wreck diving and drift dives

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

We are based on a brand new luxury resort in an untouched area of the Maldives. 1 hour away we have the world famous UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Hanifaru Bay where you can find manta rays and whale sharks feeding together, and dive some of the most unexplored reefs in South East Asia.

What is your favorite dive in your location and why?

Kinolhas Reef – because it splits into two sections so is suitable for both experienced and beginner divers depending on which section of the reef you choose you dive. You have a great chance of spotting reef sharks, octopus, eagle rays, napoleons and much more.

What types of diving are available in your location?

Drift dives, channel dives, thila dives, house reef, manta spotting and whale sharks.

What do you find most rewarding about your current role?

Seeing the beginning of a brand new resort and dive centre.

What is your favorite underwater creature?

Any kind of ray or shark.

Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?

Watch this space! We have just opened so every day is exciting!

As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?

Inclement weather during monsoon season!

Is your center involved in any environmental work?

Every day! We are always cleaning up the reef and surrounding area. We will also be taking part in the Dive Against Debris Day in September.

How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?

Full of exciting possibilities. More young people are starting to get involved and with all the new innovations in comfort and luxury, people are continuing diving later in life. I would consider making learning to dive a little less theory-based and more practical, with longer in-water sessions to achieve greater levels of mastery before certification.

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

Diving here is a unique opportunity to experience some of the best and most untouched diving the Maldives has to offer. Try fluo night diving or snorkeling, ride at top speed on a diver propulsion vehicle, snorkel with mantas and whale sharks, all on a world class made to measure high speed dive boat.

Where can our visitors find out more about your business? 

You can check out our website at www.euro-divers.com, email me on Dhigali@euro-divers.com, call on +9606586060, or message on Facebook after liking our page Euro-Divers Dhigali

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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