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Oonasdivers offering tech and Rebreather courses in the Red Sea with Mark Powell

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OONASDIVERSUK-based tour operator Oonasdivers have teamed up with Mark Powell of Dive-Tech to offer tech and rebreather courses at Marsa Shagra in the Red Sea.

Mark Powell is one of the UK’s best known technical diving instructors. He has been involved in diving since the mid 1980’s and has been teaching since 1993.

Mark’s passion is wreck diving and it his exploration of deeper wrecks that led him into technical diving. Mark has served on the National Executive of the SAA as well as being the organisation’s technical diving advisor. He currently represents TDI/SDI at British Safety Diving group meetings as well as being a member of the BSI committees defining standards for diver training and diving equipment.

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2015 schedule:

September 2015

3rd – 8th: TDI Intro to Tech, Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures package
10th- 15th: TDI Rebreather Course.
17th- 20th: TDI Extended Range
21st- 22nd: TDI Intro to Tech

November 2015

5th – 10th: TDI Intro to Tech, Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures package
12th – 17th:TDI Rebreather Course.

TDI Introduction to Technical Diving

This two day course is a new and welcome addition to the curriculum of the world’s largest and most successful technical diving agency. Intro to Tech is intended to give experienced sport divers a simple, non-threatening glimpse at the techniques and skills used in technical diving. Participating in this course will give those divers a better understanding of the detailed planning and preparation required to make a successful and safe technical dive. Intro to Tech is really a try it before you buy it course for someone who has heard a lot about tech and is wondering what all the fuss is about. But Intro to Tech is also worthwhile for divers who have no real intentions to go on to take a full tech class because the skills it focuses on – gas management, superior buoyancy and trim, situational awareness, and equipment selection – are useful in any form of diving.

Includes: Instruction

Pre-requisites: Open water diver or equivalent, minimum 15 years of age.

Cost: £200

TDI Combined Advanced Nitrox & Decompression Procedures Diver

This four day course includes both the Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures courses. It is more intensive, but more efficient. It includes 6 nitrox dives and covers all the topics required to use mixtures from 40% to 100% for decompression as well as the ability to perform accelerated decompression.

Includes: TDI Advanced Nitrox & Decompression Procedures manual & certification.

Pre-requisites: Advanced open water diver or equivalent, TDI Basic Nitrox or equivalent, 50 logged dives, minimum 18 years of age.

Cost: £450

TDI Extended Range Diver

Again a comprehensive four day course, with 100 minutes bottom time required to qualify. The course concentrates on the proper techniques, equipment requirements, and hazards of deep air (55 metres maximum) utilising nitrox and oxygen for accelerated decompression. The course places a great deal of emphasis on personal and team limits, shut down procedures, gas switching, DSMB deployment and contingency planning etc.

Includes: TDI Extended Range manual & certification.

Pre-requisites: Advanced Nitrox Diver and Decompression Procedures Diver or equivalent, 100 logged dives, of which 25 must be deeper than 30 msw. Minimum 18 years of age.

Cost: £520

TDI Entry Level (Normoxic) Trimix

This four day course provides the training required to competently and safely utilize breathing gasses containing helium for dives that require staged decompression, utilizing nitrox and/or oxygen mixtures during decompression to a maximum depth of 60m.

Includes: TDI Entry Level Trimix manual & certification.

Pre-requisites: Advanced Nitrox Diver and Decompression Procedures Diver or equivalent, 100 logged dives, of which 25 must be deeper than 30 msw. Minimum 18 years of age.

Cost: £520 plus instructors gas and dives at cost.

If you or your diving buddies are interested in doing any of the above courses, contact Oonasdivers for a full quote for your stay at Marsa Shagra. Call 01323 648924 or email info@oonasdivers.com.

To find out more about the technical courses, please conatct Mark Powell at Dive-Tech by calling 07770 864327 or email info@dive-tech.co.uk.

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.

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.

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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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