News
Diving with… Rolf Schmidt, Sinai Divers – Egyptian Red Sea
In this new 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?
Rolf Schmidt
What is the name of your business?
Sinai Divers
What is your role within the business ?
Owner and Managing Director
How long has the business operated for?
We have been operating in Sinai since 1975 under the name Aquanaut Red Sea. Since 1987, we have operated as Sinai Divers in Sharm with branches in Dahab, Marsa Alam and Aqaba / Jordan.
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
Since 1973, CMAS 3 * Instructor, 1984 Naui Instructor
What is your favorite type of diving?
Tropical Oceans for sure, but Cenotes / Mexico as well. Walls, drop offs, coral gardens, drift and blue water 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?
My wife Petra and I lead the Sinai Divers operation with over 40 years of experience in Red Sea diving. Knowledge, consistency, friendly and experienced multilingual staff and perfect organisation are the main reasons why you should choose Sinai Divers. With diving centres in Sharm el Sheikh and Dahab in South Sinai, in Aqaba /Jordan and our own Dive Resort with 50 rooms ‘The Oasis Dive Resort’ in Marsa Alam in the South of Egypt’s Red Sea Coast we are able to offer the widest variety of Red Sea diving.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
There are several… Jackson reef in the straits of Tiran is a world class dive with drop offs at one side and the chance to see hammerhead sharks, plus the most amazing coral garden at the southeast. For sure, also Ras Mohamed with its 500m wall and schools of pelagic.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Wall, drift, night, wreck , coral gardens. We offer boat and shore diving.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
The daily direct feedback from your guests after a great day of diving. Also, the bond we share with them with our common love for the oceans and our sport.
What is your favorite underwater creature?
There are many since most of them are special. For sure sightings of manta, a whale shark or any sharks are amazing… but to watch a cleaner wrasse cleaning a grouper is just as rewarding.
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
The travelling ban of several countries including the UK and Russia. There are not enough direct flights from Europe and the general worry of people to visit Egypt.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
Yes, we support Sea Shepherd, Reef check and RSEC (Red Sea Environment Center).
How do you see the Scuba / Free diving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
The Scuba Diving industry is more or less at a standstill for a long time – no real growth and there are many new other, more active and cool activities attracting young people such as rock climbing, kite surfing, surfing, trekking etc. Political unrest in many countries with great diving prevent people to travel there.
I think we need better marketing with a focus on younger travellers. The repeat clients and experienced divers know where and to whom they will travel for diving. They do not need to be convinced .
Free diving is getting more popular.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
We have some of the best diving in the world combined with very professional operations, a huge variety of hotels and resorts for very reasonable prices and a short travel time from Europe.
To find out more about Sinai Divers please visit www.sinaidivers.com, see their Facebook page or email info@sinaidivers.com.
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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