News
Meet Our Club: Purple Turtle Diving
Want to join a dive club? In this series, we take a look at grassroots diving and find out what’s happening on the club scene in the UK and around the world…
What is the name of your club?
Purple Turtle Diving
Where is your club based?
South London
Club affiliations (i.e. BSAC, PADI, SAA, etc.)
Agency agnostic, but we deliver courses through TDI, SDI, PADI and BSAC.
Where and when do you meet?
We meet on the 3rd or 4th Thursday of the month, usually at The Knowles of Norwood in West Norwood. Details are on our Facebook page and on our website.
How do you respond to the challenge of recruiting new members?
We’re really fortunate that we are based in a busy, dive shop and work with a lot of clubs in the area, so people come diving with us (and socialising) from various other clubs. Additionally, some of our instructors teach diving at two local schools, so we have access to lots of non-divers and can tell them all about the underwater world.
What facilities and resources does the club use/have?
We have a classroom we use at Amphibian Sports, a pool night most weeks on a Wednesday night (and occasional weekends) and we also hire equipment (both recreational and technical). Amphibian Sports have a full gas blending station, servicing centre for most brands, as well as a shop.
What sort of diving do you do, and where?
We love all our diving! We’re big fans of UK diving. This year we’re focussing on various UK trips, from the beautiful reefs out of Southwest Cornwall, through to the spectacular wrecks of Scapa Flow in Orkney.
We also love our training (but not on our trips!) and we offer everything from kids’ sessions in the pool, entry level training (from three agencies depending on customer requirements) through to full open circuit trimix training from two experienced technical instructors. We will also be offering SDI Instructor courses imminently. We are hoping to start offering CCR training on the AP Inspiration by the beginning of 2020. All of our instructors and staff are keen divers and do a fair amount of fun diving, which is why we no longer offer training on our trips!
Do you organise any club trips abroad, and if so, where?
We have done in the past (Philippines and Egypt) and will do in the future, however this year we’re focussing our energy on enjoying the UK diving (with the exception of a week to the Azores for one of the schools we support!). Next year we’re looking at a trip to Egypt and perhaps another exotic destination.
Does your club have any special interests such as conservation, special projects, etc?
Two of our instructors (Toni and Colin) are heavily involved with the charity Ghost Fishing UK, where they help raise awareness, assist in surveys and lifting ghost fishing gear. Colin is a GFUK Instructor.
Does your club have any claims to fame or any particularly interesting stories… or members?
We have a famous member – Scubadog Mika! She’s often seen at various sites and loves getting out on boats. One of our instructors assisted in teaching Sir Ranulph Fiennes to dive. Toni was bitten by a shark (another diver’s fault!).
What are the club’s plans for the future?
Continue to dive around the UK and abroad, helping divers progress and learn to dive safely.
Where can people find out more about your club?
Join us at one of our socials, visit our website and our Facebook page.
Finally… if you could sum up your club in just one sentence, what would it be?
From your first underwater breaths to your greatest depths…
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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