News
Diving with… Will Stratford – Survival Dive Stop, Pernera, Cyprus
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…
What is your name?
Will Stratford
What is the name of your business?
Survival Dive Stop
What is your role within the business?
I’m the diving operations manager and the main instructor at Survival Dive Stop. I’m responsible for organising all dive activities at the centre and ensuring that all of our customers have an exceptional time.
How long has the business operated for?
Survival Sports have been operating for nearly 30 years. The diving part of the operation was fully established in 2011.
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
I have been diving since I was 11 and have now been diving for 25 years. I became a professional diver in 2000. Since then I have travelled to various parts of the world before owning an inland dive centre in the UK. I moved back to Cyprus in 2017. I mainly teach PADI courses and have been a PADI IDC staff instructor since 2008. I also teach BSAC, and PSAI for Technical diving.
What is your favourite type of diving?
I love all types of diving whether I’m guiding, instructing or just pleasure diving. Every dive with Survival Dive Stop is an adventure.
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
Survival Dive Stop aren’t just a business. We are friends to all our customers. Our friendly, relaxed, chilled dive centre keeps people coming back to us time after time. We are one of the only centres with our own on-site pool – great for confined water training. Divers aren’t just a number to us, they are a personal friend.
What is your favourite dive in your location and why?
Simple, it has to be the Zenobia. Why? The Zenobia is rated as one of the top five wrecks in the world and we are fortunate enough to be only 45 minutes away. The wreck offers something for every level of diver, from people doing their first wreck dive to the most experienced Technical wreck divers. Diving on the Zenobia is guaranteed to make every diver smile.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Whatever your request! The dive team at Survival Dive Stop will do their upmost to accommodate your requirements. We offer highly competitive guided diving, PADI & NAUI courses from complete beginner to Instructor in-house, also Technical training and diving. We are also one of the only companies in Cyprus offering inclusive dive & stay packages at exceptional prices.
What do you find most rewarding about your current role?
I love every aspect of being a Scuba instructor – it is definitely a cool job to have. I get to do something I love and earn a living from it. What’s not to love! I have to say, though, even after all these years, seeing the smiles on divers’ faces or getting a diver over a problem on a course still gives me a great feeling.
What is your favourite underwater creature?
It has to be either the Loggerhead or Green turtles. Both of which are commonly spotted on our local dive sites. Just sitting watching them is an amazing experience. At one of our dive sites the turtles are super tame and you can interact with them in their natural habitat for a truly unique experience.
Are there any exciting changes / developments coming up in the near future?
At the moment there are no big developments at Survival Dive Stop; although we are always striving to better ourselves and work hard to ensure we exceed customers expectations, time after time.
As a center what is the biggest problem you face at the moment?
Thankfully unlike other popular dive destinations, Cyprus doesn’t have any issues or travel restrictions. This makes Cyprus an attractive alternative to any off-limits destination.
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
Yes, Survival Dive Stop regularly participates in beach clean-ups, and actively promotes PADI Project AWARE. We also try to educate tourists and party boat operators the damage that they can cause when discarding unwanted rubbish into the sea.
How do you see the SCUBA / Free diving / snorkelling industry overall? What changes would you make?
Overall, the Scuba and various parts of the dive industry are in a good state. Training organisations are generally moving with the times and are introducing new programs and revamping existing ones. I’m not going to get into the politics of diving as Scuba diving is meant to be fun and enjoyable.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
As a diver do you want to dive in a relaxed friendly environment? If so, then Survival Dive Stop can guarantee you an exceptional diving holiday. With our superb value dive and stay packages starting from just €395 including 6 local shore dives and 7 nights self catering accommodation, it’s excellent value as well. Our team will tailor make a dive package to accommodate your needs and requirements.
Where can our visitors find out more about your business?
Email: divestop@survivalbuddies.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/survival.protaras
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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