News
Get ready for The Great Northern Dive Show 2017
Following the success of the event’s inaugural outing last April, The Great Northern Dive Show is back for 2017, and promises to be bigger and better in its second year.
Taking place on the weekend of the 8th – 9th April at Event City in Manchester, the show will once again combine diving and marine conservation-themed exhibitors, speakers and activities with out-of-this-world characters from the streets of Gotham to a Galaxy Far, Far Away.
The event will be kicked off in style with an opening ceremony featuring songs from Anne Hurcomble, and will include speakers from the world of diving including Mark Powell, Gary Dallas, John Kendall, Chantelle Taylor-Newman, Scubaverse.com’s very own underwater photography editors Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown, and many more.
Once again, the World’s largest portable swimming pool will be on hand where technical divers will be showing off their skills while their colleagues explain to the crowd what they’re doing. And if you’re lucky, you might see the odd mermaid or two in there as well…..
The Great Northern Dive Show is the only dive show in Europe to feature an actual beach! This year though, if children want to play in the sand they have to do a ‘beach clean’ first, as lots of plastic debris has been washed up or just left there as litter. Once the plastic has been cleared, the kids can embark on a Treasure Hunt to look for shark teeth.
In addition to the great speakers, activities and demonstrations that will be on offer, manufacturers, suppliers, tour operators, training agencies, conservation charities, dive centres and clubs will be exhibiting at The Great Northern Dive Show too – so if you’re looking for a new piece of kit, your next dive holiday, or to continue your dive education, all of your needs will be catered for.
There will also be a fashion show taking place on both days featuring all the latest divewear, and on the Sunday you will get the chance to practise your life saving skills with a bit of rope throwing. You can even get a commemorative mug made at the show to remind you of the brilliant weekend you’ve had hanging out with all your diving buddies.
There’s plenty for the non-diving members of your family to enjoy too, especially the kids: Comic Con characters, mini ponies, stilt-walking crabs and octopus, dinosaurs, steam punk characters, and even Imperial stormtroopers will all be present (and who knows… even a certain Dark Lord of the Sith might put in an appearance….).
Tickets are £8 in advance if bought online (either at www.theticketfactory.com or www.eventbrite.co.uk) or £10 on the door for adults or just £5 for kids. Parking for visitors is free.
More information about the show can be found at www.thegreatnortherndiveshow.com.
Photo of Mermaid: Frogfish Photography
All other photos: Dave Alexander
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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