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Why I became a Technical Diver…

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In his debut blog for Scubaverse, Commercial and Technical Diver John Wheeler explains why, for him, recreational diving was never going to be enough…

From age 12 to around 18 I followed the same path as most, from PADI Open Water through to Rescue Diver. But with a child-like sense of adventure, always wanting to see what’s around the next corner, over the next hill or what lies in deeper waters, there was only one direction for me. The last 3+ years of my diving have been a journey, picking up the next stage and diving deeper and longer.

I first came across Technical Diving when in Dahab on holiday. Dive sites like the Canyon and Blue Hole felt like a tease: being able to see the sites below me but being unable to explore with a single cylinder and an all to rapidly approaching no decompression limit. Chatting to instructors and guides out there and hearing about helium and twinsets stuck in my 16 year old mind, and once back in the UK, with Google and YouTube at my finger tips, I began researching what would become an obsession.

One of the biggest questions I get now, from non-divers and new divers alike is “how deep do you go?”. I try my best to avoid the question as its pure ego fuel. I see no point in bounce diving deep just to say you have. Diving for me needs a purpose and having spent the last 4 years living in Plymouth, wreck diving has been my focus.

So how did Technical Diving improve the explorer in me? Technical Diving covers two aspects in my eyes: to dive for longer safely and to dive deeper safely. The first step for me was to add more gas to my shallower dives. More gas = more time and a greater safety margin, starting initially by moving to a twinset and then, in simple terms, adding more stages and different gas from there.

Technical diver training is far more intensive than recreational training; it has to be. With greater associated risk comes greater theory and skills to minimise those risks. But these skills not only benefit your deeper diving, they benefit ALL diving. Greater buoyancy control enables you to take better photos, move without disturbing wildlife and be more comfortable in the water, all making your diving more enjoyable.

The journey into Technical Diving is an ongoing one, the next step for me is jumping onto a rebreather… more on that soon!


Follow John at: www.nextstagediving.com.

John cut his teeth diving out of Plymouth whilst studying for a degree in Marine Biology and Oceanography. Whilst at university he undertook a professional diving course which set him up for his career in diving. Having thoroughly explored the easily accessible wrecks around the south coast there was only one way forward. Jon is now a technical diver ever looking to forward his skills to explore deeper and longer.

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.

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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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

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

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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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