News
Sasha Karnilovich Wins the 2016 DAN MasterTrim Competition Final
Alexandra Karnilovich, aka Underwaterbat to her colleagues and “Sasha” to her friends, is a young and talented diving instructor. She has recently won the final of the DAN MasterTrim 2016, the first international competition on buoyancy control in scuba diving. An active DAN Member since 2014, Sasha was born in Moscow (Russia), and currently lives and works in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain) at the Urpeko Gasteiz Buceo diving centre.
The final was held last November 19th in the magnificent setting of Y-40 The Deep Joy, the world’s deepest pool. The nine finalists, winners of the three qualifying rounds, were confronted in a challenge to the last breath, finally determining who among them was better at mastering trim and buoyancy underwater. The divers made two dives, one during the day and another during the night. They were required to follow a precise dive profile created by DAN specialists, so all of them could measure their ability of control underwater. Data was recorded by two dive computers, a personal one and a second one provided by DAN Research. At the end of the two sessions, the dive profiles were analysed through the Diver Safety Guardian logbook, which calculated the final score on the basis of recorded data. Sasha ranked first thanks to a performance that bordered on perfection. Two Italian dive instructors, Daniele Vasselli and Stefano Paludetto, ranked second and third.
During the night dive, Y-40 staff used reflective materials, t-shirts and banners, as well as blacklights, to create stunning light effects.
The MasterTrim competition was created by Salih Murat Egi, an expert in biomedical engineering and Senior Researcher at DAN Europe. “According to a recent survey we conducted among divers, buoyancy control is a matter of concern for many and a key skill in the opinion of many instructors”, said Prof. Egi. “I was struggling with this puzzle when, whilst watching a documentary on National Geographic about animals and humans learning through playing, I thought about creating a competition. In the diving industry you only find competitions related to underwater video and photography, but they are more related to artistic skills than to diving skills, so they are not designed for every diver.”
The contest was supported by Green Bubbles. “Mastering buoyancy and trim means diving in a sustainable manner, and considering awareness and respect for the environment around us as a priority,” declared researcher Serena Lucrezi. “This is why Green Bubbles, a European project dedicated to recreational diving, whose aim is to maximise the benefits of diving and minimise their negative impacts as well as promote environmental sustainability, has decided to support MasterTrim.”
“Maintaining a stable, horizontal position can help reduce fatigue and air consumption, learn new skills more easily and even protect the marine environment,” said Massimo Pieri, European Research Area Supervisor at DAN Europe. “DAN is committed to promoting dive safety, and MasterTrim is in line with DAN’s mission. This is why we wanted to raise awareness and let other divers know about the advantages of proper buoyancy.”
The contest had a total prize pool of €10,000, and was sponsored by Albatros Top Boat, Y-40, Dive System, Benny Free Shark, TEMC, International Kemer Underwater Days and Innovasub. Prizes included diving cruises and trips, dive computers, BCDs, dry bags, clothing and safety materials.
Find out more about DAN Europe at www.daneurope.org.
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.
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.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
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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