News
Pro Dive International partners with Aggressor Fleet for Silver Bank
Humpback Whale Safari in the Dominican Republic with the ultimate in Liveaboards
Pro Dive International, one of the Caribbean’s most established PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts and recognized Career Development Centers have announced their partnership with Aggressor Fleet – The Ultimate in Liveaboards, as one of the new top highlights of the recent inauguration of Pro Dive´s first dive center in the Dominican Republic.
Founded in 1984, the Aggressor Fleet set its goal of becoming the largest and most successful fleet of Liveaboard dive yachts in the world. Today, it takes guests to more than 30 breathtaking dive destinations in the world, like the beautiful Turks and Caicos Aggressor II, that offers an exciting itinerary to the Dominican Republic to snorkel with Humpback Whales at the Silver Bank in the north of the country, between January and April. The Turks & Caicos Aggressor II is one of only a few yachts that are permitted access to the Silver Bank during the mating and breeding season of the humpbacks.
The Silver Bank, also known as the “Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic”, provides a safe and protected wintering shelter for the entire North Atlantic Humpback Whale population, where they gather in thousands to court, mate, calve, and rear their young until they are strong enough to return to the North Eastern U.S. coast.
“Aggressor Fleet stands for innovation, personalized service, professional staff, and safety, promising a perfect match for our collaboration,” says Markus Fleischmann, CEO & Founder of Pro Dive International – Mexico & Dominican Republic. “We are thrilled to now be able to boost our big fish safaris with this once-in-a-life-time experience, and offer the humpbacks combined with a dive & relax extension package at our new dive center location at the Occidental Grand Punta Cana, to round up this exciting snorkeling adventure by discovering the diving highlights of the Dominican Republic, including Bayahibe, Saona & Catalina islands, and relax at one of the finest white sandy beaches.”
Pro Dive International – Mexico is already taking reservations for the upcoming humpback whale seasons. All whale charters depart from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Space is limited and based on availability:
- January 21 – April 1, 2017 – space available for Jan 21-28, only!
- January 20 – March 31, 2018 – available
- January 19 – March 30, 2019 – available
Renowned for excellent quality in providing first class adventures including diving in the CENOTES, with BULL SHARKS, at WRECKS & FAMOUS WALLS at COZUMEL, SAONA & CATALINA islands, as well as Safaris with WHALE SHARKS, SAILFISH & HUMPBACK WHALES, Pro Dive International, founded in 2003, is the official onsite water sports service provider for several 4-5* RESORTS along the RIVIERA MAYA & COZUMEL/ MEXICO, and in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.
Everything under one roof, Pro Dive International´s head office in Playa del Carmen/ Mexico features a multilingual reservations team taking direct bookings for diving, hotel accommodation, the VIP stay & dive concept ULTIMATE DIVE EXPERIENCE at Allegro Cozumel – unique in the Caribbean!, transfers and cultural tours, but also providing services to international travel agencies, an equipment maintenance department, excursions team and own competitive transportation system available to provide airport and hotel shuttles.
For more information, visit Pro Dive International’s websites www.prodivemex.com and www.prodiveinternational.com, or inquire by email at info@prodiveinternational.com.
To enquire about their GoPro programs contact info@idcmexico.com or visit www.idcmexico.com.
Pro Dive’s Facebook Pages with lots of pictures and info is located at:
www.facebook.com/ProDiveMexicoOfficialFanPage
https://www.facebook.com/prodivedominicanrepublic
https://www.facebook.com/Pro-Dive-International
Pro Dive’s Twitter Account is https://twitter.com/Prodivemexico.
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.
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