News
Double Platinum Status Award for Pro Dive International’s Course Directors in Mexico
Pro Dive International, one of the Caribbean’s most established PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts and recognized Career Development Centers, have announced that both of their Course Directors Angel Navarro Moya and Jo Armitage have been awarded the prestigious Platinum Status from PADI for their outstanding instructor development achievements during 2015, which is Angel’s ninth, and Jo’s third consecutive year.
The Platinum Award is the highest accolade awarded to only a few Course Directors worldwide each year for their instructional achievements and commitment to professional-level educational excellence.
Pro Dive International is the only PADI CDC in Mexico and North America with two permanent Platinum Course Directors on staff.
Husband and wife team Angel Navarro Moya from Spain and Jo Armitage from the UK run PADI Instructor Development Programs in Spanish and English for Pro Dive International in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Their reputation is well-deserved for providing high quality training with an emphasis on thorough preparation of their candidates for careers in the scuba industry, resulting in passing rates of their candidates that are second to none. Angel also runs Instructor training programs for Disabled Divers International and heads Pro Dive´s technical training team.
With annually 8 IDC´s involving more than 70 candidates, Jo and Angel lead the way in Divemaster and Instructor training in the Riviera Maya, and are always looking for ways to improve and enhance their programs. With almost 5000 certifications between them, Angel and Jo always strive to pass on their passion and teaching tips to their students.
“I was thrilled and honored to receive my Platinum Status Award from PADI again this year,” says Angel. “Having taught in many places around the world I can confidently state that The Riviera Maya is one of the best destinations for professional-level training and career prospects, thanks to its climate, location, sea-life and unique cenotes and caves. Thanks to our hard-working team we are able to give our students training of unrivaled quality and the very best start to their diving careers.”
The NEXT IDC with Jo & Angel is scheduled for APRIL 13th, with five more planned in 2016. They are primarily held at Latin America´s leading instructor training facility featured by the coveted Occidental Allegro Playacar Resort, located at one of the finest white sandy beaches on the Riviera Maya.
Renowned for excellent quality in providing first class adventures including diving in the CENOTES, with BULL SHARKS, at WRECKS & FAMOUS WALLS in COZUMEL, SAONA & CATALINA islands, as well as Safaris with WHALE SHARKS, SAILFISH & HUMPBACK WHALES, Pro Dive International, founded in 2003, is the official onsite water sports service provider for several 4-5* RESORTS along the RIVIERA MAYA & COZUMEL/ MEXICO and in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.
Everything under one roof, Pro Dive International´s head office in Playa del Carmen/ Mexico features a multilingual reservations team taking direct bookings for diving, hotel accommodation, the VIP stay & dive concept ULTIMATE DIVE EXPERIENCE at Allegro Cozumel (unique in the Caribbean!), LIVEABOARD options in collaboration with AGGRESSOR FLEET/ SILVER BANK and NAUTILUS EXPLORER/ SOCORRO & GUADALUPE, transfers and cultural tours, also providing services to international dive travel agencies, an equipment maintenance department, excursions team and own competitive transportation system available to provide airport and hotel shuttles.
For more information, please visit Pro Dive International’s website www.prodiveinternational.com, or inquire by email at info@prodiveinternational.com.
For their GoPro programs contact info@idcmexico.com or visit www.idcmexico.com.
Pro Dive’s Facebook Pages with lots of pictures and info is located at:
www.facebook.com/ProDiveMexicoOfficialFanPage
https://www.facebook.com/prodivedominicanrepublic
https://www.facebook.com/Pro-Dive-International
Pro Dive’s Twitter Account is https://twitter.com/Prodivemexico.
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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