News
Paralenz camera assists diver rescue
An incident during a wreck dive has highlighted the usefulness of the Paralenz Dive Camera – and its associated smartphone app – as an aid to scuba diving safety.
The Incident
Three divers of varying levels of experience were participating in a 25m-deep wreck dive, in cold water and wearing drysuits. The least experienced member of the team showed signs of nervousness underwater, and hence the team decided to end the dive. Unable to locate the anchor line, they decided to surface using their SMBs.
As they began their ascent, the least experienced member of the dive team forgot to dump the air from his drysuit, and immediately began a rapid, uncontrolled ascent. The other two divers continued to ascend until, at around 18m, one of them also lost buoyancy control ascended rapidly to the surface. The most experienced diver remained calm and continued with a safe ascent. All three divers were reunited on the boat, and both of the divers who ascended too rapidly were put on oxygen as a precaution, before being transported to the hospital.
The Aftermath
The dive team leader was wearing his Paralenz, which was switched on for the duration of the entire dive. While the boat headed for shore, he downloaded the dive log to his smartphone using the Paralenz’ inbuilt WiFi connection. Screenshots of the dive profile were made, which were used to discuss the situation with the emergency team at the local hospital.
Dive profiles provide essential information to emergency services when dealing with any incident that might result in a decompression injury. Decompression Sickness (the bends) and lung over-expansion injuries can easily occur during a rapid, uncontrolled ascent.
Although most new models of dive computer have the capability to download dive profile information, many of them require cables or Bluetooth adaptors, and not all of the associated logging software is compatible with smartphones. With the Paralenz, this information, along with the overlay of depth and temperature, can be made immediately available. Furthermore, video footage of the incident could potentially help to save lives.
Task Loading
Task loading is a problem particularly associated with scuba diving safety. Having too many things to do means that divers can often lose focus on their surroundings and other important information such as depth, time and air supply while they concentrate on something else. This is especially a problem when things don’t quite go to plan.
Dive professionals know all too well how cameras can affect a diver. Underwater photography can significantly reduce a diver’s ability to control their buoyancy and rapidly increase their air consumption. The fear of losing or damaging an expensive camera can impact their ability to perform other tasks such as – for example – inflating an SMB when necessary.
Although each individual task in itself may not be difficult, in combination they can cause serious problems. One advantage that the Paralenz has over other models is that it can simply be strapped to a mask. There it will remain untouched for the duration of a dive. Its simple modes of operation and inbuilt features such as the automatic depth colour correction facility (DCC) means there are no filters or white-balance settings to fiddle with. These are particularly important for less experienced divers for whom task-loading can become a more serious problem.
Conclusion: Diving Safety
As with all scuba diving, safety is of paramount importance. Reducing the amount of time spent on any task which has an impact on a diver’s situational awareness is never a bad thing. Having a dive camera that can immediately report all of the most important dive information to medical personnel, perhaps with recorded footage to accompany it, is an excellent addition to the toolbox of scuba diving safety.
For more information about the Paralenz Dive Camera visit their website by clicking here.
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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