News
Introducing MY Big Blue
Pharaoh Dive Club owners Clare and Steve have been working and diving all around the Red Sea for close to 30 years. Over the last 10 years, they have built and developed the multi award-winning Roots Red Sea, which has put El Quseir on many diver’s bucket lists. They have now expanded their horizons even further and launched their own safari boat MY Big Blue.
Clare and Steve have managed and operated safaris since the early 1990’s where they worked with Chris Scott and Peter Collings pioneering liveaboard safaris in the Red Sea on board the Xanadu. From the tip of the Gulf of Aqaba down to the Sudanese border and back up again through the Gulf of Suez, they have experience of diving to all corners of the Egyptian Red Sea. Its therefore no surprise that they finally decided to launch their own boat to take complete control of their safari operations.
As you would imagine with that much experience, Big Blue has been designed to provide a perfect base for diving. The first consideration was space: space to eat, space to sleep, space to shower and, of course, space to dive. Big Blue offers all these in trumps. She is a massive 38m long and 7m wide which would normally mean you could expect the license for groups to be 30 to 40 divers! Big Blue offers a maximum of 24 berths.
Diving on MY Big Blue is also different, there would be no point in giving you lots of space on the boat to then throw you in the water as a group of 24 divers! Everything is at a relaxed, no -rush pace; the divers are set into four groups of up to six and sent out at intervals. Of course if you are a bigger group and want to dive together that is also fine. Their simple mantra is what’s the rush to get in, we have all day, take your time and enjoy the uncrowded dives!
As a principle supporter of the military charity Deptherapy, making sure Big Blue was ideally suited for divers that use wheelchairs was high on the priorities. Accordingly the main deck is completely accessible with two designated cabins for wheelchair users and, most importantly, divers with disabilities are more than welcome on board.
There is so much disruption to dive travel around the world at the moment, making planning very difficult for everyone, but there is also the feeling that divers are desperate to get back in the amazing Red Sea. For this reason, Big Blue have planned to start the 2021 season on the 6th March with two back-to-back trips with a ‘March Madness’ 15% discount special offer.
- 6th March 2021 – HRG to HRG – Northern Wrecks Tour – £665pp sharing excluding flights
- 13th March 2021 – HRG to HRG – Safaga and Brothers Tour – £765pp sharing excluding flights
Should there still be Covid restrictions that cause cancellation to flights or your government bans travel to Egypt the trips are 100% refundable or transferable.
What a perfect opportunity to book your worry-free return to the Red Sea!
To find out more contact info@mybigblue.com or check out www.mybigblue.com
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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