News
Enter Monthly Underwater Photography Competitions with Wrecks of the World
Wrecks of the World is one of the most inspiring underwater photography groups in the global diving community. The Facebook group was founded by Christian Llewellyn after he went on a liveaboard trip in the Red Sea.
“Since my first wreck dive in Barbados on a Greek freighter named the Stavronikita, I was hooked on these amazing objects found under the sea,” said Christian. “I was left with so many questions – how did they get there? Who was the crew? What was the cargo? How long had they been there? So much history, mystery and adventure, which really inspired my diving career.”
“When we started I had already joined a few photography groups but I thought it would be great to create a Wreck photography group where people could engage in sharing healthy and productive conversations, posting their images in a safe environment, providing information for others, travel info, marine life found on wrecks, the history and any skills or equipment needed or used to capture wreck images, which has resulted in truly improving people’s photography and diving.”
Christian says that as divers and underwater photographers we are guests in a fragile underwater world and we must not tamper so others can enjoy them in the future. We must always remember marine and Wreck conservation is our own duty to follow.
In the near future Christian will be starting a new Wrecks of the World t-shirt line, a website with wreck directory, expedition trips to visit wrecks of the world, and at the end of the summer season there will be a splash in competition weekend in Malta, where you can dive some amazing wrecks in the perfect clarity of the Mediterranean sea. While on land you can enjoy the local scenery, cuisine and hospitality of all the local Maltese dive centres and businesses.
Wrecks Of The World Photo Championship 2017
Monthly competitions are open to all members of the Wrecks Of The World wreck photography group on Facebook. Whether you are an amateur photographer or a seasoned professional, all members are welcome to enter the competitions, and it is OK if you use a compact camera, a GoPro, a DLSR or a mirrorless camera system. Everyone who enters has the chance to win an amazing Wrecks of the World T-shirt in their choice of colour.
So hunt through your hard drive and find your best photographs using a model whilst wreck diving and post it on this month’s event wall, where you will find all the information, rules, prizes, the Wrecks of the World competition table plus nearly four thousand like-minded people from around the globe who simply love wrecks.
Also remember that every competition throughout the year will work on a point system, which concludes at the end of the year with a special live online ceremony with the highest scoring member being crowned the Wrecks Of The World Champion of the year, receiving a special mystery grand prize. You can watch the Wrecks of the World 2016 Championship Ceremony movie at the end of this article.
April’s theme: “Wreck modelling”
Capturing a diver as a model can help or actually detract your photograph. There is a subtle balance needed to compliment the two focal points simultaneously, which should result in a seamless well-balanced image. From a simple photograph of a diver which lets the viewer gaze at the shear scale of a wreck, to a well planned complex narrative being produced through the combination of an interesting angle, use of leading lines, colour, lighting and contrast.
All should show a diver having a passive interaction with a wreck.
The judges will be looking for your photograph to show use of a model, which compliments the environment and a visitor admiring it. A photograph that might inspire divers to try wreck diving for the first time or to make non-divers want to engage with the image, it’s history and possibly left wondering what it would be like to visit one of these time capsules.
Wrecks of the World Links:
Wrecks Of The World photography group
Here’s the Wrecks of the World 2016 Championship Ceremony movie:
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.
-
News2 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months ago
Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago
2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced