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Join Alex Mustard and Scuba Travel in 2017 on a liveaboard for an Underwater Photography Workshop in Cuba

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Scuba Travel new logoAlex Mustard continually raises the bar in underwater photography and divers travel from all over the globe to learn from the master himself.

2017 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for worldwide workshops with Alex. In addition to his regular Red Sea summer events, Alex will be jetting off to Cuba in August.

“I have long been excited about running a workshop in Cuba,” says Alex. “Now with the launch of the Jardines Aggressor in summer 2016, there is an international quality liveaboard experience to match the diving.”

Your adventure starts in Havana for 2 nights before you jump on board your luxury liveaboard for 7 nights.  There’s never been a better time to dive Cuba.  This is virgin territory with vast swathes of pristine reefs, steep walls and caves. Expect to find a healthy shark population and huge schools of fish. The stunning viz makes it ideal for underwater photographers. The trip has also been timed to coincide with potential mass coral spawning. Alex will be on hand throughout with nightly presentations, image reviews and 1:1 tuition.  This trip is fully available to all nationalities, including US citizens through the Cuba Travel Program. There is no minimum camera requirement, although the trip is aimed at enthusiastic underwater photographers.

The workshop runs from 10 -19th August 2017.  Your holiday package includes all meals and accommodation for 9 nights, 2 full days land activities in Havana, transfers, all diving, prepaid park & conservation fees and Alex Mustard’s workshop. For UK divers, the cost per person is £4750 in a deluxe or £4950 in a master cabin. Flights are excluded, but Scuba Travel is able to add flight arrangements from the UK.

  • Thursday 10th August: Arrive Havana. Transfers from Havana José Martí International Airport to Iberostar Parque Central Hotel in Havana.
  • Friday 11th August: Meeting with Cuban scientists and biologists speaking on ocean conservation and research, visit to Fortress of El Morro, Habana Vieja, lunch and dinner at a local Cuban restaurant.
  • Saturday 12th August: Transfer from Havana to Jucaro for boarding of the Jardines Aggressor liveaboard (5 – 6 hour drive, lunch included)
  • Sunday 13th – Friday 18th August: Diving Jardines de la Reina, Underwater Photography workshop with Dr Alex Mustard and meeting with Cuban biologists
  • Saturday 19th August: Disembarkation and transfer to Havana International Airport (Arrival at the airport will be at approximately midday)

See Scuba Travel’s website for all of Alex’s 2017 trips released so far here.

Call 0800 072 8221 or email dive@scubatravel.com today to book your space – there will be no more than 19 participants on this trip so don’t delay.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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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.

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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.

regulator

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.

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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

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.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

regulator

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.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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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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