News
Teenager scoops top BSAC award for her deep dedication to diving
A 17-year-old from Budehaven SAC has scooped a top BSAC award for the commitment she shows to her sport and club.
Lucy Fanet, of Bude in Cornwall, has already been a qualified snorkel instructor for a year with the Budehaven Sub Aqua Club and leads regular mentoring sessions for its younger members.
She has also spearheaded a major snorkelling programme teaching scores of children the basics of safe underwater activity.
It is this dedication which has landed her the coveted title of BSAC Young Branch Volunteer of the Year in the Suunto Branch Volunteer of the Year 2013 Awards.
Designed to reward BSAC branch members for their significant contribution to their club, to diving and to BSAC generally, the Branch Volunteer of the Year 2013 awards have extra significance as the club is this year celebrating its diamond jubilee.
Lucy is one of the final six, who each received a fantastic Suunto DX computer, presented to the winners at the recent BSAC Diving Conference at Birmingham’s NEC.
Budehaven SAC vice-chairman Andy Squirrell, who nominated Lucy for the award, said Lucy started her diving with the club at the age of 12.
“She undertook the complete Ocean Diver course in her first summer of diving, reaching an impressive 100 per cent in the theory exam. Two years and lots of scuba diving later the Sports Diver qualification followed along with attendance at a snorkel instructor event.
“Over the last four years Lucy has mentored a number of younger members who have joined the branch, showing them at first hand the advantages of scuba diving whilst helping the branch’s older members understand the needs of the younger member.
“After taking the snorkel instructor assessment Lucy returned to the branch keen to promote snorkelling in the area.
“Working with the local swimming club and school Lucy ran a snorkelling programme for 100 children in 2012 with a further 56 in 2013.”
Andy added: “Lucy attends the monthly club meetings championing the snorkel options within the area and reminds the branch of the younger members’ needs.
“Her recent work experience at the Diving Diseases Research Centre in Plymouth allowed her to understand the wide range of work carried out at the centre, and not just fixing divers with the bends.
“The branch will find out about this work in December when Lucy is planning to give a full presentation on the work to the members.
“Her dedication to snorkelling and the willingness to help others is why I nominated Lucy for the award and I am delighted that she was chosen as the winner.”
Lucy is currently studying for her A Levels at Bude Community School and has ambitions to eventually become a nurse.
She said: “I didn’t even know I had been nominated for the award and it was a very nice surprise to win it.
“I particularly enjoy working with the younger members of the club and I think it is important they have the basic experience of snorkelling before going on to more advanced diving.Next year, I’m hopefully going to do my Dive Leader course.”
For more details on BSAC’s Branch Volunteer of the Year 2013 winners, click 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.
-
News2 months ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months ago
Dive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago
2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced