News
Exploring the Depths of the Caribbean Sea
Growing up in the 70’s, the underwater world and its mysteries were exemplified in the popular media of that time. The famous Television series “Sea Hunt” with Lloyd Bridges and “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau”, even as re-runs, provided me with fantastic thoughts and incredible inspiration causing my imagination to spin wonderful stories of adventure and exploration of a magical undersea world.
Well… I soon grew out of that insatiable imagination as life, school, work and family became more important. Then, one day, on a beach in Mexico a crazy idea literally surfaced to learn to scuba dive… and that changed everything from that day forward!
Those wonderful stories of adventure and exploration that I had only imagined as a child started to re-surface, but this time as a reality which eventually led me to becoming a PADI Professional.
Diving extensively in Canada, the Caribbean and even the Galapagos has provided me with a wide-range of training and a comprehensive skill set which by itself is a dream come true. But, never in my wildest dreams or even in the stories that I concocted in my head as a child, did I ever envision a future where I would be exploring the depths of the Caribbean Sea in a Submarine down to 1000ft! That would be just a crazy story right!?
Not so crazy and dreams do become a reality! Today, I work with a small & dedicated team at Substation Curaçao & Chapman Expeditions. Our team, by using the manned submersible Curasub, facilitates the exploration of the deep reefs around Curacao & the Greater Caribbean, allowing Marine Biologists from all over the world to explore the twilight zone of the Caribbean Sea down to 1000ft (300m). This type of documented exploration & discoveries is producing dynamic results that are now being published in major scientific journals.
Additionally, by monitoring the deeper reefs to find out what influence factors like climate change, acidification, pollution and invasive species have on ecosystems in greater depths, is another aspect that keeps researchers occupied with. Simultaneously they are also trying to find out in what way the deeper reefs might affect the recovery capacity of the shallow reefs.
These adventures are not limited to our team or the visiting Marine Biologists. Substation Curacao, which is located inside the Curacao Sea Aquarium Park is open to the public. The deep reef research being conducted is widely available to those interested. More importantly though, you can be part of this unique expedition and learn more about the 50 + new species that have been discovered since launching the Curasub in 2000.
The Curasub is a specifically designed 5-person submarine built by Nuytco Research Ltd. It is equipped with the latest technology and certified to the highest safety standards allowing Substation Curacao to offer you an experience that only rivals a journey into outer space.
After the Pilot releases the ballast air, your journey starts with a slow & even descent along the sloping drop offs. The beauty of these incredible dives is the kaleidoscope of color & the unexpected variety of life that you will encounter well beyond the recreational scuba diving limits. Another world exists on the deep reefs this is your chance to observe this incredible world only few know. Truly, it is another world of life & wonder.
Turn your dreams into a reality too! Become a Deep-Sea Explorer with Substation Curacao and discover the unknown depths of the Caribbean Sea! It is a bucket list experience!!
Photos courtesy of Substation Curaçao
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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