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Support Deptherapy Veterans in 24 hour Dive Fundraiser

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A team of UK Armed Forces veterans is preparing to give back to Deptherapy with a 24 hour dive to raise much-needed funds for the scuba diving charity.

The 24 hour dive, which will take place from midday on 16th March to midday on 17th of March 2019, is the brainchild of Deptherapy Programme Members Ben Lee and Tom Oates.

Tom Oates and Ben Lee at Robin Hood Watersports. Photo – Deptherapy.

Deptherapy Trustee Ben Lee at Roots Red Sea, Egypt. Photo – Dmitry Knyazev.

Former Royal Engineer Ben Lee lost both his legs whilst serving in Afghanistan in 2011. Despite an extreme fear of water stemming from a near-fatal childhood accident, Ben was introduced to scuba diving through Deptherapy on a training programme in Egypt in 2016, and credits the experience with changing his life. Ben was awarded the prestigious Recognising Achievement Award by the Royal Foundation’s Endeavour Fund in 2018 and inspires others to overcome their challenges as a Trustee of Deptherapy.

Tom Oates was in the Scots Guards when his vehicle was struck by an IED in Afghanistan. When he returned home, he was crossing the road with his girlfriend when she was hit and killed by a car. Tom suffers from complex PTSD, has tried to take his own life, and needs a high level of support, but underwater his demons disappear. Through Deptherapy, Tom is achieving his dream of becoming not only a Scuba Diving Instructor but also a Marine Biologist.

Ben says: “Deptherapy is an amazing charity that does so much for so many, with so little in the way of funds. From the minute I learnt to breathe underwater, Deptherapy set me on an incredible scuba diving journey that has opened up a whole new world to me. Many of the charity’s Programme Members would not be here if it were not for the support of the Deptherapy family. With this 24 hour dive, we hope to raise a significant amount of money to allow the charity to help as many other injured veterans as possible.”

Well-known dive centre and retailer Robin Hood Watersports has pledged their support for the Deptherapy 24 hour dive and the event will take place at their swimming pool in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire.

A team of around 30 divers including veterans, Deptherapy volunteers and ROHO staff is expected to complete the 24 hour dive. They aim to raise in excess of £5,000 for the charity, and the money will be used to help fund a Deptherapy expedition or training course for new veterans in the Red Sea.

Tom Oates with Deptherapy MI Andy Alfred diving in Egypt. Photo – Dmitry Knyazev.

A special fundraising page has been set up for the Deptherapy Dive Team 24 Hour Dive at Just Giving. Please link to the page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/deptherapy24hour.

Please donate and help support the excellent work of Deptherapy, changing and saving lives through scuba diving.

Find out about the work of Deptherapy & Deptherapy Education at www.deptherapy.co.uk.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

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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.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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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.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

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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