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
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