Scuba News-Gazette
Here, we curate the latest news, discoveries, and conservation efforts from across the web, keeping you updated on everything scuba diving. From groundbreaking research and awe-inspiring dives to essential gear reviews and travel recommendations, Scuba News is your one-stop shop for all things scuba diving. So, gear up for knowledge, and stay informed about the ever-evolving world beneath the waves!
- Scuba Diver North America #19 out now!
The latest issue of Scuba Diver North America introduces a new small monthly charge for digital magazines that will eventually become free. It features news highlights, a dive adventure in the Bahamas for shark photography, an exploration in Indonesia, and a Q&A with an underwater photographer. Additionally, it includes tips on underwater photography techniques, a dive experience in Fiji, information about thresher sharks, and a tech dive in Italy. The issue also includes gear reviews and a new column about the Georgia Aquarium dive team.
dive industry magazine Scuba Diver Mag Scuba Diver North America #19
- PADI teams up with GoPro to create new distinctive specialty certification
PADI and GoPro collaborate to create a new specialty certification for divers on using GoPro cameras underwater. The course covers responsible camera use, storytelling skills, video editing, and promoting ocean conservation.
DIVE Magazine GoPro PADI
- Extraordinary Tonga and Samoa Voyages
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji offers early bird savings for voyages to Tonga and Samoa on the MS Caledonian Sky. Bookings made by March 31, 2024, include a 20% discount and a $2000 travel credit per person for the 14-night cruises departing in August 2024 and March 2025.
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji Samoa Scuba Diver Mag Tonga
- OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light now available in four colours
The OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light now comes in four colors: Black, Green, Red, and Blue. It offers 3,000 lumens, various brightness settings, uses a rechargeable battery, and has safety features for divers.
colors dive light OrcaTorch D710
- Ergonomics- not just about comfy chairs*
Ergonomics is about how humans interact with systems and equipment, like scuba gear. Well-designed equipment is easier to use. Feedback is crucial in ergonomics to know if actions are correct. Checklists are important in diving to ensure safety protocols are followed. Choosing suitable equipment and checklists improves diving experiences.
Checklists
- A Scuba Divers Love … [Video]
Scuba divers have unique qualities like curiosity and love for adventure. The video featured portrays what it means to fall in love with a diver.
Adventure. scuba divers
- CCMI Presents REEFS GO LIVE!
CCMI's Reefs Go Live program streams live from Little Cayman's coral reefs to classrooms worldwide. This year, new episodes will focus on research and conservation efforts. The first episode, 'Our Physical Ocean', airs on March 22nd, emphasizing ocean education for students globally for free. The program aims to engage students in marine sustainability education by showcasing the resilience of reefs amidst pressures. Key dates for upcoming episodes and registration are provided for interested participants.
CCMI DiveNewswire Reefs Go Live
- Aggressor CEO is a Travel Industry Ambassador
Aggressor CEO Wayne Brown promotes exotic travel through media outlets, inviting travelers to experience adventures like snorkeling with humpback whales or visiting ancient castles. Brown shares his passion for adventure travel on TV shows and podcasts, aiming to make unique travel experiences more accessible and affordable to a wider audience.
Aggressor Adventures DiveNewswire travel Wayne Brown
- THIS WEEKEND – Dive Into Boston Sea Rovers 2024
Dive into Boston Sea Rovers 2024 this weekend for their 70th Annual Conference & Expo. Explore films, presentations, and exhibits related to underwater exploration in Danvers, MA.
Boston Sea Rovers DiveNewswire underwater exploration
- Caradonna Announces New Show Specials At Boston Sea Rovers And Beneath the Sea Shows
Caradonna Adventures offers show specials at Boston Sea Rovers and Beneath the Sea shows, with dive packages and discounts. Visitors can meet agents at booth #29 in Danvers MA and booth #612 in Secaucus NJ. A chance to win a free dive trip is available at the Beneath the Sea Show. Caradonna is a top dive travel agency with decades of experience.
Caradonna Adventures dive packages DiveNewswire show specials
- YachtPro Series from LW Americas Offers Variety of Options for Safe and Reliable Tank Fills
The YachtPro Series from LW Americas offers safe and reliable tank fills for scuba divers. The YachtPro 100 is automated and ideal for personal use, while the YachtPro 250 can refill multiple tanks quickly and efficiently. Both compressors have features like a Variable Frequency Drive to ensure minimal impact on the boat's electric service.
compressors DiveNewswire LW Americas YachtPro Series
- Financial protection for your watersport activities from SFS
Financial protection for water sports from SFS is available through BSAC's member insurance.
British Sub-Aqua Club - News & blog BSAC member insurance SFS
- Join Sea Shepherd San Diego at San Diego EarthFest
Join Sea Shepherd San Diego at San Diego EarthFest on April 20th for an Earth Day celebration with vendors, speakers, and activities. The event is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and zero-waste. Profits will go to local non-profits.
Earth Day San Diego EarthFest Sea Shepherd San Diego
- Winners and Finalists of the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards Open Competition
The 2024 Sony World Photography Awards Open Competition has announced winners and finalists in categories like Natural World & Wildlife, including stunning underwater images by photographers from Japan, Vietnam, and the US. Entries were received from over 220 countries, with nearly 400,000 images submitted for consideration.
DPG RSS Sony World Photography Awards Underwater Photography winners
- Join Sea Shepherd San Diego at San Diego Vegan Festival
Join Sea Shepherd San Diego at San Diego Vegan Festival on April 13th at Waterfront Park, presenting vegan lifestyle and campaign updates.
San Diego Vegan Festival Sea Shepherd San Diego Waterfront Park
- ScubaRadio live studio video feed for 3-16-24.
ScubaRadio airs every Saturday from 3-5pm EST, offering dive news and information with a fun twist. Viewers can watch the live studio video feed and engage through phone, email, or the website. Greg The Divemaster leads the show, which is popular globally for its diving content.
Greg The Divemaster live studio video Scuba Radio ScubaRadio
- Why it Matters: Coral Bleaching
Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel algae due to environmental stress, turning them transparent. Bleaching doesn't immediately kill corals but weakens them, impacting marine biodiversity as they provide habitat and food for many species. With rising ocean temperatures, coral reefs face increased mortality, leading to a decline in marine ecosystems and potential ecosystem collapse.
coral bleaching environmental stress marine biodiversity
- Canon Enhances Cinema RAW Light Formats for the EOS C500 Mark II
Canon Enhances Cinema RAW Light Formats for the EOS C500 Mark II Canon has updated the firmware of the EOS C500 Mark II camera, expanding its Cinema RAW Light capabilities. The upgrade includes three new RAW formats, offering 12-bit recording at all frame rates. This enhancement provides over 68 billion colors and a reduction in file size without compromising quality. The update is set for release on March 21st and will benefit filmmakers by offering more versatility in capturing high-quality footage. Canon, Cinema RAW Light, EOS C500 Mark II
Canon Cinema RAW Light DPG RSS
- Giant Pacific Octopus Magical Encounter With Diver [Video]
An underwater photographer, Justin Hofman, encountered a curious giant Pacific octopus while diving off the coast of Alaska. The octopus seemed as interested in him as he was in it. Justin's experience with octopuses helped him handle the interaction well, capturing it on film to share with others. Watch the video to see how he managed the situation.
giant Pacific octopus Justin Hofman underwater photographer
- PADI partners with GoPro for new Specialty course
PADI and GoPro have collaborated to introduce the GoPro PADI Distinctive Specialty course, offering scuba divers training on using GoPro cameras and editing software to create captivating underwater content and inspire others to explore and protect marine environments.
GoPro PADI Scuba Diver Mag Specialty course
- Scientists Report 03.12.24
Scientists observed and reported no fishing activity in the Vaquita Refuge on March 12th, except for one small boat at 20:00. Various zones were monitored, with no net fishing or diving seen. Radar was used for observations.
Fishing activity Radar observations Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Vaquita Refuge
- Montenegro’s Laboratory of Maritime Archaeology to expand Wrecks4All project
Montenegro’s Laboratory of Maritime Archaeology, leading the Wrecks4All project, aims to showcase and preserve shipwrecks in the Southern Adriatic. The project digitizes wrecks for accessibility, like the French destroyer Dague sunk in WWI. The team uses advanced technology and plans to expand the project to new territories, involving conferences, courses, and more wrecks in Montenegro, Albania, and Italy.
DIVE Magazine Laboratory of Maritime Archaeology Montenegro Wrecks4All project
- PADI Gear Discount: Here’s What You Need to Know About This PADI Club Benefit
PADI Club membership, costing $49.95 annually, offers a 20% discount on PADI Gear, including scuba attire like rashguards and hoodies. To use the discount, members receive a promo code to apply during checkout. Other benefits include free courses, dive trips, and a magazine subscription, with 5% of fees supporting ocean conservation.
PADI Club scuba attire
- QUIZ: Marine Life – Jellyfish
Test your knowledge with a Jellyfish Quiz to earn a subscription discount.
DIVE Magazine Jellyfish quiz
- MBA celebrates 140 years of bio-breakthroughs
The Marine Biological Association (MBA) in Plymouth celebrates 140 years of bio-breakthroughs, highlighting studies from micro-organisms to apex predators. Seven Nobel Laureates have researched there, including discoveries related to nerve-cell signaling. The MBA houses the Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey, shaping scientific understanding of ocean health and climate change impacts on marine life. Commended for its research, education, and conservation efforts, the MBA continues to safeguard the marine environment.
Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey Marine Biological Association Scuba Diver Mag
- Newly Discovered Deep-Sea Worm Moves Like a Magic Carpet
A new deep-sea worm species, Pectinereis strickrotti, was discovered near a methane seep off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The worm moves in a wavy pattern like a magic carpet, has feathery appendages for swimming, and is blind but likely has a keen sense of smell and touch. Its large jaws hint at mystery regarding its diet.
deep-sea worm DPG RSS Pectinereis strickrotti wavy movement
- The Megalodon – Recent Discoveries
Recent discoveries about the megalodon reveal it was much larger than previously thought, not resembling great white sharks. New research challenges past estimations, suggesting the megalodon was twice as big. The extinction of the megalodon may be linked to radiation from a supernova. It likely had a different appearance with a shorter nose and longer pectoral fins.
megalodon size
- Scientists Report 03.11.24
No small boats were observed fishing in designated areas. The report includes detailed counts and radar screenshots, showing no fishing activity in the monitored zones for the day.
Fishing activity Radar observations Small boats
- Trip report: TSS Marine Science Expedition from 18th to 26th February 2024
A marine science expedition took place from February 18th to 26th along Thailand's west coast with 29 scheduled dives and a British marine biologist, Gavin Miller, as a guest.
dives marine science expedition west coast
- SSI Launches New Computer Diving Specialty
SSI has introduced a new Computer Diving specialty course aiming to familiarize divers with dive computers' features and safety benefits, including pre-dive planning, nitrox settings, and digital logbooks.
Computer Diving dive computers SSI
- Deep Ocean Diving – Horrifying Incidents Gone Wrong
The text discusses horrifying incidents in deep ocean diving involving saturation diving hazards and encounters with Humboldt squid, highlighting the dangers faced at extreme depths.
hazards Humboldt squid saturation diving
- 100 new ocean species discovered in New Zealand
Scientists in New Zealand discovered around 100 new ocean species during an expedition to the Bounty Trough. The expedition, part of the Ocean Census project, collected samples from depths of up to 4,800 meters. The team found new species of fish, molluscs, corals, and more. The specimens will be studied to confirm the new discoveries.
DIVE Magazine Expedition New Zealand Ocean species
- PADI & the Colombian Government Develop Official Diving Guide
PADI collaborated with the Colombian government to create an official Diving Guide showcasing the country's underwater wonders, aiming to promote safe and sustainable diving practices. This guide is now widely available for free, highlighting the successful partnership between PADI and the government.
Diving Guide PADI
- Nemo Diving Center and Fourth Element Dive Gear Team Up to Embrace Ocean Positivity
Nemo Diving Center and Fourth Element Dive Gear partner to promote ocean positivity and conservation.
Fourth Element Dive Gear Nemo Diving Center ocean positivity
- Risk mitigation: DAN’s Dive Safe Officer
DAN's Dive Safe Officer course helps diving professionals understand and mitigate hazards and risks. The course covers technical, liability, and medical issues as well as emergency planning, safety monitoring, and more over a 40-hour period. The Dive Safety Officer's role is to assist in mitigating risks in dive operations, but ultimate safety responsibility lies with the owner or manager.
DAN Dive Safe Officer hazard identification risk assessment
- Risk mitigation: DAN’s Dive Safety Officer
DAN developed the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) course to help diving professionals understand and mitigate risks in dive operations. DSOs assess, advise, and monitor safety, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the owner or manager. The 40-hour course covers hazard identification, risk assessment, occupational health, emergency planning, and more.
Alert Diver Magazine | DAN Europe DAN Dive Safety Officer hazards
- Explorer Ventures Announces Enhanced Staterooms Aboard the Black Pearl Explorer
Explorer Ventures has upgraded the staterooms on the Black Pearl Explorer liveaboard, offering Queen Masters and Deluxe Seaview options for a more comfortable diving experience in Palau. The vessel meets high industry standards for safety and speed, catering to divers exploring Palau's diverse marine life. Guests can choose from different trip itineraries, including unique spawning trips showcasing marine life events. President Clay McCardell emphasizes the commitment to providing exceptional experiences for guests.
Black Pearl Explorer Explorer Ventures staterooms
- Giant ancient maerl bed found in Cornwall
Researchers found a large maerl bed in Cornwall, vital for fighting climate change.
climate change maerl bed Scuba Diver Mag
- Warm vs Cold Water Diving
In diving, the choice between warm and cold water can impact gear, training, and comfort. Key factors for cold water include drysuits and thicker wetsuits. Warm water requires less thermal protection but may involve extra exposure protection due to marine life such as jellyfish. Warm vs. cold water diving also differs in dive locations and marine life encounters.
Drysuits marine life Wetsuits
- The Fear OF Sharks Is Real, But Should It Be?
The fear of sharks is common, but statistically, the risk of being attacked by a shark is low compared to everyday activities. Educating oneself about sharks can help manage and overcome this fear through controlled exposure and understanding. It is suggested to live life to the fullest while being cautious regarding the fear of sharks.
fear sharks statistics
- Scientists Report 03.10.24
Monitoring report on small fishing boats in the Vaquita Refuge areas showed no activity except for one boat. Radar observations detailed total number of boats and activities for the day.
Monitoring report Small boats Vaquita Refuge areas
- UN World Oceans Day 2024: Save the Date
The UN World Oceans Day 2024 event will focus on the theme "Awaken New Depths," emphasizing the need for urgent change in how we interact with the ocean. The event, scheduled for June 7th, will explore topics like Science & Innovation, Biodiversity, and Indigenous Knowledge. There will be a Photo Competition hosted by DPG as part of the celebration.
Awaken New Depths DPG RSS Photo Competition UN World Oceans Day 2024
- 2024 Turtle Nesting Season is Here!
The 2024 turtle nesting season has begun, with loggerheads being the most common species encountered during dives. South Florida hosts green sea turtles, making it a prime spot for encountering these marine animals.
green sea turtles loggerhead turtle nesting season
- Check Your Trim!
When diving in sidemount configuration, maintaining proper trim by correctly positioning and adjusting cylinders is crucial for comfort, balance, and safety underwater.
Cylinders Sidemount Trim
- Spare Air Xtreme Sport Allows Hands-Free Use
The Spare Air Xtreme Sport is a compact scuba set that allows hands-free use with an Easy Dive Snorkelator for easy air source switching. It's lightweight and convenient for divers needing extra breaths in non-rescue situations like boat maintenance.
Easy Dive Snorkelator hands-free Spare Air Xtreme Sport
- Diver Gets Trapped Inside of A Whale’s Mouth [video]
A scuba diver, Rainer Schimpf, got trapped inside a whale's mouth while trying to photograph a shark during the sardine run off the South African coast. Despite the encounter, he was not harmed, and the whale spat him out unharmed.
scuba diver trapped whale's mouth
- Need a New Profile Pic? Here’s What you Need to Know About Being a Good Underwater Subject
Underwater photography tips include letting the animal come between you and the photographer for better perspective, ensuring a clear mask and controlled breathing to avoid fogging and bubbles, and understanding the rule that what can't be touched can't be lit for good photo exposure.
Controlled breathing Perspective Underwater Photography
- The Truth About Diving with Sharks
Diving in Jupiter, FL often includes encountering sharks, particularly lemon sharks in Jan and Feb. Shark interactions are more about observing them naturally rather than baiting or feeding them. Sharks are not interested in divers unless spearfishing or actively feeding them. The experience is relaxing and mesmerizing, focusing on appreciating these powerful creatures in their natural habitat.
interactions jupiter sharks
- The 4 Best Up-And-Coming Scuba Diving Destinations To Explore in 2024
2024 introduces four promising scuba diving destinations: Vanuatu offers unspoiled diving, Fiji focuses on conservation efforts, New Zealand showcases successful marine protection, the Maldives features manta ray conservation, India's Andaman Islands are ideal for undiscovered sites, and Pemba Island in Tanzania offers unique underwater experiences.
Fiji New Zealand Vanuatu
- Underwater Wonders: Diving in Grenada
Discover the underwater wonders of diving in Grenada, a vibrant paradise teeming with diverse marine life. The author recounts their awe-inspiring experience exploring coral reefs and encountering lobsters, octopuses, eels, shrimp, stingrays, and sharks, among other fascinating creatures. Each dive in Grenada's pristine waters unveils a new marvel, making it an unforgettable destination for divers.
diving Grenada marine life