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Diving with… Seminole Scuba, Florida, USA

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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?

Paul Shepherd

What is the name of your business?

Seminole Scuba

What is your role within the business?

Owner

How long has the business operated for?

16 Years

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

27 Years, PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer

What is your favorite type of diving?

Coral Reefs

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

Florida has an amazing Spring network which offers us lots of crystal clear fresh water diving. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other we are perfectly positioned to offer an experience to both as well.

We also offer a lot of International trips that are all guided by our team of experts and that allows us to travel safely to some of the most remote locations in the World. We have recently dived Raja Ampat, Komodo, Africa and Fiji. Soon we are off too Micronesia, Africa, Antarctica, Galapagos, Philippines, French Polynesia and South Africa for the Sardine Run.

What is your favorite dive location and why?

Indonesia, for the diversity.

What types of diving are available in your location?

Florida Springs offer clear water for recreational diving and caves for the more adventurous.

Then the Gulf of Mexico is popular with spearfishermen.

The Atlantic Ocean has fantastic reefs and wrecks all up the coast.

What do you find most rewarding about your current role?

Introducing new divers to the other 70% of our planet and introducing people to new experiences in various parts of the world.

What is your favorite underwater creature?

Nudibranchs

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

The new trip schedule:

  • Truk Lagoon October 2017 (5 Spots available)
  • Africa November 2017 (Sold Out)
  • Antarctica January 2018 (2 Spots available)
  • Africa November 2018 (Sold Out)
  • Philippines Malapascua and the Visayas January 20th – 30th 2019 (14 Spots available)
  • Arctic May 2019 (6 spots available)
  • Galapagos July 2019 (Sold Out)
  • Africa October 2019 (14 spots available)
  • Galapagos March 2020 (14 Spots available)
  • French Polynesia September 2020 (22 Spots available)
  • Raja Ampat January 2021 (14 Spots available)
  • Sardine Run June 2021 (8 Spots available)
  • Maldives October 2021 (22 Spots available)

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

Keeping people interested in diving. There are lots of options out there for people and keeping them diving is becoming more and more difficult.

Is your center involved in any environmental work?

We work a little with Project Aware and then on our big trips we try to work with a charity/conservation company in country to make a donation or try and help in other ways. For the Africa trip we are working with the David Sheldrake Wildlife Trust.

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

It’s improving! The industry was always run by hobbyists who generally had no clue about business. That is slowly changing. The fiscal crisis helped remove some of them but there are some still remaining. Just because someone has been diving for a long time does not mean they know anything about business… I think newer companies like Huish are beginning to work that out where as some of the older companies need to bring in fresh blood.

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

We offer a great escape from Disney to those travelling to the Orlando area as well as some world class diving.

Where can our visitors find out more about your business?

www.seminolescuba.com or email Dive@seminolescuba.com
Tel: 407-333-8856
If in the Orlando area come by the fully stocked shop: 3869 Lake Emma Road, Lake Mary, FL, 32746.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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