News
UN World Oceans Day Winners
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The winners of the ninth annual United Nations World Oceans Day Photo Competition were announced during the United Nations World Oceans Day (UNWOD) 2022 event at the UN Headquarters in New York. The free competition, which launched this past March, explored the six thematic categories linked to the overarching 2022 World Oceans day theme: “Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean.” World-renowned judges including wildlife photographer Rathika Ramasamy, Conservation Photojournalist & Marine Biologist Sirachai Arunrugstichai, and Underwater Photographer Y. Zin Kim, selected first, second, and third place winners for the categories: Above Water Seascapes, Underwater Seascapes, Revitalization, Coastal Communities, Ocean Critters, and Nature-Based Solutions & Ocean Exploration. Winners were selected from the thousands of global entries made by both amateur and professional photographers.
- Above Water Seascapes Nguyen Vu, Cao, Vietnam, 1st Place ‘OCEAN LOTUS LEAF’ In every profession we can find challenges but also beauty. When the fishermen head out on the water, they hope to return with boats full of fish and shrimp out of necessity. I simply want to convey the beauty of the art of fishing with seine nets in my homeland. Quang Ngai province, Vietnam.
- Coastal Communities Supachai Veerayutthanon ,Thailand, 1st Place Bajau, for many generations, from birth to death, from young to old, they spend their entire lives on their boats. They are not citizens of any state. The sea is their birthplace and their only home on earth.
- Adriana Campili, marine biology researcher check the status of the Reef Aquarium inside the laboratory of the Australian Institute of Marine Science. The AIMS is the most specialized authority in charge of the Great Barrier Reef’s monitoring conditions. Inside its Sea Simulator are carried out the most state-of-the-art experiments on corals aimed at secure a future for our reefs.In this picture I wanted to depict the tight connection between the human being and the marine ecosystem, underlining the importance of this natural bond.
- Nat Sumanatemeya, Thailand, 2nd Place Julia Nilsson free dives with thousands of stingless golden jellyfish in Ongeim’l Tketau or Fifth Lake on Eil Malk island in Palau. The image was taken in 2019 when the lake reopened after being closed for over two years. The impact of El Nino in 2016 caused declining numbers of golden jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake and the closing was aimed to give nature time to restore.
- Ocean Critters Viktor Lyaguskin, Georgia, 1st Place ‘Aliens meet spaceship’ Caprellas, also known as skeleton shrimps, are very funny and tiny animals: they grow to a maximum of 6 cm long. They are very social and active, eating non stop and fighting with each other. The ‘spaceship’ is a Bolinopsis infundibulum, common northern comb jelly. Bolinopsis don’t sting but are carnivorous and eat everything they catch, even other comb jellies. In my image it is floating under the ice.
- Revitalization Aunk Horwang, Thailand, 1st Place Ghost nets are one of the deadliest forms of marine pollution in the Thai oceans. On frequent occasions the ghost fishing nets entangle large marine creatures like this manta ray. This can be life threatening to them if not rescued, for example by a diver.
The United Nations World Oceans Day event and the Photo Competition are hosted by the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, produced with the contribution of Oceanic Global and made possible by La Mer. The annual competition is curated by Ellen Cuylaerts, and coordinated with DivePhotoGuide (DPG) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.
The 2022 winning photographers hail from over 12 different countries. Their names include: Cao Nyugen Vu, Christophe Mason-Parker (Above Water Seascapes), Damir Zurub, Nat Sumanatemeya, Nicholas Hahn (Underwater Seascapes), Rick Morris, Nuno Vasco Rodrigues, Aunk Horwang (Revitalization), Celia Kujala, Amitava Chandra, Supachai Veerayutthanon, (Coastal Communities), Gabriel Barathieu, Jennifer Johnson, Viktor Lyagushkin (Ocean Critters), Tom Vierus, Giacomo d’Orlando (Nature-Based Solutions & Ocean Exploration). All participants signed a Charter of 14 commitments regarding ethics in photography.
The United Nations World Oceans Day Photo Competition is an ongoing tradition that calls on photographers and artists from around the world to communicate the beauty of the ocean and the importance of the respective UNWOD themes each year. Winning photos from past years can additionally be seen at www.unworldoceansday.org.
Header Image: OCEAN LOTUS / Nguyen Vu/ UNworldoceansday.org
News
Coming Soon – 52 Assignments
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52 Assignments
Underwater Photography By Alex Mustard
In this new book in the bestselling 52 Assignments series we take a dive into the world of underwater photography with a practical guide that will allow photographers to capture images from completely different angles. Intrepid underwater photographers can explore all the ways they can get creative with their craft following the advice of one of the world’s most celebrated underwater photographers. This book is a mission brief, a portfolio of photographic workshops, a personalized journal and an inspirational guide to putting the creativity back into your craft. It is filled with a year’s worth of weekly commissions and concepts for conceiving and composing exciting photos beneath the waves. The assignments range from getting the perfect supermacro shot of life on the seabed to creative use of the available light for moody photos of wrecks. Whether you’re just getting your feet wet with underwater photography or you are a seasoned pro looking for some fresh ideas, you’ll find an assignment here that will teach and inspire you.
“This isn’t a book to simply read, it is a book for those who really want to develop skills and improve.” – Alex Mustard
Full of technical advice and professional tips, 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography includes journal space for you to add your own notes, lists and tech specs, creating a unique journal in which you can record the journey you have made with your imagery. Complete the assignments weekend by weekend over the course of a year, or dip in every time you need to.
The book will be published on the 8th October by Ammonite Press.
RRP: £12.99
Watch out for our review here on Scubaverse!
Blogs
NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
![novoscuba](https://www.scubaverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Main-Image-scaled.jpg)
The diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.
NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.
A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission
NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.
NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.
Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration
NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.
Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.
NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.
Quality Training at a Great Price
NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.
Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity
At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.
Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success
NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.
Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload
Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.
Crossover Made Easy
For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.
Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership
NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:
- Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
- Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
- Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.
Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement
NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.
Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth
At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.
![novoscuba](https://www.scubaverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Image-5-scaled.jpg)
Everyone is getting a piece of the pie.
Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution
Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.
For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.
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