News
Diving with… Virginie & Rémi Granger, Cabrits Dive Centre, Dominica
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…
Virginie & Rémi Granger
What is the name of your business?
Cabrits Dive Centre Ltd, Portsmouth, North Dominica
What is your role within the business?
We are the 2 owners.
How long has the business operated for?
It opened in 2000, we bought it in February 2017 and restarted it in June 2017.
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
We started to dive in 2009. We are FFESSM Instructors 2*, CMAS 3*, we are PADI Instructors and Virginie is MSDT.
What is your favorite type of diving?
Reef diving, wreck diving and finally every kind, we just love to be 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?
An exceptional destination off the beaten track, Dominica is a delight for all those who like exploring underwater depths, whether snorkeling or with tanks. The area near Portsmouth offers a magnificent variety of unspoiled underwater wealth of fishes and corals which is rare to find. Seahorses, frogfish, morays, barrel sponges, tube sponges and massive coral reefs animate these waters. Eighteen large sites have been identified by the past dive centre and there are still many to be discovered.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
Toucari – The topography is really special, which means a multitude of refuges for underwater life and abundant marine life.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Coral Gardens, arches, tunnels and a great pier.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
To share our passion with others, and show our underwater wonders.
What is your favorite underwater creature?
Shrimp, frogfish, octopus, turtles,…What we like the most to watch is the underwater creature’s behaviours.
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
3 hotels are coming soon, and a restart of the nearby university.
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
No problems at the moment, but maybe soon, it will be to find good employees.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
We do regularly beach cleaning, and underwater clean-ups. After hurricane Maria, we have done a voluntourism package and included a lot of clean-ups, specially at Toucari bay.
How do you see the SCUBA / Freediving / snorkeling industry overall? What changes would you make?
We did not have time to develop these activities very much. For the next season, we should have an freediving partner who should bring us new divers.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
Stunning underwater worlds where flora and fauna flourish present a great richness that is unique to this part of the world.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
You can reach us on our website: www.cabritsdive.com
or on facebook : www.facebook.com/CabritsDive/
or on whatsapp : +1 767 276 53 73 / +1 767 617 40 77 / + 33 6 72 41 23 73 / +33 6 63 61 41 43
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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