News
Diving with… Ahmet Durmaz, Sailing Liveaboard Okyanus JD, Turkey
In this ongoing series, we speak to the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…
Ahmet Durmaz
What is the name of your business?
We are J-Diving and Tourism LLC in Turkey.
What is your role within the business?
I am the owner of my company.
How long has the business operated for?
Since 2006.
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
I have been diving since 2000. I am SSI AOWI and CMAS 1* Instructor.
What is your favorite type of diving?
I like each type of diving as long as it’s away from mass diving tourism. I like diving slowly and enjoy each moment underwater.
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
I am the only Sailing Dive Liveaboard in Turkey where I can bring together diving and yoga. Divers may attend our special diving and yoga tours. Divers who would like to be away from mass diving tourism may attend our tours. On the other hand, starting this year I will offer yoga and breathing techniques to divers after each dive briefing to prevent back pains while getting ready and after diving. Divers will overnight in beautiful bays and wake up in amongst wonderful scenery each morning.
Non-Divers are very important for us. They can swim freely since our waters don’t have any dangerous species. Our SUP’s can be used each time cost free. And we like hiking on the hills after diving.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
ATABOL Reef is my favourite dive place. It is rich with groupers & barracudas and it has incredible underwater topography.
What types of diving are available in your location?
We have reefs and drop-offs.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
I am always with my guests on my boat. I work for my guest’s happiness. I don’t leave my guests to others’ hands. I practice my yoga almost every day and my guests may join me. I love to take them hiking on the hills. We also snorkel together.
What is your favorite underwater creature?
Groupers.
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
We have applied to the Turkish Navy to get old ships for artificial reefs.
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
Over-fishing and spear-fishing.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
We have applied to the Turkish Authorities to prevent over-fishing and spear-fishing in our region. We have also been cleaning underwater when we see any garbage and also doing beach clean up in the coves during our dive season.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
Scuba Diving centres are struggling hard to increase the number of licenced divers. The problem is how to keep divers active. In Turkey most of the daily dive centers are offering equipment for free. They do not rent equipment like us. But they miss the point that the more divers have their own equipment the more they would like to go diving. Seeing dry dive equipment at home encourages divers to go diving. Freediving is attracting more interest recently. I am offering my Sailing Dive Liveaboard to Freediving Instructors so that they can organise their own tours.
In Turkey we need urgent measures to protect our country underwater. Our waters are very clean, visibility is sometimes up to 50 meters and water temperature is good. We only need protected dive sites.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
As J-Dive Turkey, we are specialized in Sailing Dive (Scuba and Freediving) Liveaboard in Turkey.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
Phone / Whatsapp +90 533 480 81 45
Social Media : OKYANUS JD
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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