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Ocean First Education Goes Global Through Exclusive Deal with SSI

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logoOcean First Education has announced a new partnership with Scuba Schools International (SSI) that will provide Ocean First Education curricula to divers and other marine science enthusiasts in some 3,000 SSI locations around the world.

SSI_DEMANine Ocean First Education courses will be featured to start—Sea Turtle Ecology, The Truth about Sharks, Marine Ecology, Indo-Pacific, Caribbean, and Red Sea Fish Identification, and Natural History of Indo-Pacific, Caribbean, and Red Sea Coral. The courses will be translated into multiple languages and featured on the SSI digital Education Management System.

“We are ecstatic about this partnership with Scuba Schools International,” said Ocean First Education founder Graham Casden. “Working together, we can reach millions of divers worldwide, many of whom have already demonstrated a genuine interest in the marine environment and are yearning to learn more. We’ve been dedicated to raising the level of science education within the dive industry for nine years and we couldn’t be happier that SSI shares this vision with us. Educating divers about the marine environment and helping them recognize the threats it faces today goes straight to the heart of what we do at Ocean First.”

Casden, who has about 1,000 dives under his belt, said the nine courses were chosen because the dive community loves turtles and sharks and most divers want to learn more about what they are seeing—particularly fish identification and building awareness around how corals develop.

The Ocean First Education courses will be listed on the SSI website as non-diving specialties, meaning that anyone can engage with the curricula — certified divers, casual snorkelers or anyone interested in learning about the marine environment, whether they dive or not.

“We are thrilled by this collaboration,” said Colin Davidson, director of product development for SSI. “Learning to dive safely and providing scuba diving certifications provides the passport to the marine environment, but all divers need to understand the world they are entering. Ocean First Education’s coursework provides precisely the kind of education that will enhance the dive experience.”  Davidson added that the courses should be available through the SSI system by early June.

For more information about Ocean First Education courses, visit www.oceanfirsteducation.com/courses.

About Scuba Schools International

Since 1970, SSI has provided education materials, dive training and certification for divers, dive professionals, and dive centers and resorts around the world. With more than 30 international offices and training materials in over 30 languages, SSI certifications are globally available and accepted wherever you choose to dive. For more information, visit www.divessi.com.

About Ocean First Education

Founded in 2008 and based in Boulder, Colorado, Ocean First Education provides innovative and dynamic digital marine science curricula for K-12. Our team of educators, scientists, filmmakers, and explorers are committed to increasing awareness of marine environments and engaging students through interactive experiences. Ocean First Education is grounded in its mission to inspire our students, teachers and community to become stewards of the sea. For more information, visit www.OceanFirstEducation.com.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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paul watson

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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