News
Scubaverse reveals 2021 Underwater Photo of the Year and Underwater Video of the Year Grand Prizes worth over £5,000 each
With only a few months left to go until the end of the year, there are now only three more chances to enter Scubaverse.com’s Monthly Underwater Photo & Video Contests. If you win either monthly contest, you’ll receive some great prizes; however, winning the monthly prize is just the first step towards ultimate glory!
In January 2022, two panels of judges – one specialising in underwater photography, the other in underwater videography – will decide which of the monthly victors will be announced as the ultimate winners of Scubaverse.com’s Underwater Photo of the Year and Underwater Video of the Year contests.
Both the Photo of the Year winner and the Video of the Year winner will receive a grand prize which will consist of the following:
7 Nights at Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort, Indonesia
Bunaken Oasis redefines diving in Bunaken. Positioned very much at the luxury end of the spectrum, Bunaken Oasis’ aim is to provide a 5-star luxury diving experience whilst keeping its ecological footprint to a minimum.
The resort offers 12 large, traditionally-built villas, including one family villa with two bedrooms, and one villa near the Long House for those who may have difficulty walking.
The resort is built on a steep hillside overlooking the mangroves on Liang Beach. Your transfer boat from the mainland will moor at the resort’s private jetty, and you’ll enter Bunaken Oasis through its beautiful Long House. Above the Long House is a spectacular free form infinity pool, ideal for those relaxing moments between dives.
Moving past the pool, you come to the chill-out cocktail bar, where you can enjoy a range of fine wines and spirits (and Bintang!) while you unwind beneath the stars. To the side of the bar is the resort’s restaurant, and because you’ll be spending quite a lot of time there, it’s really been made something special: with fantastic views over the pool, Long House and out to sea, you’ll enjoy gourmet Asian and western cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Guest amenities also include an air conditioned library, a fully-equipped classroom in the Dive Centre with 4k flat-screen TV, especially useful for photographic groups, and a spacious camera room with more charging points than you will ever need.
With easy access to over 90 superb dive sites, the variety of diving Bunaken offers is amazing: vertical walls with the sea bed 1500 metres beneath your fins, gentle walls with sandy bottoms, stunning reef tops, and muck diving on the mainland. Bunaken has it all. But what happens beneath the waves is only one part of the diving experience.
The prize is for 7 nights full board and includes 3 dives a day plus private transfers. Excludes flights. If the winner would like to take a dive buddy, Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort are happy to offer a discount of 20% providing the booking is direct. The 20% off is for accommodation and diving packages only.
Find out more about Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort at www.bunakenoasis.com.
Suunto D5 Dive Computer
The Suunto D5 is designed to be so clear and easy-to-use that you can just enjoy and focus on exploring the wonderful underwater world. When not diving, connect wirelessly to Suunto app and receive notifications from the applications you use. Play with style by choosing your favorite color or just by simply changing the straps to match your looks. Suunto D5 connects your two lives: the adventure under the surface but also the great experiences you can relive and share with your friends afterwards.
Find out more about the Suunto D5 dive computer here.
Paralenz Vaquita Underwater Camera
Paralenz Vaquita is a small and powerful underwater camera with a simple mission: to enable you to seamlessly capture and share brilliant underwater videos. Paralenz Vaquita’s updated technology delivers the smoothest and most vivid underwater videos up to 4K (4k 60fps / 1080p 240fps). It uses the HEVC (H.265) video codec which stores more image information while using less storage space and preserving the dynamic range of your recordings.
Find out more about the Paralenz Vaquita Underwater Camera here.
Mares Dual ADJ 62X Regulator
The Dual Adj 62X scuba diver regulator is the smallest and most compact first stage ever made by Mares. That’s why it’s the perfect travel companion for divers all over the world. The Dual Adj second stage is pneumatically balanced with the PAD (Pneumatic Assisted Design) system, offering comfortable and effortless breathing in every situation.
Find out more about the Mares Dual ADJ 62X Regulator here.
Sharkskin Titanium Chillproof
The Titanium Chillproof has FIR reflective technology that reflects and retains the Far Infrared Heat Energy from our bodies back into our bodies subsequently causing a rise in temperature, increased blood flow and improved metabolic function – i.e. we will be warmer. Without this layer, the Far Infrared Heat Energy generated by our body is lost into the environment. Titanium Chillproof has equivalent thermal protection to a 4.5mm to 5mm neoprene suit.
Find out more about the Sharkskin Titanium Chillproof here.
XDEEP Radical Mask
The XDEEP Radical frameless mask allows you to take in more of what is around you, enhancing both the dive experience and your situational awareness of you, your team and the environment. A superbly soft inner skirt moulds itself to your face, achieving a close and comfortable fit.
Find out more about the XDEEP Radical Mask here.
Northern Diver Varilux Zoom 1000 Lumen Rechargeable Dive Torch
The three white light settings make the ‘Varilux Zoom’ a fantastic multi-purpose dive torch. High (1000 Lumen), Flashing and an innovative ‘Zoom’ mechanism will allow you to alter the beam width by over 800% setting the Varilux Zoom apart from any other torch in the range.
Find out more about the Northern Diver Varilux Zoom 1000 Lumen Rechargeable Dive Torch here.
Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag
The Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag is made from tough and enduring heavy-duty mesh PVC and the base is double lined for durability. It comes with shaped and padded rucksack carry straps and high quality clasps. Buckles and compression straps complete a rugged specification. A removable ID card makes it even easier to label and identify your gear.
Find out more about the Fourth Element Expedition Series Duffel Bag here.
Pandora-Lab Multi Tool
Pandora Multi Tool is a diver’s ‘Swiss Army knife’ designed to ease field maintenance where and when it matters. It’s as small as a credit-card but has all the functions of a multi-tool, with virtually every essential tool cut into its solid frame.
Find out more about the Pandora-Lab Multi Tool here.
So what are you waiting for?
To be in with a chance of winning one of the 2021 Photo of the Year or Video of the Year grand prizes however, you must first claim victory in one of the monthly contests, so don’t delay – enter now!
You can enter October’s Underwater Photo of the Month contest here:
www.scubaverse.com/photo-contest-October-2021
(In order to ensure your photos upload, please make sure they are no larger than 1MB.)
And you can enter October’s Underwater Video of the Month Contest here:
www.scubaverse.com/video-contest-October-2021
(Please note that in order to enter your videos you must first upload them to YouTube or Vimeo.)
Good luck to you all!
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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