News
Thailand Twin Centre: Part One
7 years on from my last visit to Thailand and specifically Phuket, I find myself back here in a place that has so many memories for me. I visited back in 2010 and then again in 2012 with my girlfriend and had an amazing time exploring a country full of culture and adventure. Now I am back again to explore the underwater world around Phuket and the Similan Islands.
We are on a two week dive itinerary organised by The Scuba Place taking in some land-based diving and a liveaboard. Week 1 has seen us based in Kata Beach, Phuket and diving with Sea Fun Divers to the sites popular with divers who visit the area. Sites such as the King Cruiser Wreck, where we unfortunately got zero visibility but I got the sense in good vis it would be an amazing site, Shark Point and Koh Doc Mai. With sites also in Phi Phi National Park, Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands it was an enjoyable 5 days of boat diving. A delicious lunch, soft drinks and water were all included in the package adding to the experience creating a great day out on the water.
The visibility ranged from site to site, with crystal clear waters at the majority of sites but we were also hit with some interesting visibility at others. One site even treated us to the full spectrum of vis as we had a few metres visibility at most down at around 18 metres but as we came up the vis improved to around 30 metres.
Even when the vis wasn’t great it didn’t stop us from all getting a glimpse of some amazing marine life throughout the 5 days. The schools of snapper were a real treat on most sites and in particular in Phi Phi National Park as they engulfed the pinnacles and would slowly part as you drifted through them.
Black tip reef sharks, turtles, frogfish, cuttlefish and stingrays were some of the exotic marine life that the group encountered on a more infrequent basis. Whereas stonefish, scorpionfish and sea snakes were an abundant part of the diving wherever we went and were seen on most dives during the trip. Seeing some of the extraordinary gorgonian fan corals in great sizes was a real treat for me personally.
There is certainly a lot more to Phuket than diving as there is an array of tours on offer from land to sea. With a full day free before our trip on the liveaboard we chose not to rest but to organise a trip with John Gray’s Sea Canoe. Our trip took us back on the water but not under it as we went out to Phang-Nga Bay to explore the amazing marine geology on offer at this natural wonder. We squeezed under caves as we lay on the canoes to avoid the low ceilings that then opened up into stunning lagoons called Hongs (Thai for Rooms).
Between the group a wide range of wildlife was spotted as we saw a family of macaques, water monitor lizard, kingfisher, mudskippers, brahminy kites, and a hornbill even gave us a fleeting glimpse as it flew overhead. We then finished up the day making a flower “Kratong” and heading out as the sun set to light a candle and watch it float in the water. We also had the treat of witnessing bioluminescent plankton sparkle like stars as you waved your hand through the water. The trip was a great day out and an alternative to being underwater that was topped off by being served a delicious lunch and dinner onboard. John Gray himself was even present on the tour and it was great to see him gathering rubbish along the way as he paddled along. Any tour where the owner is conscious about pollution on the ocean gets my vote.
All in all the first week on this two week itinerary has been great with all the group having an amazing time. The food in the restaurants has been extremely tasteful, whether its been authentic Thai or enjoying an alternative, more western-style, dish. A night on Bangla Road in Patong was an enjoyable change from quieter Kata Beach. As the night draws in, it becomes a walking street full of bars and life. The live music in some of the bars is amazing with very talented musicians on show. But now it’s time to head out on the liveaboard and fingers crossed for some amazing diving in the Similan Islands.
Sean’s trip is organised by The Scuba Place. For more information and to book call +44 (0)207 644 8252, email reservations@thescubaplace.co.uk or visit www.comedivewithus.co.uk.
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.
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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