News
Oyster Diving’s PADI Specialty Of The Month: Deep Diver
When most people start their diving adventures they often say to us “I’m going to stick to just doing the open water course as I don’t need to go deeper”.
Then as they do a few dives, build up some confidence and then hear about some of the wonderful dive sites that require you to go below 18m, they soon sign up to do their Advanced course.
Again, for a short while this satisfies their needs to explore deeper. However for many, a time comes when they want to go deeper still.
For me it was when I saw a school of Hammerhead Sharks at Elphinstone Reef in the Red Sea. They were slowly meandering around the reef at a depth of 45-50m. As an Advanced Open Water diver at the time, my depth limit was 30m, so they were small and washed away by the blue of the water. At that moment I decided to complete the Deep Diver Specialty so the next time an opportunity like that came up I could dive to a depth limit of 40m and get nice and close to the action.
Many other divers are fascinated by the wrecks that litter our seas. There are hundreds to explore in the UK as well as overseas and many of them lie well below 30m.
Other divers become ‘depth junkies’, a term used for divers who like to go deep for the sake of it. ‘Weirdos’ you may be thinking, but there is some sense to their madness! At 40m you tend not to be crowded with other divers. The quiet of the ocean and a small hit of Nitrogen Narcosis provides for a truly relaxing way to get away from the hectic pace of everyday life.
Some divers often forget that your holiday insurance often only covers you up to the depth you are qualified to dive to. So if you are suddenly on a dive and wish to descend in to the blue then remember you need to be qualified first or you insurance company won’t pay out.
The PADI Deep Diver Specialty course covers 4 dives, and many people have already done one as part of their Advanced course so only need to do 3 more. We complete these at NDAC in Chepstow as it has great viz and great attractions at that depth.
There are a few words of warning though. The deeper you go the more the risk increases, so we would therefore strongly advise owning or renting a dive computer and have equipment that you are familiar and comfortable with. It’s also worth having your own torch and SMB as it can get a little darker at that depth.
Oyster Diving are offering 10% off the PADI Deep Dive Specialty course for anyone who books in the month of July. To book your course call 01273 384971 or visit their website – www.oysterdiving.com/deep-diver/
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.
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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