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!
- The Making of an Underwater Scientist: Meet the AAUS’s new President Jessica Keller
Jessica Keller, a diving scientist, became the new president of AAUS, having a background in underwater archaeology and various diving roles.
Jessica Keller president
- Harmony Beneath the Waves: Uniting for Industry and Ocean Advancement
In a post by International Training CEO Brian Carney, dive professionals are urged to unite for the advancement of the industry and ocean by reducing the perceived risk of technology.
Dive professionals International Training perceived risk
- A New Audiobook for Scuba Divers
A new audiobook for scuba divers called "Technically Speaking – Talks on Technical Diving Volume 1: Genesis and Exodus" by Simon Pridmore is highly recommended by diving experts. It delves into complex technical diving concepts in an easily understandable manner.
audiobook scuba divers Simon Pridmore
- BSAC Introduces New Underwater Surveyor Course
BSAC introduces the Underwater Surveyor course, in partnership with Seawilding, focusing on fun and accessible survey techniques for divers and snorkelers. The course covers eLearning modules and practical training to conduct marine surveys, requiring BSAC Ocean Diver or Snorkel Diver qualifications. Completion leads to a BSAC Underwater Surveyor SDC qualification.
BSAC Scuba Diving – DeeperBlue.com Seawilding Underwater Surveyor course
- Animals of the ocean depths
The ocean depths are crucial for marine life, including fish, plants, and mammals.
Read the entire article at oceana.org
marine life ocean depths Oceana scuba diving
- Diving the Great Barrier Reef
Diving The Great Barrier Reef is highlighted as one of the ultimate scuba diving adventures due to its vastness and beauty.
diving Great Barrier Reef scuba
- Exploring the Depths: Solitude Liveaboards & Resorts and the Art of Underwater Photography
Solitude Liveaboards & Resorts invites underwater photography enthusiasts to explore and capture the beauty of the ocean. Their tailored services, expert guidance, and workshops aim to nurture and empower photographers, overcoming challenges like mastering buoyancy and camera gear. The allure of underwater photography lies in documenting marine life and seascapes, with workshops designed to enhance skills and creativity. Top tips from experts include choosing experienced instructors, comprehensive curriculums, small group sizes, ideal locations, and encouraging creativity.
Solitude Liveaboards & Resorts Underwater Photography Workshops
- The Best Outdoor Activities in Austria
Austria offers a variety of outdoor activities, including scuba diving in mountain lakes, skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, paragliding, and rock climbing in picturesque landscapes. Popular spots include Salzkammergut, Salzburg, and Tyrol. Each activity has its best time to go, such as winter for diving and skiing, summer for kayaking, and spring/summer for paragliding. Despite being landlocked, Austria's diverse terrain makes it a fantastic destination for adventure seekers.
Austria outdoor activities scuba diving
- German woman missing, presumed dead, after Red Sea liveaboard fire disaster
A German woman is missing, presumed dead after a fire onboard a Red Sea liveaboard diving boat, Sea Legend, which sank. The fire started in the kitchen, causing chaos during evacuation. Passengers were forced to abandon ship and faced safety issues, lack of life vests, and no proper alarm system. One zodiac reached shore after navigating through rough seas, while the other was rescued by speedboats. No roll call was taken, leading to the missing woman identified after the incident.
liveaboard Red Sea
- Mermaid Dreams – Introducing Youngsters to the Underwater World
Introducing youngsters to the underwater world through mermaid programs, like PADI's official Mermaid program, allows kids as young as 6 to learn mermaiding skills, history, safety, and experience swimming like a mermaid with a fin and tail. Starting young fosters comfort in water and good habits, but adults can also pursue the dream, with many opportunities for mermaids as performers at aquariums and events.
Mermaids PADI Youngsters
- Review Extra: Heavy Freediving Neckweight by Alchemy
The Alchemy Heavy neckweight is a new and improved version of the Alchemy Freediving neckweight series. It offers more weight distribution, comfort, and visibility for divers. It is wider, heavier, and comes in a silver color, making it ideal for various diving conditions. The neckweight is durable, easy to adjust, and clip-free for emergencies.
Alchemy Heavy neckweight comfort weight distribution
- Kraken Rum partners with PADI AWARE Foundation
The Kraken Rum releases a limited edition telling the story of a lighthouse keeper's escape from the clutches of the Kraken beast, with unique illustrations on the bottle.
Kraken Rum lighthouse keeper limited edition Scuba Diver Mag
- Dive Smarter: Know Your Rental Gear!
When renting dive gear, ensure you understand how to use each piece properly. For dive computers, know how to read depth, time, gas levels, and warning signals. Check gas mix settings and connections for air integration. BCDs should fit and function well, regulators must be clean and maintained, and exposure gear should fit properly. Ensure you are comfortable with all gear before diving.
dive equipment operate rental gear
- Houthi rebels sink phosphate-laden bulk carrier MV Rubymar in Red Sea
The MV Rubymar, a UK-owned bulk carrier, sank in the Red Sea after being hit by a ballistic missile by Houthi rebels, posing environmental risks due to the chemicals onboard. The spillage could impact the Red Sea's marine ecosystems, circulating for months if not contained immediately.
environmental risks MV Rubymar Red Sea
- Why is it so hard to admit to our mistakes?
Admitting mistakes in scuba diving can be challenging due to factors like ego, psychological safety, consequences, and embarrassment. Building trust and sharing errors openly can lead to a culture of learning and improvement.
psychological safety
- Scientists Report 03.05.24
Scientists report on small boat activities in various zones on March 5, 2024. No small fishing boats were seen fishing in the monitored zones on this day. An operation was conducted with the Navy to retrieve a net entangled with sea animals. The net was removed, and the animals were released back into the sea.
Fishing Monitoring Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Small boats
- Science Fiction and Horror Under the Water
The article discusses how real sea creatures resemble monsters from Science Fiction and Horror movies, such as a Wolf Fish resembling Nosferatu, a Damselfish reminiscent of The Monster that Challenged the World, a Lizardfish resembling Mr. Sardonicus, an Octopus akin to The Crawling Eye, a Bubble Anemone resembling The Blob, and a Stargazer reminiscent of The Thing. The text also touches on other creatures like Skuas, Clownfish, Anemonefish, Salmon, Mantis Shrimp, and Iguanas, drawing parallels to movie monsters like The Birds, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Thing, The Tingler, and Godzilla.
Horror Monsters Science Fiction
- Seagrass Awareness Month brings critical food source for Manatees to centre stage
March is Seagrass Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of protecting seagrass to safeguard the manatee population in Florida. Seagrass loss has led to increased manatee deaths due to starvation, with nutrient pollution causing harmful algal blooms. Although there has been a slight decrease in manatee deaths, ongoing conservation efforts are crucial in maintaining seagrass habitats. Human actions like nutrient pollution and development impact these ecosystems, underscoring the need for public involvement in protecting seagrass and manatees.
Manatees Seagrass Seagrass Awareness Month
- Women Divers Hall of Fame awards 2024 Scholarships and Training Grants
The Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) awards scholarships and training grants annually to individuals, including those pursuing careers involving diving, providing financial support. In 2024, $57,000 was awarded to 47 recipients chosen from 324 applicants, aiming to support passionate individuals interested in diving. The scholarships aim to expand global outreach and support future change makers in the diving community.
DiveNewswire scholarships training grants Women Divers Hall of Fame
- Sea Experience Expands Popular ECO PRO Program
Sea Experience is updating its ECO PRO program to include online training segments and a shark diving experience while keeping the live course at six days. The course covers coral reef health, citizen science, and shark ecology among other topics. The practical part consists of benthic surveys, reef fish identification, and shark behavior dives.
coral reef health DiveNewswire ECO PRO program online training Sea Experience Shark Diving
- Nomad Mini from BLU3 Is Now Available
BLU3 now offers the Nomad Mini as part of its product line, which is an upgraded version of the Nemo system designed based on user feedback. The Nomad Mini boasts a 15-foot depth rating, improved air flow, and comes with an option to add a DiveBoost™ Kit for extended dive time. Retailing at $1,299, it is lighter and smaller than the Nomad, making it ideal for shallow-water activities like metal detecting or boating.
BLU3 DiveBoost™ Kit DiveNewswire Nomad Mini
- Additional Rooms in the DEMA Show Hotel Block Now Available
Additional rooms in the DEMA Show hotel block are now available at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel due to the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Book within the block soon to secure exclusive rates, with rooms available until about 30 days before the show. Attendees are urged to book flights early to Harry Reid International Airport, located 3.5 miles from the Las Vegas Convention Center.
DEMA Show hotel block
- Explorer Ventures Announces Enhanced Staterooms Aboard the Black Pearl Explorer
Explorer Ventures has upgraded the staterooms on the Black Pearl Explorer liveaboard diving vessel in Palau, offering enhanced comfort such as Queen Masters and Deluxe Seaview Staterooms. The vessel meets high industry standards for stability and safety, providing trips to explore Palau's diverse marine life, including rare spawning events of marine species like bump head parrotfish and red snapper. Guests can enjoy famous dive sites and witness a wide array of marine animals in the region.
Black Pearl Explorer Explorer Ventures staterooms
- Underwater Fishing Without Scuba Gear [Video]
An article discusses underwater fishing without scuba gear, highlighting a free-diving fisherman's ability to dive deep into the sea, endure water pressure, and catch fish on a single breath. The text also mentions a related YouTube video showing the fisherman in action.
breath-holding free-diving underwater fishing
- Sea of Change Foundation Supports New Boulder Coral Nursery with Reef Renewal, Curaçao
Sea of Change Foundation supports new boulder coral nursery with Reef Renewal in Curaçao by establishing a coral nursery with disease-resistant genotypes to aid in reef restoration efforts, combating ocean temperature rises and disease outbreaks. The foundation aims to create positive change through conservation projects, with 100% of funds directly supporting these initiatives. Sea of Change partners with Reef Renewal Curaçao to protect and restore coral reefs, emphasizing community engagement and innovative restoration methods to inspire hope for coral reefs globally.
Curaçao DiveNewswire Reef Renewal Sea of Change Foundation
- Scuba.com Announces Exclusive Partnership with 7TILL8 Custom Wetsuits
Scuba.com partners exclusively with 7TILL8 Custom Wetsuits for one year, offering custom-tailored wetsuits to divers. The collaboration aims to provide top-quality gear tailored to individual needs, enhancing comfort and performance in the water.
partnership Scuba.com
- Additional Rooms in the DEMA Show Hotel Block Now Available!
Additional rooms in the DEMA Show hotel block are now available in response to the 2024 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix overlapping with the event. Participants can book exclusive rates at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel. It's crucial to book within the block early, especially with the Formula 1 race. The block will close 30 days before the show, allowing rooms to be sold elsewhere. Attendees are advised to secure their stay now.
DEMA Show hotel block participants
- ScubaRadio live studio video feed for 3-9-24.
ScubaRadio is a popular diving podcast with a live studio video feed every Saturday from 3-5pm EST. Hosted by Greg The Divemaster, this show features the latest dive news and information in a fun and irreverent manner.
diving podcast ScubaRadio
- Great White Shark Surprises Diver [Videos]
A diver in Florida encounters a great white shark while capturing a video during an advanced diving certification, which adds to the recorded shark encounters in the area, including one with researchers. The surprising incident emphasizes the unexpected nature of marine encounters while diving.
diver Florida great white shark
- Here’s Why Jamaica is One of the Caribbean’s Best Destinations for Learning to Scuba Dive
Jamaica is a top scuba diving destination due to warm waters, clear visibility, diverse dive sites suitable for beginners, comprehensive dive instruction, environmentally conscious practices, unforgettable experiences, and accessibility from major cities.
beginners Jamaica scuba diving
- Fern takes on the London Marathon for the Shark Trust
Fern, an eco-warrior from South Wales, is running the London Marathon to support the Shark Trust. She believes sharks play a key role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems by balancing food webs and promoting biodiversity. Fern emphasizes the need for humans to protect these vital creatures from destruction.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
biodiversity ocean sharks The Shark Trust
- Story Divers, Sharm El Sheikh – an unforgettable Red Sea scuba diving experience
Story Divers in Sharm El Sheikh offers scuba diving experiences in the Red Sea, accommodating divers of all levels with daily boat trips to various dive sites and shore diving options. Their services include comfortable boats, certified instructors, small group dives, free Wi-Fi, and eco-friendly practices. Story Divers is a member of conservation organizations, committed to protecting marine life.
Red Sea scuba diving Story Divers
- Reef-World wins Drops In The Ocean environmental fund
The Reef-World Foundation wins £335,000 in advertising from Ocean Outdoor's environmental fund, supporting marine conservation initiatives like the Green Fins program. The company donates ad space for sustainability causes globally, with Reef-World using the award to expand its reach in marine conservation.
advertising award. Green Fins Marine Conservation Ocean Outdoor Reef-World Foundation
- Running to raise Fins for Awareness
Clara, a nature enthusiast from Madeira, is running a half marathon to raise money for the Shark Trust, an organization that helps protect sharks and their ocean habitats. She believes that shark conservation is crucial for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Clara invites others to support her fundraising efforts to ensure future generations can enjoy the wonders of the ocean.
Read the full article at www.sharktrust.org
conservation marine ecosystems Shark Trust The Shark Trust
- Uwaga selektywna istnieje! 5 wskazówek, jak zwiększyć świadomość sytuacyjną w nurkowaniu
Situational awareness is crucial for safe diving. Avoid distractions by focusing on one task at a time. Training exercises can enhance awareness, like juggling tasks or noticing new details in familiar settings. Scenario-based training and thorough debriefings help teams stay alert underwater. Encourage a habit of constant vigilance to boost safety.
scenario-based training situational awareness training exercises
- Soneva and Scuba – a match made in heaven
This text is divided into sections listing different diving locations by region and month, along with trending destinations. The website offers travel planning services and contact information for inquiries.
Diving locations Months Regions
- QUIZ: True or False – Marine Life
Marine Life True or False Quiz! Explore the depths with questions on ocean creatures.Score 75% or more an win a prize. Good luck!
Egypt Fiji scuba diving
- Dive Trip report : Andaman North and South from the 9th to the 16th February
Embark on a thrilling diving expedition in the Andaman Sea from the 9th to the 16th of February 2024, exploring the Surin Islands and Kho Lipe with a diverse team of international divers.
Andaman Sea diving expedition Surin Islands
- Gear Review: OrcaTorch Super Focus 3degree Beam D720 Dive Light
Jeff Goodman reviews the OrcaTorch Super Focus 3degree Beam D720 Dive Light for Scubaverse.com.
dive light OrcaTorch Scubaverse Super Focus
- Fourth Element’s New European Base of Operations Is In Poland
Fourth Element opened a new European base in Gdansk, Poland for efficient deliveries, customer support, and repairs within the EU. The UK team manages sales, while Poland handles operations. Sharing a facility with Halcyon Diving Systems, they aim to improve customer service and supply across Europe.
Fourth Element Poland Scuba Diving – DeeperBlue.com
- Behind the Shot: March of the Tadpoles
Shane Gross describes capturing his award-winning photo "March of the Tadpoles" during a snorkeling trip. Visiting a lake on Vancouver Island, he and his partner observed tadpoles swarming in the shallows, creating a feeding frenzy. Gross used a Nikon D500 camera with strobes to capture the image, which featured tadpoles in the sunlight. He emphasizes the fun of the experience and how sometimes simple enjoyment can lead to remarkable shots.
DPG RSS March of the Tadpoles Nikon D500 Shane Gross
- BSAC introduces Underwater Surveyor course
The British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) has partnered with conservation charity Seawilding to introduce the Underwater Surveyor course, designed to make surveying fun and accessible. Surveying is great fun, gives participants a new appreciation of the underwater world, and is the first vital step in implementing conservation measures. However, as with many citizen science projects, it can be challenging to get started, knowing how and what to survey and in particular, what to do with the collected data.
British Sub-Aqua Club dive memberships
- Editorial – March 2024
The editorial discusses the current state of the recreational diving industry post-pandemic, questioning whether it is recovering or still declining.
Read the entire article at diveindustrynews.net
Decline Dive Industry Association Inc. pandemic recreational diving industry
- Side-gilled sea slug a first for Britain
A new species of side-gilled sea slug, Pleurobranchaea britannica, was discovered off the coast of Britain in 2018 and 2019. Measuring 2-5cm, it resembles Pleurobranchaea meckeli but was identified through DNA analysis by researchers at the University of Cadiz.
Pleurobranchaea britannica side-gilled sea slug
- Diving With Crocodiles – Massive 1500+LB Crocodiles
The article discusses the thrill of diving with massive crocodiles, providing safety tips and recommended locations for such dives, alongside videos showcasing these encounters. Crocodiles' behavior and interaction with sharks are also explored.
Crocodiles diving safety
- Tips for Shooting Freediving Videos
The text provides tips for shooting freediving videos, focusing on skills, preparation, frame rate, light, video length, communication, and safety.
Freediving videos skills Tips
- Tips for Planning the Perfect Caribbean Scuba Diving Vacation
Planning a scuba diving vacation in the Caribbean involves selecting the right destination like Curaçao and Bonaire, considering the best time to visit for ideal diving conditions, choosing dive-friendly accommodations, booking diving packages in advance, checking equipment needs, refreshing dive skills for safety, exploring dive sites, respecting marine life, capturing underwater memories, and embracing eco-dive and cultural tourism. Consider eco-friendly practices and immerse in local cultures for a fulfilling experience.
- Solo orca kills great white shark in under two minutes
An orca named Starboard was observed killing a great white shark by itself in under two minutes in Mossel Bay, South Africa, a behavior previously thought to require team effort. This solitary predation by orcas challenges existing understanding and could impact marine ecosystems. The study suggests that the orcas' hunting strategy may depend on the size and age of the sharks being targeted.
great white shark orca predation
- Boat vs Shore Diving
Boat diving offers access to deeper water with larger marine life and remote dive sites, while shore diving provides flexibility, accessibility, and macro-life encounters. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities, budget, and desired diving experience.
Diving locations Months Trending destinations
- Ikelite Announces Housing for the Sony ZV-1 II
Ikelite has released an underwater housing for the Sony ZV-1 II camera, featuring a durable design with various lens support options. The housing allows for wide-angle, macro, split shots, and over-under photography. It supports external strobes and features an accessory port for additional accessories. The housing is priced at $595 and can withstand depths of up to 200 feet.
DPG RSS Housing Ikelite Sony ZV-1 II