News
Get Ready For OZTeK2015
With speakers drawn from around the world and topics and talks that span the complete range of diving interests, from mysterious wrecks and magnificent underwater cave systems through to the latest innovations in equipment and imaging technologies, OZTeK2015 is firmly focussed on the diving world of tomorrow.
To be held at Australian Technology Park, Sydney, on the 14 – 15 March 2015, OZTeK2015 represents an opportunity to meet, listen to and learn from some of modern diving’s most accomplished personalities, people who already include: Liam Allen (AUS)- a GUE Instructor Evaluator and deep shipwreck and cave explorer; Michael Aw (AUS) – Author, explorer and multi-award winning conservation photographer; Dr Peter Buzzacott (AUS) – Cave diving explorer who conducts decompression experiments at the University of Western Brittany, in France ; Steve Cox, (USA) – cave and wreck explorer; John Dalla-Zuanna (AUS) – A cave diving instructor involved in on-going deep surveys and mapping projects of significant Australian and New Zealand cave systems; Dr Andrew Fock, (AUS) – Hyperbaric medical specialist and explorer; Paul Haynes, (UK) – CCR and SCR Instructor Trainer and member of a wreck research group; Heather Hamza, (USA) – CCR-trained technical diver and marine conservationist; Dr Richard Harris, (AUS) – Hyperbaric physician and recipient of the OZTeK’09 Outstanding Achievement Award for his contributions to cave diving exploration; Lamar Hires, (USA) – Diving explorer and technical diving pioneer; Paul Hosie, (AUS) – Recipient of the OZTeK2002 Diver of the Year Award for his contributions to remote cave exploration and mapping; Trevor Jackson, (AUS) – Researching, locating and diving more than two dozen previously unknown shipwrecks, he is a former recipient of the OZTeK Diver of the Year Award for his contributions to deep wreck exploration; Laura James, (USA); Richard Lundgren, (Sweden) – GUE Training Director, founder of the Baltic Sea Divers and Ocean Discovery diving groups; Alberto Nava, (USA) – underwater cartographer and explorer working on the caves of the Yucatan Peninsula; Michael Menduno, (USA) – Former publisher of iconic ‘aquaCORPS’ magazine and the man who coined the term, “Technical Diving”; Rod Macdonald, (UK) – Deep wreck diver and author; Barry McGill, (Ireland) – Deep wreck explorer and photographer; Daren Marshall (AUS) – A Cave Trimix CCR Diver & Advanced Wreck Instructor who has participated in expeditions around the world, including the Maldives Blue Holes, Thai & European cave systems.; Pete Mesley, (NZ) – CCR Diver dedicated to researching, finding, diving and photographing wrecks; Assoc. Professor Simon Mitchell, (NZ) – Universally acknowledged as a leading authority on hyperbaric medicine, he is an avid diver who uses rebreathers to pursue his interest in deep wrecks and photography; Martin Parker (UK) – Managing Director and owner of Ambient Pressure Diving, manufacturers of the Inspiration and Evolution rebreathers; Simon Pridmore, (Indonesia) – A pioneer of Technical diving in Asia; Ben Reymenants, (Thailand) – CCR Rebreather Instructor and record-holding cave diver involved in exploring Thailand’s Song Hong cave systems; Lance Robb, (AUS) – CCR Instructor and deep shipwreck explore; Liz Rogers, (AUS) – Cave diver and underwater cave photographer; Dave Ross, (Philippines) – Wreck diver and co-founder of the Asian Karst Exploration Project ( AKEP ) exploring new cave systems in the Central Philippines ; Jonas Samuelson, (Sweden) – Technical Instructor trainer and deep shipwreck explorer; Damien Siviero, (AUS) – A CCR wreck explorer and photographer specialising in deep still photo and video work; Randy Thornton, (USA) – a CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer and CCR Cave Instructor, a member of the TDI Advisory Panel and founder and organiser of the TEKDiveUSA Conference; Paul Toomer, (UK) – Cave and wreck diving explorer, CCR Instructor Trainer and Training Director for RAID, and Mike Torr, (NZ) – Technical wreck diving explorer and photographer.
With more presenters still to be announced and talks that will spark the imagination, further information about OZTeK2015 – including details about the Photo Competition and the Gala Awards Dinner – can be found on the website at www.diveoztek.com.au or by contacting the organisers at info@diveoztek.com.au (Sue Crowe), or strike@diveoztek.com.au (David Strike).
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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