News
Introducing the 2014 SCUBAPRO Ambassador Scholarship Contest Winner
Scubapro, PADI, Beneath the Sea and this year’s honoree, Dr. Sylvia Earle are pleased to congratulate the winner of the 2014 SCUBAPRO Ambassador competition, Briana Grenier. The competition was offered in honor of Dr. Sylvia Earle’s inspirational work as a National Geographic Explorer in Residence, Founder of Deep Ocean Exploration & Research (DOER Marine) and Mission Blue, among many other groundbreaking accomplishments. Dr. Earle also recently joined the ranks of Scubapro’s Deep Elite; an ambassador program which aims to promote ocean conservation.
The goal of the 2014 contest, which was sponsored by Scubapro, PADI and Beneath the Sea, was to engage and embolden the next generation of divers and conservationists. Entries were submitted in the form of a photo/essay via Facebook and Instagram, using #scubaprocontest2014. The competition was steep, with the final selection from the ten finalists being chosen by popular vote. As the winner, Briana will receive $5,000 worth of Scubapro gear and $400 of advanced dive training from PADI to fuel her personal, educational and professional underwater goals.
Briana, who goes by the nickname “Breezy”, is a student at the University of Rhode Island where she is studying Geology & Geological Oceanography, Marine Biology, and Underwater Archaeology. She has admired the work of Dr. Earle from a young age: “she was the author of my favorite book Dive: My Adventure in the Deep Frontier. She grasped my attention with her explorations in the Deep Rover”. Breezy began diving four years ago, and has since added Divemaster, Wreck, Nitrox, Technical Diving, and AAUS Scientific Diver certifications to her diving resume. In her free-time she volunteers for multiple non-profits as well as serving as the Student Rep of the MTS Council, scientific diver at an aquarium, and researching underwater paleolandscapes. She is also an avid traveler, having visited five continents including Antarctica, and is a veteran of the US Coast Guard. We will be sharing news and photos from Breezy on the Scubapro Facebook page (www.facebook.com/scubapro), and you can also follow her adventures on her own site (www.brianagrenier.yolasite.
Breezy is thrilled and grateful to be the recipient of the 2014 Scubapro Ambassador Scholarship and remarks: “Thank you Scubapro, PADI, and Beneath the Sea for providing this scholarship that will not only lead myself but also to many others such amazing experiences. Thank you Dr. Sylvia Earle for being an ocean pioneer and such an inspiration to the world’s people. It is such an honor that this scholarship is in your name. You have been my role model since I was a young child and you are a true ocean ambassador.”
To learn more about the SCUBAPRO Deep Elite Ambassador program, visit www.scubapro.com/deepelite.
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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