With dive news and announcements coming from every direction these days, it's hard to stay up-to-date on the latest info concerning those in the scuba diving industry. That's why we've created this running blog, where we'll post announcements as they become available. To submit a press release for consideration, please fill out our News for Scuba Divers form.

SaltLife Supports Hurricane Ian Relief

10-10-22

SaltLife will donate $18 to the American Red Cross to aid Hurricane Ian Relief Efforts for the sale of every Florida Proud Hurricane Relief Pocket Tee, which was created as a "specialty giveback" shirt. The apparel company has also set up a microsite for customers to donate directly to the American Red Cross and sent thousands of products to Florida-based team members to distribute to those in need.

Aggressor Hiring — With Travel Perks

8-31-22

Aggressor Adventures is looking to hire full-time staffers to help clients book international scuba diving cruises, wildlife safaris, river cruises, tours and hotel stays. Work can be done remotely or out of Aggressor's Georgia headquarters. In addition to a benefits package, travel perks are included.

Accoring to a company press release: "Intermediate computer skills, phone skills, multi-tasking capabilities, ability to work independently, and attention to details are required. Travel experience is preferred but not required. We are also seeking a certified travel agent with Sabre experience to work in the Aggressor Detours Department."

Applications should be directed to [email protected].

DAN Adds Membership Tier

3-31-22

Divers Alert Network has rolled out an Enhanced Membership level, which includes all of DAN's benefits "plus higher coverage limits and a curated selection of additional benefits, including up to US$500,000 in emergency medical transportation and travel assistance benefits," and more, including the now-exclusive print subscription to Alert Diver magazine, according to a company press release.

“The needs of today’s adventure-seekers have led DAN to offer this higher level of coverage,” DAN president and CEO Bill Ziefle said the company release. “As divers and travelers venture to remote parts of the world in search of pristine reefs, the costs of evacuation have risen sharply. Rather than increasing rates and benefits across the board — raising the cost of membership for all members — DAN has chosen to offer this new level of membership for those who wish to opt in.”

Aggressor Announces New Cocos Boat for 2023

3-30-22

The 124-foot Cocos Island Aggressor will begin sailing in January 2023. Its 10-night itineraries will include an average of 21 dives through the Cocos Island National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage since 1997.

“The Cocos Island Aggressor raises the bar of liveaboard accommodations," says Aggressor Adventures CEO Wayne Brown in a company press release. "We are thrilled to offer dive adventures to Cocos aboard this extraordinary new yacht."

BVI Aggressor to Sail in May

2-25-22

Aggressor Adventures will begin sailing in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) May 7 on the newly re-christened BVI Aggressor, formerly the Cayman Aggressor V.

“We are thrilled to add the BVI Aggressor to our offerings in the Caribbean,” Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures, says in a company press release. “The British Virgin Islands have some of the most spectacular diving sites in the Caribbean which feature stunning shipwrecks, an abundance of coral, fish, sharks, dolphins, turtles, crustaceans and a multitude of other marine life.”

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire Set to Host Its First Underwater Photography Event

2-10-22
The event will take place August 20-27, 2022 and was created for divers new to underwater photography and those who want to develop their underwater photography skills. On-site photo guru, Guillermo, will offer a weeklong program for guests who wish to develop their skills and knowledge through various workshops before practicing their skills in Bonaire's perfect environment. The event is sponsored by SeaLife Underwater Cameras and offers the opportunity to try the newest SeaLife cameras and products. Participants in the Buddy Dive Thru the Lens photography event can expect the following:
• Inspirational workshops.
• SeaLife demos and try-outs.
• PADI Underwater Photography Specialty.
• Photography dedicated boat dives.
• Inspirational presentations by renowned underwater photographers.
• LOTS of photography dives.

Sign-up to be part of the inaugural event here.

Aggressor Adventures Highlights World Wetlands Day

2-2-22

Aggressor Adventures has released a video wetland scientist Nate Hobbs in honor of World Wetlands Day to raise awareness about the importance of conserving this stressed ecosystem. "From the Florida Everglades to the mangroves of Sri Lanka, wetlands are the nurseries where countless species are born, grow and thrive,” says Wayne Brown, Aggressor Adventures Chairman & CEO, in a company press release. “It’s imperative that scuba divers like us and our travel industry partners work to preserve and protect our valuable wetlands around the globe. The thrilling dive adventures we all enjoy have their beginnings in healthy and productive wetlands ecosystems."

Roatan's Largest Solar Field Installed at Anthony's Key

2-02-22
A two-acre solar field has replaced the paved tennis courts at Anthony's Key Dive Resort in Roatan as a part of the resort's sustainability initiatives. “We’re looking to reduce our carbon footprint and create our own renewable energy. This will allow us to reduce costs and take another step toward protecting the environment," Samir Galindo, Anthony’s Key General Manager, tells Dive News Wire.

Don Foster's Dive Cayman 2.0

1-28-22
The iconic dive operator is back and ready to service visitors to the Cayman Islands in a new way. With borders now open, the team at Don Foster's Dive Cayman 2.0 is taking bookings for boat dives, shore dives and scuba diving lessons. The staff is eco-friendly, knowledgeable, passionate and fully vaccinated. This new and smaller version of the original Don Foster's Dive operation is just as passionate about diving and the ocean. The team has introduced black water diving to the Cayman Islands and is the sole providers of this unique underwater experience.

Experienced divers can enjoy the new service named "Tanks4Calling" which allows divers to reserve tanks for shore diving from their dive facility, at any time. With two dive vessels, Cayman Wall and Cayman Sky, the DFD 2.0 team is ready to take you on your next dive adventure.

Roatan Ferry Begins New Route to Guanaja

12-3-21
As of November 1, the Roatan Ferry now connects divers between Roatan and Guanaja. The ferry will allow divers another way to access Guanaja without having to worry about space or extra fees for their dive gear. A roundtrip ticket is $65 and includes all luggage, and there is an option to add a shuttle service to the Roatan airport if needed. The ferry departs each destination every other day, except for Saturdays when the ferry will complete the full round-trip to accommodate dive and leisure clients taking flights back to the U.S.

Reef Renewal Bonaire Featured in Documentary Short Series

11-1-21

"Ocean," a documentary series on the Euronews TV channel, "explores the themes of pollution and marine life, the blue economy, sustainable fishing, aquaculture, climate change, ocean energy and more" as well as "policies and projects designed to protect our seas," according to Euronews.com. Reef Renewal Bonaire appeared in its late-October segment on coral reefs.

DAN Announces DEMA Plans

10-29-21

DAN, which will be set up at Booth 947, will be offering seminars and workshops in Rooms S229 and S230 on "emergency planning, advances in bubble monitoring, ensuring proper medical care for divers with DCS, and much more," according to an organization press release. DAN Oxygen Units purchased during the show will come with a free DAN Travel Backpack, which itself will be offered at member pricing during the show. DAN Bash will not be held this year in the interest of public health.

Aggressor Adventures Offers Trip Discounts to Mark 38th Anniversary

To celebrate its 38th year in business, Aggressor Adventures is offering a 25% discount on trips to over a dozen of its liveaboard destinations.

“Like every new company, we started small, but today we are the largest adventure company in the world. All my staff and destinations owners have a part in taking Aggressor Adventures to an entire new level of success. Thirty-eight years certainly deserves a moment to reflect of our achievements,” stated Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures, in a press release.

Discounts apply to trips booked October 14 through October 24 for travel April 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. Customers who book during this time will also be entered to win a full set of Aqua Lung dive gear.

Participating destinations include Bahamas Aggressor, Belize Aggressor III/IV, Galapagos Aggressor III, Kona Aggressor II, Maldives Aggressor II, Okeanos Aggressor I/II, Oman Aggressor, Palau Aggressor II, Red Sea Aggressor II, Red Sea Aggressor III, Red Sea RE Aggressor, Roatan Aggressor, Rock Islands Aggressor, Socorro Aggressor, and the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II.

Learn more at Aggressor's specials page.

Fire Takes Homes of Clarks Cay and Dunbar Rock Staffers; GoFundMe Launched

Approximately 200 homes were destroyed in the Honduran town of Bonacca on the morning of Saturday, October 2. "Many of the Clark's Cay and Dunbar Rock staff have lost everything. Homes are gone, clothing gone, personal effects gone, everything burned," says a GoFundMe created to support impacted staffers started by resort operator Mark Walker. "Please contact us if you would like to send clothing or other items to help them start rebuilding." Donations will be used for food, shelter, clothing and other basic necessities.

Bonaire TeK 2021 Coming in October

Buddy Dive Resort will host its 10th Bonaire TeK from Saturday, October 2 to Saturday, October 9, 2021. This week-long event for tec divers will include presentations from DAN Research Director Frauke Tillmans, Instructor Evaluator for Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) Guy Shockey, Shearwater's Director of Sales and Marketing Gabriel Pineda, and more.

"After 10 years of creating this technical community, we are looking forward to its future," Buddy Dive’s Tec Coordinator Mr. G said in an event press release. "By providing everything technical divers could need in one place, Buddy Dive Tek will continue to support these divers through the adventures they crave and the discoveries they wish to make, in a location and destination that is one of a kind."

DAN to Launch 2021 Webinar Series

DAN will be airing a monthly webinar series on dive research, risk mitigation and medical services on its YouTube channel on the third Thursday of every month. The first 30- to 45-minute presentation — “Emergency Planning: Who is Responsible for your Safety” with DAN Director of Risk Mitigation Francois Burman—will air at 7 PM EST on Thursday, January 21. Future episodes will cover “fill station safety, ear barotrauma, DAN research updates, the latest information about COVID-19 and diving, and more,” according to a DAN press release.,

Aggressor Launches Podcast

Aggressor Adventures recently launched a new podcast, “Inspired by Adventure,” hosted by Aggressor’s own director of content strategy, Cole Watkins. Guests to date include the duo behind Mike & Mike Photography School and Tec Clark, a scuba and freediving expert. Episodes are available for download on Aggressor’s website.

American Airlines Adds New Flights to Rising Mexican Dive Hubs

American Airlines added new flights from both Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to the cities of La Paz and Loreto in Baja California Sur in December 2020. The flights will continue until the first week of May 2021.

“Loreto is proud to be added to American Airlines’ flight roersster this December,” said “Jesus Ordoñez, General Director of Baja California Sur Tourism. “Tourism to our small and charming city has grown in recent years as U.S travelers increasingly seek authentic adventure experiences and sustainable destinations.

Winners Announced in the Sea of Change Foundation's “Build a Better Box” Competition

A basket of vines won first place in the Sea of Change Foundation's competition to find a sustainable design for sea turtle eggs. The winning design came from friends in Jalisco, Mexico: Karla De La Pena, owner of Boca Divers ecotour company, and Jorge Bolivar, founder of the Puerto del Sol Restaurant. Not only did their basket meet the competition requirements, such as keeping predators out and costing less than $5 to assemble from eco-friendly material, but 45 days of scientific testing found it best provided the environment required for sea turtle eggs. (No actual eggs were involved in this test.)

“I’m so proud of our interns, grateful for all the innovative design contest entries, and excited about the results of this first step in finding a sustainable alternative for incubating sea turtle eggs,” Katherine Comer Santos, director of the Science Exchange International Sea Turtle Internship Program, said in a press release.

Aggressor Adventures Celebrates 37th Anniversary with Special Customer Offer

Aggressor Adventures is celebrating its 37th anniversary and looking back on a strong year with gratitude for its loyal customers and staff. Despite the difficult circumstances, the company navigates around the pandemic, not resting on its laurels in 2020. They have tackled the COVID-19 pandemic with customer-first practices and incorporated pro-active sanitation and training strategies. Now, to celebrate their anniversary the company is offering a special promotion of 37 percent savings on new reservations for travel from now through November 19, 2021. Learn more at the Aggressor specials page.

OWUSS and DAN Announce New Internships for 2021

The Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society (OWUSS) and Divers Alert Network (DAN) have announced two 2021 internships. Applications are open and will be accepted between now and January 15, 2021 for the following positions:

• Dr. Glen H. Egstrom DAN Diver’s Health and Safety Internship – Focused on diver safety, this intern will attend education courses to a deeper understanding of diving physiology and current diving research worldwide, learn to prepare, plan, and conduct scientific experiments, and learn techniques of physiological data acquisition and analysis. This position involves working with divers during field research events, collecting physiological data, and communicating DAN Research endeavors to the diving community at large.
• DAN Diver’s Safety Internship - This intern will have the opportunity to participate in continuing education courses, learn about pressure vessels such as hyperbaric chambers and scuba cylinders through training materials, seminars, and field trips. The selected candidate weill participate in DAN’s safety and training programs by assisting in field assessments of hyperbaric chambers and other related facilities.

Both positions will be tailored to the selected candidate based on their interests and DAN’s ongoing work.

For more information, head to: OWUScholarship.org/Internships.

Flights Resume to Mexico after Hurricane Delta

Flights to the international airports of of Cancun and Cozumel resumed operation on Thursday, October 8, the day after the Category 2 Hurricane Delta made landfall in Quintana Roo. No deaths or serious damage have been reported in the state, according to a press release from the Quintana Roo Tourism Board, and most travelers have been able to return to their hotels.

DAN Calls for Increased Access to Hyperbaric Chambers

Divers Alert Network and other medical organizations are calling for improved emergency access to hyperbaric chambers across the United States. In an open letter sent to federal and state officials, the groups “proposed several approaches to increasing the availability of hyperbaric centers in emergencies and offered strategies to help incentive these lifesaving programs,” according to a company press release. “Fewer facilities available for emergencies means longer delays to treatment,” the release continues, “and unfortunately for divers…treatment delays can lead to permanent neurological injuries and even death.” DAN hopes the letter will start a conversation about resolving the U.S.’s hyperbaric chamber deficiency.

CocoView Announces November Seahorse Festival

Visitors at CocoView from November 1 to 28 will have free access to Seahorse Festival, a month-long event featuring activities with Mickey Charteris, author of Caribbean Reef Life: A Field Guide for Divers. Divers will be able to learn how to identify, document and photograph the beloved animal through dives with Charteris, educational presentations and multimedia seminars. Each week will end with a photo contest.

Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) Goes Virtual

The 2020 PHIDEX will be held virtually from October 9 to 11. Dive conference and panel discussions, featuring international and local experts on sustainable dive tourism, underwater photography and videography, marine conservation, and dive tourism recovery, will be streamed publicly on social media channels. Access to the conference’s virtual exhibition floor and Dive Travel Exchange (a business-to-business networking program) will be free for Philippine Department of Tourism and Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving accredited establishments.

Participants can pre-register at the pages linked below for early access to the launch platform on October 1. The PHIDEX marketplace will remain live online until December 31, 2020.

• Exhibitors and local sellers
• International buyers
• Media

Scuba Cancun Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Captain Luis Hurtado opened Scuba Cancun in 1980, pouring decades of military and sport scuba experience into building a scuba-centric resort at the world-class getaway. Over time, its work has expanded to include environmental preservation activities in the marine park and training professional divers for emergency responses. All the while, the resort is “proud to announce that we have offered to thousands of clients fun, safe and unforgettable underwater experiences in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Cozumel,” according to a company press release.

Dive Paradise Launches Two Loyalty Programs

The Cozumel operator now offers two loyalty programs for frequent divers. The first, Dive Paradise Rewards Card, is for customers who prefer to pay as they go, receiving a free two-tank trip for every ten two-tank trips purchased. Dive Paradise Frequent Diver Pass, the second rewards program, allows customers to choose between purchasing 25 or 50 two-tank dives at once, saving up to $900. Divers can manage both through Google Pay or Apple Wallet.

“During its 36 years of operation, Dive Paradise has developed an incredibly loyal following, and has always proudly taken care of its frequent divers” Dive Paradise CEO Michael Penwarden said in a company press release. “We are thrilled to formalize and modernize our rewards program via our new digital app. This will not only provide immediate benefits for our family of regular customers, but will create a foundation for further opportunities for engagement via flash sales, special ‘insider’ offers and more.”

Either pass can be purchased through the Dive Paradise’s USA office by calling (954) 743-5310 or emailing [email protected], or on-island at any Dive Paradise location.

Aggressor Adventures Takes Part in Reef Restoration in Turks & Caicos

Aggressor Adventures and Turks & Caicos Aggressor teamed up with Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) to restore coral in late July. The efforts included training volunteer divers on coral identification and disease diagnosis, conducting reef surveys, mapping coral colonies and building a new coral ladder in an existing coral nursery. Both Aggressor guests and locals participated, with Aggressor discounting a charter to help involve local divers.

“As a company with a focus on sustainability, we are pleased to partner with the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund and help support the important conservation work they do locally to protect their beautiful coral reefs that we all love to dive,” said Wayne B. Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures, in a company press release.

“This was an amazingly productive and fun trip that gave us the opportunity to complete a great deal of work in a very short period of time,” said TCRF Project Manager and Trip Leader, Alizee Zimmermann, in the same release.

Aggressor Hosts International Beach Clean Up

In June, 40 Aggressor employees across five countries spent more than 170 hours collecting more than 800 pounds of marine debris. The efforts were a part of a company initiative to honor Ocean Clean Up Month. “As global adventurers, we witness first-hand the impact pollution has on our environment, especially in our oceans,” said Wayne Brown, CEO of Aggressor Adventures in a company press release. “It’s our responsibility to change that.”

Aggressor Adventures Wins Five Telly Awards

Aggressor won five Telly Awards for episodes of "Born to Explore with Richard Wise." The adventure company partnered with the PBS show to film the winning episodes in Sri Lanka and the Cayman Islands. Telly Awards honor excellence in video production across all screens. "We see these awards as further validation of our relentless commitment to the adventure travel industry and a positive representation of our staff’s overall enthusiasm for bringing customers the Adventure of a Lifetime," said Wayne Brown, chairman and CEO of Aggressor Adventures, in a press release. Season three of "Born to Explore" aired on PBS in 2020, head to BornToExplore.net for more information about the show, or Aggressor.com for dive adventure packages.

Aggressor Adventures Announces New Assistant Operations Manager

Dive industry veteran Jeff McNutt joins Aggressor Adventures as its new Assistant Operations Manager. McNutt will be responsible for staff recruitment and training, purchasing and quality control. To ensure quality control, McNutt will visit each Aggressor destination around the world to ensure everything is running to Aggressor's strict standards.

“I have been passionate about diving for over 24 years now and am so excited to join this team of like-minded enthusiasts that is just as dedicated to elevating adventure travel as it is to preserving the beautiful destinations it explores daily,” says McNutt. “I can’t wait to ‘dive in’ to each of every one of Aggressor’s unique adventures very soon.”

DAN Offers New E-Learning Courses on Dive Boat and Breathing Gas Safety

Divers Alert Network has rolled out two free courses for professionals in the dive field.

DAN’s 30-minute Dive Boat Safety Best Practices course is geared toward boat captains and dive professionals, reinforcing Coast Guard recommendations for safe boat operations. The Assurance of Breathing Gas Quality course will “help compressor operators and dive staff identify, prevent and respond to breathing gas contamination incidents,” according to DAN.

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire Rings in 40th Anniversary with Birthday Specials

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire will offer special deals to divers who share its birthday, August 19, 2020.

Divers turning 40 that day can book free accommodations and diving during the week of August 15-21. Other deals and discounts will be offered to anyone who’s turning 40 in 2020 or whose birthday is August 19.

The resort’s owners say they will mark this milestone with “various festivities and specials throughout the year.”

“My wife and I look back on many memorable years,” said Martien van der Valk, head of the Buddy Dive family, in a release. “Now is the time that we proudly hand over the management to the next generation, who will follow in our footsteps and will pursue our mission of Buddy Dive Resort being the go-to resort and dive operation for your dive vacation and dive education.”

Dive Industry Veteran Peter Hughes Joins Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet

Liveaboard fleet operator Explorer Ventures has announced it has hired Peter A. Hughes as quality and environment adviser. Hughes, who has decades of experience in the dive and liveaboard industry, will work with the liveaboard operator on its environmental initiatives, crew training, guest satisfaction and quality control, according to an Explorer Ventures release.

“Explorer Ventures has been setting the mark for environmental responsibility in the liveaboard market, working hard to protect the oceans which have been so integral to my career. I’m looking forward to helping them continue their efforts,” Hughes said.

Shearwater Rolls Out New Color Options for Teric Dive Computer

Shearwater has introduced 10 new wrist-strap colors as well as blue and silver stainless-steel bezel options for its popular Teric dive computer. New Terics come with a standard 22 mm black strap and the option to upgrade with a strap that can be customized to match a diver’s kit.

For more info, visit www.shearwater.com/products/teric/.

Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center to Begin Daily Tiger Beach Dives

Bahamas-based Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center will begin daily shark-dive excursions to Tiger Beach starting December 15.

“For years, Tiger Beach has been elusive and complicated—requiring scheduling, private charters and/or a weeklong commitment to a liveaboard,” said Neal Watson II. “Cut to now, we are proud to announce daily trips—departing 8 a.m. from Old Bahama Bay (West End).”

The daily Tiger Beach trips are an addition to the operator’s Great Hammerhead Shark Safaris.

For more info, visit www.biminiscubacenter.com/press.

Aggressor Adventures Announces New Liveaboard in the Philippines

The 135-ft Philippines Aggressor yacht will begin operation on May 2, 2020. The Philippines Aggressor will take up to 24 guests on exciting seven and ten-night itineraries to the Tubbataha and Visayas/Cebu region.

“Bringing divers to the spectacular Philippines has long been a goal of ours. We are very happy to officially announce that the Philippines Aggressor will launch this coming Spring” says the company’s CEO Wayne Brown. For more information on this exciting new liveaboard, visit www.aggressor.com/philippines-yacht.php

Aggressor Adventures Surprises 300,000th Traveler with Free Trip and New Aqua Lung Gear

Congratulations to Angelo Allegretta of Italy who is Aggressor's 300,000th traveler! As Angelo and the group arrived to the Okeanos Aggressor II for their adventure to Cocos Island, Costa Rica they were greeted and surprised with a celebration by Aggressor CEO Wayne Brown who showered the winner with gifts.

“We are so excited to celebrate our 300,000th traveler, Mr. Angelo Allegretta. Aggressor Adventures has been a leader in adventure vacations since 1984, and we have loved exploring the world with each of the 300,000 travelers who have become part of our Aggressor family.” notes Brown.

This is the sixth Aggressor liveaboard for Allegretta, who in addition to diving Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, has also explored five other Aggressors; Maldives Aggressor, Belize Aggressor III, Palau Aggressor, Fiji Aggressor and the Galapagos Aggressor II.

In celebration of the 300,000th milestone, Allegretta received over $9,000 in gifts:

• A trip for two on the new Arabian Aggressor

• A full set of Aqua Lung dive equipment including:

• Mikron Regulator
• Airsource 3 Integrated
• Octopus/Inflator
• Rogue BCD
• i550 C Computer
• Aquaflex Wetsuit
• Reveal Mask
• Phazer Fins

All valued at over $9,000. For more info, aggressor.com.

Kids Sea Camp Celebrates 20th Anniversary with 20 Family Dive Adventure Weeks

Kids Sea Camp is celebrating 20 years of taking kids and their families diving around the world in 2020. With over 7,000 youth diver certifications, and 300-plus families a year, Kids Sea Camp will be offering 20 family dive adventure weeks to choose from. There will be free T-shirts, Free dive gear for kids, and a huge celebration on each and every week. New destinations like Komodo, Fiji, Turks & Caicos and Belize have been added to the already amazing list of current destinations offered.

Select weeks will include fun new activities like blow karting, yoga, fly fishing, chocolate tasting, paddleboarding, and even PADI Pro level courses.
Join Margo & Tom Peyton with their Kids Sea Camp 20 year celebration.

Learn more and see the schedule here.

A new kind of diving opportunity with the Whale Shark Expert Jonathan R. Green

May 31, 2019

Galapagos Shark Diving proudly announces a new kind of diving opportunity — "Dive with a Purpose" — in collaboration with Jonathan R. Green, well known from BBC's Blue Planet II series and director of the "Galapagos Whale Shark Project."

Together with Jonathan Galapagos Shark Diving creates awareness through education and Citizen Science. A new way of helping the Oceans is the reason why Galapagos Shark Diving has designed a trip that gives divers from all walks of life an opportunity to help scientists gather data. Citizen Science is a fast developing forum that allows tourism to benefit the environment. Information such as images of whale sharks, manta rays and keeping track of how many turtles and pelagic fish can provide vital data about population dynamics and movements on a local, regional and even global scale. This “diving with a purpose” designed trip gives divers their perfect dive vacation while helping scientists to save our oceans and to protect endangered species.

Daily on board presentation related to Galapagos, Citizen Science and the research project give divers the possibility to learn how to provide information and why and therefore to give back to nature.

Learn more about this experience at their website.

Anse Chastanet and Scuba St. Lucia Offer Diving Instructor Training

May 8, 2019
Dive enthusiasts seeking certification as a Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) Open Water Scuba Instructor have a great option on the island of St. Lucia. Participants can gain PADI Instructor Certification while exploring the scenic & ecologically rich St. Lucia Reefs.

"Offering this leading instructor training program in the recreational dive industry is about changing lives," says Karolin Troubetzkoy, executive director of marketing and operations at Anse Chastanet. Course participants create long-lasting friendships and bonds while gaining PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor certification. From there, participants have the options to conduct a range of scuba classes and programs, become certified in their field of expertise and explore international job opportunities.

The Anse Chastanet PADI Instructor Development Course at Scuba St. Lucia is available from August 25 to September 4, 2019. Special accommodation rates are available for participants.

Donate to Sea of Change Foundation for Chance to Win Liveaboard Trip for Two

May 1, 2019

Every $25 donation to the Sea of Change Foundation’s fundraiser is a chance to win a liveaboard trip for two guests aboard the Belize Aggressor IV.

One-hundred percent of donations received via this fundraiser support the Sea of Change Foundation’s conservation initiatives through our research, advocacy, and scholarship funds. With your support, in 2019, the foundation will continue to provide funds and guidance for projects that create measurable, positive change for our natural world and for research that innovates in applications and outcomes. Donate to the fundraiser here.

David Wilkinson Named 2019 DAN/Rolex Diver of the Year

April 17, 2019

DURHAM, NC – Divers Alert Network® and Rolex® are pleased to announce that Dr. David Wilkinson has been selected as the 2019 DAN/Rolex Diver of the Year. The award was presented on Saturday, April 13, at the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society® 45th Annual Awards Program in New York.

Dr. Wilkinson is a senior staff specialist in anesthesiology and the medical director of the hyperbaric medicine unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. A researcher and educator, he is also a clinical lecturer at the University of Adelaide and a fellow of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.

He has dedicated his career not only to diving medicine but to treating many of the ailments that can be improved with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. And rather than being content with the accepted limitations of hyperbaric medicine, Wilkinson has pushed the envelope of its utility, studying its effectiveness in treating even more conditions, including diabetes and the side effects of radiation therapy. He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for services to hyperbaric medicine.

To learn more about the 2019 DAN/Rolex Diver of the Year, click here.

Shearwater Research Inc. Names Jim Hartt CEO

April 23, 2019

RICHMOND, British Columbia – Shearwater Research Inc., is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Hartt as CEO, effective immediately. Jim brings a wealth of experience from multiple disciplines ranging from Information Systems to Business Development and Marketing and Sales. Jim was employed by Mustang Survival for 25 years where he rose through the ranks to become its CEO and President.

Jim comes to Shearwater at a critical time to help guide the firm though its next phase of aggressive growth. Bruce Partridge, Shearwater Founder and Director, says, “We are evolving at a rapid pace and are a different company from what we were just a year or two ago. Shearwater will benefit from Jim’s proven record as a seasoned leader, dealing in both highly technical and recreational products, for domestic and international markets. Jim will be supported by a very strong senior management team who are dedicated and committed to continuing Shearwater’s success.”

For more information, visit Shearwater’s website.

Socorro Vortex Makes Maiden Voyage to Revillagigedo Islands

April 22, 2019 — M/V Socorro Vortex has sailed on her maiden voyage to Revillagigedo after over a year of being refitted into one of the best diving liveaboards out there. Much sweat, blood and work have gone into this project, one of the most ambitious individual projects the diving industry has seen so far.

“Few things can compare to seeing your vision materialized. A project so personal, to the point of knowing what’s behind every wall, under each floor, and above every ceiling. Now I can only wish her fair winds, following seas, and as many happy divers as can be,” says Jorge Hauser, CEO & Vortex project manager.

The liveaboard is 140 feet and it accomodates 14 guests. It features a complimentary premium bar, touch ’n go helipad, free high-speed WiFi, stainless steel jacuzzi, complimentary regional wine and beer, and a 240-square-foot Master Suite.

For more information, visit pelagicfleet.com.

Divers Alert Network Announces $10,000 Dive Research Grant

Divers Alert Network is now accepting applications for the 2019  DAN/R.W. “Bill” Hamilton Dive Medicine Research Grant. The year-long, US$10,000 grant supports new or ongoing research projects in one or more of the following areas:
• Development of decompression procedure techniques for commercial, military, technical and/or recreational divers
• Development of new decompression models
• Probability of risk or probabilistic modeling
• Multi-gas dive simulation
• Dive computer procedures, protocols and testing
• Treatment of incomplete decompression and resulting incidents

To apply for the R.W. Hamilton Memorial Dive Research Grant, email Frauke Tillmans at [email protected]. The deadline for applications is April 24, 2019. The grant recipient will be notified by May 15, 2019.

Motorsports Guru Nicholas Harvey Releases Debut Novel on Scuba Diving

The adventure tale takes place in the Caribbean island of Grand Cayman and features modern scuba diving and WWII wrecks. Harvey was once the engineering manager for one of NASCAR’s top racing teams. He’s been known to pen articles about the technicalities of aerodynamics or suspension design. But his passion outside of the race track is scuba diving, and through that love, combined with a keen interest in WWII history, his first novel, Twelve Mile Bank, was born.

To purchase the book, visit Amazon.com.

Divers Alert Network Standardizes Global First Aid Training Programs

February 26, 2019 — As Divers Alert Network ® (DAN ®) endeavors to advance safe diving worldwide, efforts to enhance the services available in the Asia-Pacific region are well underway. Over the next six months, every DAN Instructor in the region will have an opportunity to participate in a bridging workshop to maintain their active teaching status. These bridging workshops will ensure instructors have the support and resources they need to offer top-of-the-line training courses throughout the geographically and culturally expansive Asia-Pacific region.

For more information on DAN's First Aid Training Programs, visit DAN's website.

Little Cayman Beach Resort Celebrates Grand Reopening

February 20, 2019 — Today the Clearly Cayman Dive Resorts held a grand reopening of their Little Cayman Beach Resort slightly more than 25 years after the resort first opened in June 1993. Company directors Michael Tibbetts and Emily (Tibbetts) Allenbach cut the ribbon with Hon. Moses Kirkconnell, Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism of the Cayman Islands. The audience included project teams, guests, and other dignitaries. Following the ceremonies resort staff conducted tours showing off major updates including a new reception and lobby area, a beautiful outdoor atrium with fountain, and an expanded dining room and outdoor pavilion.

The new facility also includes a bar open to dinner guests during evening meal service. The screened outdoor pavilion is available for those who prefer al fresco dining.

For more information, visit the Little Cayman Beach Resort website.

DAN Board Chair Kathy Weydig Selected As Beneath The Sea Diver Of The Year

February 19, 2019 — Divers Alert Network® (DAN®) congratulates Captain Kathy Weydig, the chair of its board of directors, for being selected as Beneath the Sea’s Diver of the Year for Science. A dive industry leader for more than three decades, Weydig is a steadfast promoter of exploration, education and safety. An emergency medical technician, dive medical technician, certified hyperbaric technologist and U.S. Coast Guard 100-Ton Master Captain, Weydig has held a variety of interesting positions. She was training director at the City Island (New York) Hyperbaric Center and deputy harbor master in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She is currently the boating safety officer for the San Bernardino County (California) Sheriff’s Department and president of Tech Diving Limited. She has served on the board of directors at DAN since 2004 and was elected chair in 2018. Weydig is currently active as an instructor trainer for Scuba Diving International/Technical Diving International (SDI/TDI) and an instructor for the Emergency Care and Safety Institute and the National Safe Boating Council. She is also an experienced instructor of divers with disabilities.

For more information on Beneath the Sea’s Diver of the Year, visit BTS’s website.