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The Captain’s Blog: 50 Years of Diving
‘That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind’.
It’s been 50 years since Neil Armstrong addressed the world with those words… transmitted across space from nearly 400,000 kilometres away. It was an event that has become the benchmark against which all other human endeavors will always be measured… the effort, the planning, the sheer audacity of it, was then, and remains today, peerless.
But let me go out on a limb here and say, that what really got them there, got them to the moon after just 8 years in the pursuit of the matter… was enthusiasm. No one got distracted, there were no smartphones, internet and reality TV, and the result was… well… nothing quite inspires like Armstrong’s famous words.
Meanwhile, back on earth… 50 years ago, a young Mike Ball was setting up what would become one of the worlds most long-lived dive companies. From humble beginnings as a small ‘diving department’ in a sports store, Mike dreamt big and built the world’s most famous dive boat fleet. Trips on Watersport, Spoilsport, Supersport and Paradise Sport became bucket list items for divers around the world and along the way, Mike racked up an impressive list of diving innovations: Stinger suits, solo diving, custom built catamarans, on board photo developing, specialised rebreather diving.
But it wasn’t these things that kept Mike Ball Dive Expeditions at the forefront of diving trips all these years. Sure, they played a part, but the backbone of the success, was again, enthusiasm. Enthusiasm in its product, its marketing, its change management… and most importantly, the day to day enthusiasm of its staff.
Mike’s real talent wasn’t the boats or the diving, it was in choosing the right people to run those boats and orchestrate that diving. And these good choices have just kept on going, decade after decade… the right crew, doing what they love, showing the diving public what they love.
Today on Spoilsport, on any given trip, we have a mix of ‘new crew’ and ‘old crew’… crew that have been on board for one year, and others that have been on board for 10 or 15 years… what they have in common is that they are all doing it because they love it… and for the divers we share our world with, that makes a tangible difference to the quality of outcome they’ve come to expect from Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. The world’s best dive company, delivering the world’s best diving. And like the NASA space program from 50 years past…the enthusiasm on Spoilsport, simply never wains.
Captain Trevor Jackson
Find out about the Mike Ball’s Dive Expeditions.
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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