News
SSI announces 2020 Master Diver Challenge Winner!
Each year, the culmination of the SSI Master Diver Challenge is always the Grand Prize drawing. This year’s winner for the 2020 Master Diver Challenge is Jordan Suits from Mermet Springs in Belknap, Illinois. As the Grand Prize winner, Jordan will enjoy a 7-night Liveaboard Dive Vacation for two aboard the Roatan Aggressor! The Roatan Aggressor is known for diving the best sites of the Bay Islands, Honduras.
“Congratulations to Jordan and Mermet Springs” states Jeff Saenger, SSI Director. “Mermet Springs has been one of the most impressive and top producing SSI Master Diver centers in the country every year. With the amount of Master Divers they produce each year, Glen and I would wonder if one of his Master Divers would be selected in this random drawing.”
“Are you serious?” stated Glen Faith, owner of Mermet Springs, after being told. “We have waited for years for this and it could not have been a more perfect person to win. She and her husband learned to dive with us and are the nicest people you could ever meet. We are so excited for Jordan. We love creating Master Divers, and each year here at Mermet Springs, we celebrate our Master Divers by hosting a formal steak dinner in their honor. The steak dinner is served by the Mermet Springs Instructors and staff for a fun-filled evening celebrating this great accomplishment!”
Grand Prize winner Jordan Suits took the fast track to become a Master Diver, having earned her SSI Open Water Diver certification just over a year ago in 2019. Through her open water course, she discovered her love for diving and moved quickly to achieve the Master Diver rating! Mermet Springs loves utilizing the SSI Master Diver program to create life-long divers.
Jordan Suits is a school teacher, mother of three, and is in the process of completing her Master’s Degree; way to go, Jordan! As an avid diver, Jordan spends as much time as she can underwater with her husband Aaron, who just completed his Divemaster certification at Mermet Springs. Jordan and Aaron are the shining example of a happy and active dive family.
THERE IS ONE MORE PART TO THIS STORY!
Winning the Master Diver Challenge has extra meaning for this excited couple. After getting married, Jordan and Aaron never had the chance to go on a honeymoon. This trip will replace the honeymoon they never had! And what honeymoon could ever top doing what they love on one of the most beautiful reefs in the world aboard luxury accommodations? Congratulations, Jordan, and bon voyage!
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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