News
Improve your safety, performance and comfort as a diver with new Human Factors training program
Divers are human, and it is natural for humans to make errors. Research from aviation has shown that pilots make between 3 and 6 errors per hour! The good thing is that the vast majority are captured before they become critical. This is achieved by looking at the ways in which human failure happens, the human factors involved, and then designing the system to minimise errors. Design can’t fix everything, so aircrew, cabin crew and engineers are provided with human factors training to manage the dynamic and varied conditions they encounter. However, until recently, nothing like this existed in sport or commercial diving.
Gareth Lock, an ex-Royal Air Force navigator who has years of experience and knowledge in human factors across multiple high risk domains, has developed a training and coaching programme which looks to improve the performance, safety and comfort of divers by applying knowledge from those high risk domains into sport diving.
His training programme consists of an online micro-class which provides core knowledge about the subject of human factors, how to improve performance and reduce error, and is a course applicable to all divers. It consists of 9 modules of approximately 15 mins each and has been optimised for use on a tablet, phone or PC/Mac. Then there is a two-day classroom-based course which builds on this core knowledge and is focussed on instructors, instructor trainers and those who encounter higher levels of risk or complexity such as technical or cave diving, or scientific and media teams. This classroom-based class has already been undertaken by Training Directors of four agencies (GUE, IANTD, SSI XR & TDI/SDI) who have all found it valuable and well worth doing.
“Very good course of huge relevance to all who participate in Technical Diving or any other potential risk activities that require management. I cannot recommend this program enough.” – Phil Short, IANTD Instructor Trainer Trainer, Explorer
We often look to learn from accidents and incidents in diving, but in many cases the detail and context is missing. The term “Human Error” should not be used as a casual factor, it is the point at which we start looking deeper to find out why it made sense for those involved to behave in the way they did. If it was that obvious, surely those involved would have spotted the issues before they reached a critical point? Heroic rescues are the ones which make the media, but it is the constant use of effective human factors skills or non-technical skills that prevent those events making the media.
Since its launch in January a number of updates to this globally unique course have happened, and Monday (4th July) the new content and new website will be launched. Visit www.humanfactors.academy for more information and to sign up one of the two classes.
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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