News
New Technical Diving trips from blue o two and Tekstreme Diving
Technical diving is fast becoming a popular extreme sport with divers looking to go that bit deeper, for that bit longer and see that little bit more. Divers can now join blue o two with Tekstreme and travel along stunning walls, through deep wrecks and into silent canyons that are teeming with marine life on their new Technical Diving trips.
Tekstreme Diving began in 1997 as a TDI facility, and is run by Cat Braun, a highly respected and experienced individual within the diving world. She has been leading technical diving expeditions in the Red Sea for the past 14 years and is highly qualified. She is currently an International Technical Training Director for SSI and an OC and CCR Technical Instructor with TDI, PADI and BSAC. Tekstreme has grown substantially over the years and is now one of the only active BSAC technical training facilities in Egypt.
blue o two are delighted to offer two new technical itineraries for 2018:
13th April – 20th April 2018: Best of Tec Wrecks: M/Y Red Sea Adventurer: £1279
31st August – 7th September 2018: Rocky & the SS Maidan: M/Y blue Horizon: £1549
The itineraries are purely technical diving safaris and there will be a limited amount of divers per trip to ensure that everyone has ample room for their technical diving equipment.
For all trips with Tekstreme, divers can be assured that a minimum of two highly qualified technical dive guides will be on board, more if courses are being delivered, along with surface support on all dives. The range of dive durations accommodate specific dive sites and all experience levels; entry level technical divers are catered for right through to 100m+ depending on the itinerary.
Custom gas mixes are available to suit specific diver requirements, as well as a range of technical diving equipment – this will be arranged by Tekstreme prior to departure to minimise stress. Divers will also be asked for their technical diving experience to ensure the best dive schedules can be delivered on board and if they would like to undertake any courses during the liveaboard.
Why not begin your technical diving journey in the Red Sea with Tekstreme and blue o two? Start your training, get qualified, and experience the technical diving of the Red Sea in safe hands and in the future, you’ll be able to move on to other adventurous diving locations including the deep wrecks in Truk Lagoon and the nuclear ghost fleet of Bikini Atoll.
A full range of technical courses with Tekstreme Diving (through BSAC, PADI TecRec, SSI & TDI) is available on request. If you would like more information, please contact the blue o two team on +44 (0) 1752 480 808 or divingholidays@blueotwo.com, or visit their website at www.blueotwo.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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