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Tributes paid to former BSAC Chairman and pioneering diving author, Kendall McDonald

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BSAC

Former BSAC Chairman and journalist Kendall McDonald has sadly passed away aged 87 following a long illness.

Kendall 3Kendall, a prolific and renowned author who penned several key diving and wreck books as well as writing for BSAC’s magazines, including Neptune and Diver, where he worked as their Wreck Consultant. It was thought that he was the famous Beachcomber in Diver Magazine but never proved.

A founding member of Bromley SAC, Kendall learnt to dive in the early 1950s and served as BSAC Chairman between 1975 and 1977 before being awarded honorary life vice presidency. He also played a key role in organising the second World Congress of Underwater Activities in London in 1963.

A former managing editor of the London Evening News, Kendall was a passionate exponent of branch promotion, working as BSAC’s Press Officer and encouraging BSAC clubs in their own promotion of UK diving. He regularly promoted diving in the national Press, writing and presenting Britain’s first TV series about diving and was one of the first journalists to dive on the wreck of the Mary Rose in Hampshire’s Solent.

Kendall McDonaldKendall also edited the first BSAC book – The Underwater Book – featuring BSAC divers’ stories, including accounts from Alexander McKee and his successful search for the Mary Rose and Derek Cockbill on the salvaging of the Maine.

In 2009 Kendall was awarded BSAC’s Colin McLeod Award for his significant contribution to diving publications. In the same year he was elected into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame.

Over the years Kendall amassed a significant collection of diving books and publications, many of them now rare items. In 2013 he donated his collection to the British Sub-Aqua Club, where they have pride of place in BSAC HQ in the Kendall McDonald Library.

BSAC’s Chief Executive, Mary Tetley, paid tribute to the former BSAC Chairman.

“I worked with Kendall when we were on Diver Magazine together. He was an amazing storyteller and an awesome larger than life character and I would listen to him for hours. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to his family – Kendall was one of our pioneering divers and wreck authors and he will be sorely missed.”

Kendall McDonald’s funeral will be held at All Saints Church, Thurlestone on Friday 24 January at 3pm. Instead of flowers there will be a collection on behalf of Cancer Research, Devon Air Ambulance and the MS Society.

For more details please email maryt@bsac.com.

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.

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.

regulatorregulator

The Workhorse – our CS-30

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

regulator

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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