News
SSI Sea Survival Course Initiative
SSI pleased to support the RNLI and BDSG (British Divers Safety Group) in the Sea Survival Course initiative.
SSI launched their program with a Train The Trainer event and a combined Diver / Lifeboat training exercise at the RNLI College in Poole on the 13th June 2018. SSI want this course to be something more than just another teaching specialty rating that instructors hold but never use; they want them to get their students out diving and introduce them to some of the great coastal locations that they have here in the UK.
This event was designed to give SSI Trainers and Instructors a greater insight into what is involved in ensuring the best possible outcome in different diver emergency situations. As well as being presented with the course outline and teaching materials, candidates participated in workshops on effective teaching techniques for the practical elements of the program. They were also given valuable information from the RNLI and MCA (Marine Coastguard Agency) staff who were involved and participated on the day. They can now share this knowledge and experience with their own students and when co-teaching new SSI Sea Survival Instructors. The SSI Sea Survival program although initiated in the UK will be available to SSI instructors worldwide.
The main aim of the program is to provide the student with the information and skills required to enjoy and dive safely in UK costal conditions. It is ideally suited to those making their first UK sea dives and divers who have learnt whilst on holiday overseas who would like to get involved in UK costal diving. The course covers dive planning including predicting tides and weather to make sure you have the best dive opportunities, the equipment required for UK costal diving an optional confined water session and two dives that include skills review and new skills that could save your life if you should end up needing to be assisted by the RNLI or other rescue services.
The training exercises completed on the day, as well as providing experience for the dive professionals, were a big learning opportunity for the crews of the Swanage and Poole Lifeboats. They highlighted some of the difficulties and challenges of extracting a kitted conscious and unconscious diver from the water into the different vessels used. Whilst de-kitting and exiting in to a small rib may be common place for divers, for some of the crewmembers a real situation may be the first time they have encountered dive equipment. We would recommend all dive centres and clubs work closely with their local RNLI stations to offer joint training opportunities, many of those involved in the day are already liaising with their local stations to run lifeboat crew training exercises alongside their Sea Survival programs.
SSI would like to acknowledge Swanage Boat Charters and Bryan for the use of the charter boat Viper for the practical exercises.
All images by: Nathan Williams RNLI
For more information about SSI please visit their website by clicking here.
For more information about the RNLI please visit their website by clicking here.
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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