News
PADI launches new COVID-19 Scuba Diving Status Map to help divers get back in the water
While life will certainly look a bit different for the foreseeable future, people are still seeking new ways to discover amazing places, both close to home as soon as possible and in far-flung destinations when the times allow. As the effects of COVID-19 spreading and receding from each country evolve, local regulations adapt creating a patchwork of situations making it hard to stay up to date, even for residents in their own community.
PADI has launched its new interactive COVID-19 Scuba Diving Status Map to make it easy for divers to identify in real-time where diving is accessible nearby and anywhere you dream of traveling. This map is a great resource for information on current guidelines, any potential restrictions and special safety precautions in place to help people safely dive in again with their PADI Dive Center or Resort, locally and across the globe.
“As the world continues to struggle with the pandemic, many areas are beginning to cautiously reopen. Depending on the where you are, social distancing and other requirements appropriately remain, but businesses are carefully transitioning back into operation – including dive shops,” said Drew Richardson, President and CEO of PADI in a recent message to the dive community amplifying awareness about the availability of diving. “Although in many areas we’re still waiting to restart, throughout most of the world access to diving is widening. If you’ve not gotten back to your dive shop and the water yet, in most areas you can now or will be able to soon. Thanks to regular updates from the PADI global community, you can see where diving’s open on the PADI COVID-19 Scuba Diving Status Map.”
With a simple click or two, divers will gain immediate access to the latest information about diving accessibility and diving restrictions in a particular country, if travel in and out of a country is allowed, if travel within the area is allowed, if PADI Dive Centers and Resorts are open for business and, if so, in what capacity. The map is continually being updated with additional information and current data specific to each country, state/province and dive center worldwide.
The ability to travel may be limited for the time being, but this is no reason to stop people from embarking on new adventures or connecting with the underwater world on World Oceans Day and year-round. Wherever you live, there are waters nearby waiting to be explored – local shores, lakes and quarries shouldn’t be underestimated. Local PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can provide further information on the best local dive sites to explore, special safety precautions they’re taking during these times and how to get involved in local conservation efforts.
Given the fluid nature of restrictions related to this pandemic, the crucial information that drives the PADI COVID-19 Scuba Diving Status Map comes directly from PADI Dive Centers and Resorts. To ensure the information in the map is the most accurate on a local level, PADI is asking its global network of dive centers and resorts to input current data about their business and local dive availability, and regularly update this information to keep divers well informed.
PADI Dive Centers and Resorts: Check your email for a personal link to update information for your area and business. By completing the online form using the unique link and keeping it regularly updated, you will ensure the most accurate information is available to divers and make it easier for them to connect with you.
Check www.padi.com for more!
Source: www.divenewswire.com
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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