News
One month to go… till DIVE 2018
Have you got your tickets yet? It’s just over a month to go until DIVE 2018 – the UK’s biggest event for scuba divers, taking place at the NEC in Birmingham on 27 and 28 October 2018.
What a line-up of guests the DIVER Group is assembling for DIVE 2018! Highlights include:
On the DIVER Stage
- David Jones (& DIVE 2018 Panel, Sunday)
PLASTICS’ POLLUTION: WHAT CAN DIVERS DO?
Long before Blue Planet 2 hit our screens, A Plastic Ocean was described by Sir David Attenborough as “the most important film of our time”. David Jones, the man behind the camera, has been advocating for action on plastics since 2009. What does he have to say now that we’re all listening? Hear him on Saturday, or attend his forum on this hot topic on Sunday. - Monty Halls
MY FAMILY AND THE GALAPAGOS
If you enjoyed Monty Halls’ recent Channel 4 three-parter My Family and the Galapagos, with its impressive underwater content, here’s your chance to get the deep background from the man himself. President of the Galapagos Conservation Trust, Monty took his wife Tam and daughters Isla and Molly along to spend three months in what he describes as his “favourite place on Earth”, getting involved tagging whale sharks and bullhead sharks along the way.
- Paul Rose
MORE PRISTINE SEAS
Paul is one of the Dive Show’s regular star turns, because his talks are always entertaining and he dives the parts of the underwater world most of us can only dream about. This year he received the Royal Geographical Society’s Founder’s Medal, one of the highest honours of its kind in the world, for his scientific expeditions and enhancing public understanding – which he will continue to do at DIVE 2018. - THE DIVER AWARDS (Saturday)
Don’t miss the 21st DIVER Magazine Awards in which the prized 2018 trophies will be presented to scuba diving’s favourite suppliers and operators, as voted on by UK divers.
On the CENTRE Stage
- Nick & Caroline Robertson-Brown
WILD DIVES
Described by great white shark specialist Rodney Fox as “fellow adventurists”, Scubaverse’s Nick & Caroline have spent the year looking for wild dives to include a book due out early next year. Defining “wild dive” proved a challenge, they say, but their adventures included many shark dives, a search for an elusive nudibranch and a submarine ride (on top – not inside!). - Ellen Cuylaerts
DEEPER CONNECTION
The Belgian photographer based in the Cayman Islands says her objective is to “bridge a deeper connection” between humanity and nature, and to capture how it feels to be behind the camera at special moments. “I try to shoot from the heart”, she says. She travels the world recording animals and the challenges they’re facing. Find out more about her special brand of photography at DIVE 2018. -
Doug Allan (Sunday)
THE IMPORTANCE OF AN IMAGE
Described by Sir David Attenborough as “the toughest in the business”, multi-BAFTA and Emmy-winning wildlife cameraman Doug worked as a pearl-diver, diving instructor, commercial diver and biologist before becoming diving officer on an Antarctic research station in 1976. Ten years later he became a photographer and documentary film-maker, specialising in polar wildlife. Now he invites us to dive beneath the surface of conservation images and short films, critiquing their styles, considering their uses and their impacts. How can one image make all the difference while another leaves us indifferent? And can an image ever be too shocking? - Richard Smith
CRITTER-HUNTING: FIND YOUR OWN CRITTERS!
Richard, underwater photographer, marine biologist and part of the team that recently identified Japapigu, the seventh-known pygmy seahorse, knows that macro enthusiasts and photographers lean heavily on local dive-guides to track down their tiny quarry. In the world of the critter the sharp-eyed are king, but should we all be able to spot our own critters? Are these the short-cuts to success?
Plus, The TekDeck, coordinated by Mark Powell, who is assisted by nine other well-known technical divers. Closed-circuit rebreathers loom large, of course, with presentations on four individual models as well as a panel discussion on Saturday afternoon – which might help if you’re not sure which direction to take.
Admission to DIVE 2018 costs £14.50 on the day – but just £9.50 if you book online in advance. Children under 14 with an adult go free, and there are special offers for recently-qualified BSAC divers and BSAC Instructors.
Don’t delay – order your DIVE 2018 tickets here today!
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.
-
News2 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months ago
Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago
2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced