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EXCLUSIVE: Scubaverse talks to SSI about their big announcements at this year’s DEMA Show
Following Scuba Schools International’s big announcements at this year’s DEMA show in Las Vegas, we caught up with their UK Manager Richard Corner to ask him to tell us more about the training agency’s rebranding, ‘Digital Learning, Real Diving’, and their new Open Water Diver Programme.
Scubaverse: There were some big announcements from SSI at DEMA 2014 last month; let’s start by talking about the rebranding. What motivated SSI to give its brand a facelift?
RC: The SSI purchase by HEAD was seen as a major stepping stone in both brands’ histories, so we decided to give the logo a change to set the new company apart from the old. The entire organisation was getting a ‘facelift’ so it seemed right to give the logo a ‘facelift’ at the same time. Once the logo change had been confirmed the design of the new logo was aimed at making it easier to read and more modern looking, but at the same time keeping it recognisable with the old. In addition we wanted some similarity to the mares logo (fonts and colours), so the two become recognised and associated with each other.
Scubaverse: You launched ‘Digital Learning, Real Diving’ at this year’s DEMA Show. What is it?
RC: In a nutshell ‘Digital Learning, Real Diving’ is the launch campaign of our new digital programme which goes live in January. We wanted to make a lot of noise about the development of this extra content as this is a new direction for digital tools in the diving industry.
Scubaverse: What sets ‘Digital Learning, Real Diving’ apart from the digital programmes the other training agencies are offering?
RC: Digital courses are not new, and most other training agencies have some kind of digital offer; in fact SSI have had digital options for a number of years. But like most other agencies the current SSI online training doesn’t include most of the nice features you would normally expect from a recently developed and purposefully designed app. This new digital programme is unlike anything seen in the diving industry to date. The manual has been completely redesigned to work as a digital tool with integrated videos. In addition, the app is not just designed as an extra marketing tool for our dealers; it is also an awesome tool for divers, as it will give you one of the best digital log books developed to date, keep all your training records in one place and enable the student to communicate with their instructor directly through the app. The app will scale to fit any device, can be used on and offline and works with Android and Apple. By the end of 2015 we will have all courses and all languages available.
Scubaverse: SSI also launched a new Open Water Diver programme at DEMA – what’s new about the course?
RC: The new SSI Open Water Diver programme is based on an “Integrated Learning System”. Measures of testing are strategically placed throughout the program to assess the quality of new divers experiences. The program links physics and physiology to why and how equipment plays an important role in a new diver’s comfort and confidence underwater – it’s REALDIVING! It also deals with the reason why you go diving — to have fun! You’ll find the course clear, concise, and enjoyable. Customers will look forward to each section as they take their first step toward becoming a well-trained SSI diver and their lifetime of adventure. With the evolution of digital learning, SSI has effectively mastered the uses of technology to strengthen the learning experience, anytime and anywhere. The new Open Water Diver program is comprehensive, with first rate videos, illustrations, animations and photos to stimulate the learning experience.
Scubaverse: Richard, many thanks.
RC: Thank you, and Merry Christmas!
SSI Launch ‘Digital Learning, Real Diving’ next month. To learn more, visit www.divessi.com.
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.
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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