Scuba Diving News » Scuba Herald http://www.scubaherald.com All ABout Scuba Diving; News, Products and Many More. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 02:36:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 With passion and precision, the Oceans Discovery team has launched the first ever Shark Route http://www.scubaherald.com/with-passion-and-precision-the-oceans-discovery-team-has-launched-the-first-ever-shark-route/ http://www.scubaherald.com/with-passion-and-precision-the-oceans-discovery-team-has-launched-the-first-ever-shark-route/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2011 02:27:24 +0000 Scuba Herald http://www.scubaherald.com/?p=1070 24 November, 2011: Mossel Bay — Oceans Discovery has launched the first ever Shark Route.

Oceans Discovery has launched the first ever shark route along the coasts of Southern Africa; home to diverse and abundant shark populations and some of the most incredible ocean ecosystems our world has to offer; as well as home to many shark experts which recognize the importance of shark diving ecotourism as one of the most powerful tools available to aid in the conservation of the world’s threatened shark species. With ecotourism blossoming in South Africa tourists are now able to get up close and personal with some of the last apex predators on earth. Passionate about the well being and future conservation of the shark species, Oceans Discovery, a collaboration of a unique group of divers, tour guides, scientists, conservationists, and shark professionals have teamed up with a mission to pioneer unique shark diving expeditions that introduce humans to the world’s most remarkable species of sharks in a exciting but educational and respectful manner. Their aim is to harness the deep knowledge held by these professionals to allow clients to have a true insight into the wonders of South Africa’s sharks and the work that is currently being done to understand and conserve these vulnerable predators.

The Shark Route consists of three zones. Zone 1 runs from False Bay to Tsitsikamma, with stops in Gansbaai and Mossel Bay; Zone 2 runs from Port Elizabeth to Durban with stops in Port St. Johns, Protea Banks and Umkomaas; and Zone 3 runs from Sudan to Tofu, with stops in Ponta, and Zavora. In these zones, guests will dive with some of the world’s most charismatic shark species including great whites, mako sharks, blue sharks, shy sharks, ragged tooth sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, hound sharks, whale sharks, grey reef sharks, manta rays, and the prehistoric seven gill shark. At each stop of the Shark Route, clients will spend an insightful evening with a dedicated shark specialist in that area. These evenings will consist of dinner, as well as a brief presentation, where any shark related questions will be answered by the resident specialist.

The specialists include the following:

Shark Scientist, Alison Kock has established herself as one of South Africa’s preeminent shark biologists following the spate of great white shark attacks in Cape Town. Confronted with the possibility of shark nets and culling Alison helped develop the successful ‘shark spotters program’ to keep swimmers safe from sharks.

Shark Photographers, Chris and Monique Fallows, observe and photograph the breaching sharks of seal island in False Bay. These sharks have become stars of films such as, the Air Jaws series and Planet Earth. The films, posters, and photographs of breaching sharks that emanate from this unique Island can be credited to the knowledge and passion of shark ambassador, Chris Fallows.
Underwater Cameraman, Morne Hardenberg, has stared down the gullets of more great whites than anyone else, with only his equipment to protect himself. His work brought us films such as; Sharkman, Great white shark – a living legend and Shark night.

The Sharkman, Andre Hartman is the most famous of South Africa’s shark divers. Andre pushed all of the limits when he pioneered free diving with the Great White shark. Going where others feared, his feats are cemented in history by the likes of Discovery, National Geographic and BBC. Andre is South Africa’s original and most charismatic Sharkman.

Shark Scientist Ryan Johnson has broken the mould of many shark scientists with his willingness and ability to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most feared sharks. His unique research has been featured extensively on documentaries such as National Geographic’s Sharkville.

Underwater Photographer, Fiona Ayerst is one of Africa’s most celebrated and experienced scuba divers and underwater photographers. Named Fuji Film’s photographer of the year in 2006, her passion for sharks is evident in her work, with her artistry capturing many iconic shark photographs that has adorned magazines such as Diver and Submerge.

Shark Scientist, Enrico Gennari, is an innovative shark scientist based in Mossel Bay. Enrico Gennari’s research into the thermal-physioecology of the great white shark has caught the attention of the world and in 2010 he was featured on the Channel 4 series – Inside Nature’s Giants.

Shark Scientist, Dr. Matt Dickens, has been at the forefront of many of the top shark research collaboration efforts initiated in South Africa. Based in Port Elizabeth, he has published academic papers on shark species such as the tiger shark, great white shark, and ragged tooth shark in many of the world’s most esteemed journals.

Shark Diver, Mike Frasier, is one of South Africa’s most passionate and experienced scuba divers. Mike resigned from corporate life to spend a life underwater. For the past 10 years, he has dived the coast of South Africa daily. Recently he made international news following a dive mishap that resulted in an eight hour swim to the mainland.

Shark Diver, Mark Addison, is a maverick of the shark world, he pioneered Aliwal Shoal’s baited tiger shark dive and introduced the world to the Sardine Run. Through their company, Blue Wilderness, the Addison’s have hosted over 300 shark filming projects including BBC’s Blue Planet, Planet Earth and The Greatest Shoal on Earth.

Shark Scientist, Dr Sheldon Dudley, is a chief scientist at Natal Sharks board. Dr. Dudley has been instrumental in ensuring that the impact of bather protection nets on shark populations is openly assessed through vigorous scientific standards.

Shark Scientist, Geremy Cliff, is also a head scientist at the Natal Sharks Board. Geremy runs South Africa’s shark attack file, where his duty is to archive all shark attacks on humans. His work also includes the ecological impact of the shark netting program on populations of sharks and other marine species.

Shark Conservationist, Grant Smith was exposed early to the horrors of commercial shark fishing as a young dive instructor on the Protea Banks. He went on to found SHARKLIFE, South Africa’s most recognised and active shark conservation society.

For more information on the Shark Route, please visit our website at www.oceans-discovery.com or contact Cassie Heil at marketing@oceans-initiative.com

24 November, 2011: Mossel Bay — Oceans Discovery has launched the first ever Shark Route.

Oceans Discovery has launched the first ever shark route along the coasts of Southern Africa; home to diverse and abundant shark populations and some of the most incredible ocean ecosystems our world has to offer; as well as home to many shark experts which recognize the importance of shark diving ecotourism as one of the most powerful tools available to aid in the conservation of the world’s threatened shark species. With ecotourism blossoming in South Africa tourists are now able to get up close and personal with some of the last apex predators on earth. Passionate about the well being and future conservation of the shark species, Oceans Discovery, a collaboration of a unique group of divers, tour guides, scientists, conservationists, and shark professionals have teamed up with a mission to pioneer unique shark diving expeditions that introduce humans to the world’s most remarkable species of sharks in a exciting but educational and respectful manner. Their aim is to harness the deep knowledge held by these professionals to allow clients to have a true insight into the wonders of South Africa’s sharks and the work that is currently being done to understand and conserve these vulnerable predators.

The Shark Route consists of three zones. Zone 1 runs from False Bay to Tsitsikamma, with stops in Gansbaai and Mossel Bay; Zone 2 runs from Port Elizabeth to Durban with stops in Port St. Johns, Protea Banks and Umkomaas; and Zone 3 runs from Sudan to Tofu, with stops in Ponta, and Zavora. In these zones, guests will dive with some of the world’s most charismatic shark species including great whites, mako sharks, blue sharks, shy sharks, ragged tooth sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, hound sharks, whale sharks, grey reef sharks, manta rays, and the prehistoric seven gill shark. At each stop of the Shark Route, clients will spend an insightful evening with a dedicated shark specialist in that area. These evenings will consist of dinner, as well as a brief presentation, where any shark related questions will be answered by the resident specialist.

The specialists include the following:

Shark Scientist, Alison Kock has established herself as one of South Africa’s preeminent shark biologists following the spate of great white shark attacks in Cape Town. Confronted with the possibility of shark nets and culling Alison helped develop the successful ‘shark spotters program’ to keep swimmers safe from sharks.

Shark Photographers, Chris and Monique Fallows, observe and photograph the breaching sharks of seal island in False Bay. These sharks have become stars of films such as, the Air Jaws series and Planet Earth. The films, posters, and photographs of breaching sharks that emanate from this unique Island can be credited to the knowledge and passion of shark ambassador, Chris Fallows.

Underwater Cameraman, Morne Hardenberg, has stared down the gullets of more great whites than anyone else, with only his equipment to protect himself. His work brought us films such as; Sharkman, Great white shark – a living legend and Shark night.

The Sharkman, Andre Hartman is the most famous of South Africa’s shark divers. Andre pushed all of the limits when he pioneered free diving with the Great White shark. Going where others feared, his feats are cemented in history by the likes of Discovery, National Geographic and BBC. Andre is South Africa’s original and most charismatic Sharkman.

Shark Scientist Ryan Johnson has broken the mould of many shark scientists with his willingness and ability to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most feared sharks. His unique research has been featured extensively on documentaries such as National Geographic’s Sharkville.

Underwater Photographer, Fiona Ayerst is one of Africa’s most celebrated and experienced scuba divers and underwater photographers. Named Fuji Film’s photographer of the year in 2006, her passion for sharks is evident in her work, with her artistry capturing many iconic shark photographs that has adorned magazines such as Diver and Submerge.

Shark Scientist, Enrico Gennari, is an innovative shark scientist based in Mossel Bay. Enrico Gennari’s research into the thermal-physioecology of the great white shark has caught the attention of the world and in 2010 he was featured on the Channel 4 series – Inside Nature’s Giants.

Shark Scientist, Dr. Matt Dickens, has been at the forefront of many of the top shark research collaboration efforts initiated in South Africa. Based in Port Elizabeth, he has published academic papers on shark species such as the tiger shark, great white shark, and ragged tooth shark in many of the world’s most esteemed journals.

Shark Diver, Mike Frasier, is one of South Africa’s most passionate and experienced scuba divers. Mike resigned from corporate life to spend a life underwater. For the past 10 years, he has dived the coast of South Africa daily. Recently he made international news following a dive mishap that resulted in an eight hour swim to the mainland.

Shark Diver, Mark Addison, is a maverick of the shark world, he pioneered Aliwal Shoal’s baited tiger shark dive and introduced the world to the Sardine Run. Through their company, Blue Wilderness, the Addison’s have hosted over 300 shark filming projects including BBC’s Blue Planet, Planet Earth and The Greatest Shoal on Earth.

Shark Scientist, Dr Sheldon Dudley, is a chief scientist at Natal Sharks board. Dr. Dudley has been instrumental in ensuring that the impact of bather protection nets on shark populations is openly assessed through vigorous scientific standards.

Shark Scientist, Geremy Cliff, is also a head scientist at the Natal Sharks Board. Geremy runs South Africa’s shark attack file, where his duty is to archive all shark attacks on humans. His work also includes the ecological impact of the shark netting program on populations of sharks and other marine species.

Shark Conservationist, Grant Smith was exposed early to the horrors of commercial shark fishing as a young dive instructor on the Protea Banks. He went on to found SHARKLIFE, South Africa’s most recognised and active shark conservation society.

For more information on the Shark Route, please visit our website at www.oceans-discovery.com or contact Cassie Heil at marketing@oceans-initiative.com

]]> http://www.scubaherald.com/with-passion-and-precision-the-oceans-discovery-team-has-launched-the-first-ever-shark-route/feed/ 0 DAVID BOWEN AND HEIDI HERTLER, PH.D JOIN THE TURKS & CAICOS REEF FUND BOARD OF ADVISORS http://www.scubaherald.com/david-bowen-and-heidi-hertler-ph-d-join-the-turks-caicos-reef-fund-board-of-advisors/ http://www.scubaherald.com/david-bowen-and-heidi-hertler-ph-d-join-the-turks-caicos-reef-fund-board-of-advisors/#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:18:25 +0000 Scuba Herald http://www.scubaherald.com/?p=1065 15 November 2011, Providenciales, TCI – The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) announced today that David Bowen and Heidi Hertler, Ph.D. have joined the organization’s Board of Advisors.
David Bowen is a widely recognized Turks & Caicos Islander who was born and raised in Grand Turk. Bowen began his career in 1977 as a Professional Dancer and Choreographer in Freeport, Bahamas and later New York. He has served as a teacher, actor, musician, yoga and wellness Instructor in countries such as the United States, Great Britain, Jamaica, Japan, Sweden and India. His big break came in 1983 as a dancer in the Michael Jackson’s video ‘Beat it’. David spent 10 years (1986-1996) in Tokyo, Japan as dance instructor and performer with the Geki-Dan Shiki Theatrical Company. He returned to the Turks & Caicos Islands in 1997 to become the first Turks and Caicos Islander to hold the post of Entertainment Manager at Beaches Resort and at Sandals Jamaica.
As a musician, David is locally known as the Bass player with the popular bands ‘Bowen Arrow’ and ‘Soul Redemption’, and the harmonica player with the local Rake-n-Scrape Ripsaw Bands. Since 2003 David has been the Turks & Caicos Director of Culture with the Cultural & Arts Commission under the Ministry of Education. He is also a member of the Consultative Forum. Additionally, he works as a Yoga and Zumba Instructor at various hotels and health clubs. “Joining the TCRF Board is an honor for me as their efforts are directed toward helping to maintain the beautiful environment we have here in these
islands that I have enjoyed all my life,” said Mr. Bowen about joining the Board.
Heidi Hertler, Ph.D. holds the position of Center Director at the School for Field Studies (SFS), Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS). As an SFS alumnus, Dr. Hertler was attracted to the Turks and Caicos Islands program and the ongoing center research. Her personal research focuses on relationships
between land use and the coastal marine systems. This includes the integration of science and research into environmental strategies and policies for the conservation of biodiversity and coastal resources.

With the advent of mainstream tourism to South Caicos, she seeks to study the effect on near shore
marine resources and how we can work with local user groups and government agencies to develop policies that protect and conserve natural resources for future generations. Through this research she is hoping to develop environmental awareness to empower the local community.
Prior to her position at CMRS, she was appointed as Distinguished Research Professor at Inter  American University of Puerto Rico. Dr. Hertler also led the start up a Native Alaska environmental consulting firm that created NEPA document presentation and fostered relationships between clients and government agencies. “I am delighted to join TCRF Board because they share my passion for educating the public about coral reef preservation,” said Dr.
Hertler. She has over 20 peer reviewed presentations and publications. Dr. Hertler has a BS in Biology from Bates College, M.S. in Biological Oceanography from Florida State University and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Drexel University “We are very excited about David and Heidi joining our Board of Advisors” said Don Stark, Chairman of the TCRF. “Heidi brings scientific expertise that meshes with our mission and David brings a strong local and cultural perspective to our efforts.”

About TCRF
Founded in 2010, the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund is an all volunteer-run organization that provides funding for education, research and conservation programs to individuals, organizations and agencies that help to preserve and protect the marine environment of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Our goal is to have at least 85% of all funds raised through voluntary contributions from divers and snorkelers visiting the Turks & Caicos Islands are directed to the Fund’s programs. More information about TCRF can be found at www.tcreef.org.

]]> http://www.scubaherald.com/david-bowen-and-heidi-hertler-ph-d-join-the-turks-caicos-reef-fund-board-of-advisors/feed/ 0 THE CAYMAN ISLANDS RESPONDS TO LIONFISH INVASION WITH LIONFISH CULLING COURSES FOR DIVERS http://www.scubaherald.com/the-cayman-islands-responds-to-lionfish-invasion-with-lionfish-culling-courses-for-divers/ http://www.scubaherald.com/the-cayman-islands-responds-to-lionfish-invasion-with-lionfish-culling-courses-for-divers/#comments Mon, 07 Nov 2011 01:05:27 +0000 Scuba Herald http://www.scubaherald.com/?p=1059 New York, NEW YORK, November 4, 2011 – The Cayman Islands is responding to the recent invasion of lionfish by providing reduced course fees for the PADI Lionfish Tracker Distinctive Specialty course for visitors and residents this fall. Following approval from the Marine Conservation Board, Cayman’s dive operators are encouraging divers to join in the fight to eradicate the invasive lionfish and preserve the destination’s indigenous marine life through formal training in culling the species.

Currently, reduced price courses are available from Divetech, Ocean Frontiers, Deep Blue Divers, Cayman Turtle Divers, Divers Down and Dive ‘n Stuff.

In addition to official training in lionfish culling, participants in the PADI Lionfish Tracker Distinctive Specialty course will automatically receive the PADI c-card and local license so they can immediately contribute their newly-found skills to the cause. Lionfish culling excursions are offered weekly from various dive operators while frequent tournaments are run by Ambassador Divers.

The lionfish has the potential to significantly damage the Cayman Islands’ pristine waters, healthy coral reefs, and vibrant marine life: If the issue is not contained, the invasive species has the potential to reduce local fish stock and allow corals to become covered in algae.

“We are pleased that the Cayman Islands is actively responding to this situation and place our full support behind the initiative,” stated Premier of the Cayman Islands, Hon. McKeeva Bush. “Our dive operators remain dedicated to containing the problem, while our restaurants are coming up with innovative lionfish-focused dishes to develop the market.”

“We hope that the reduced pricing for the PADI Lionfish Tracker specialty course will lead to international awareness and increased interest in this important cause, and will continue to diligently tackle this issue to protect our beautiful waters,” commented Cline Glidden, Jr., Councilor with Responsibility for Tourism.

For additional information on the Cayman Islands’ extensive dive offerings, please visit www.divecayman.ky. To book your PADI Lionfish Tracker Distinctive Specialty course, please visit www.padi.com or sign up with one of Cayman’s premier dive operators.

Located 480 miles south of Miami in the vibrant tranquility of western Caribbean, this trio of tiny islands is a premier destination for discriminating travelers, honeymooners and families. World renowned for its idyllic beaches and diving spots, and recognized as a sophisticated, diverse financial center, the Cayman Islands offer spectacular recreational opportunities along with warm, impeccable service. To learn more about the Cayman Islands, visit www.caymanislands.ky or www.divecayman.ky or call your local travel agen

]]> http://www.scubaherald.com/the-cayman-islands-responds-to-lionfish-invasion-with-lionfish-culling-courses-for-divers/feed/ 0 Diving Dude offers Awesome diving Experience http://www.scubaherald.com/diving-dude-offers-awesome-diving-experience/ http://www.scubaherald.com/diving-dude-offers-awesome-diving-experience/#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:37:34 +0000 Scuba Herald http://www.scubaherald.com/?p=1052 Singapore – Nov 1st 2011

Diving Dude offers Awesome diving Experience

Singapore – Diving Dude, the social app, has announced the launch of its first iPhone, iPod Touch app, featuring an exclusive platform that will allow its users to enhance their diving experience. It is awesome and your buddies will enjoy the new discoveries with you.

“This is an awesome experience, it takes diving to a new level.” says PY, Founder. “We do hope our users will enjoy this new app and will be screaming for more.”

The app allows its users to create dive spots, log their dives, make new friends and most of all share their experiences with buddies directly on the app as well as Facebook and Twitter. Above all, it is free!

Within weeks of the launch, the Diving Dude garnered huge downloads.

The platform was developed from someone who is enthusiastic with diving and excited to share these beautiful experiences with friends.

To download the Diving Dude app, please visit the Apple App store or diving-dude.com

About Diving Dude

Established in 2011, Diving Dude is a new happening. The founder created the app to connect the diving community and share the diving experiences. Being an enthusiastic diver himself, he has incorporated many exciting features of diving in the app. Watch out for more exciting stuffs to come!

For more information, visit us: http://www.diving-dude.com, Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/DivingDudeApp, Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/DivingDudeApp

]]> http://www.scubaherald.com/diving-dude-offers-awesome-diving-experience/feed/ 0 Looking for Scuba hit and Run…. http://www.scubaherald.com/looking-for-scuba-hit-and-run/ http://www.scubaherald.com/looking-for-scuba-hit-and-run/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:51:51 +0000 Scuba Herald http://www.scubaherald.com/?p=715 Not only we get angry when a boat hits a diver… but even more when the cowards try to escape…
Police are searching for a hit-and-run boater who struck a scuba diver Friday afternoon off Fort Lauderdale beach.

Emergency crews took Perry Anderson, 37, to Broward General Medical Center with injuries that are not life threatening, Fort Lauderdale police said.

Anderson and two other divers had kayaked out from the beach and attached a dive flag to the kayak. While diving, a single-engine boat hit Anderson and continued south without stopping, Fort Lauderdale Det. Travis Mandell said.

Witnesses described the boat as about 20 to 23 feet long, with a blue and green stripe on a white hull. The boat’s driver is between 40 and 50 years old and has long blond hair.

Authorities ask anyone with information about the incident to call the department’s marine unit at 954-828-5440 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.

let’s get the cowards!!!!!!

]]> http://www.scubaherald.com/looking-for-scuba-hit-and-run/feed/ 0 Crazy News: Scuba Diver Found… guess where? http://www.scubaherald.com/crazy-news-scuba-diver-found-guess-where/ http://www.scubaherald.com/crazy-news-scuba-diver-found-guess-where/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:46:43 +0000 Scuba Herald http://www.scubaherald.com/?p=711 Next time you are looking for your dive buddy… think different! Be Original!

A missing scuba diver nearly sparked a full scale search and rescue operation in Cape Town – until the man’s mother informed rescuers that her son had in fact been locked by the police.

The National Sea Rescue Institute mobilised on Wednesday night after an emergency call that a man had not returned from a late afternoon dive at Cape Town’s St James beach.

But all activated rescue services – including a police helicopter with a thermal imaging detector – were called off after a phone call to the missing 42-year-old’s family, said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.

“Fortunately the mother of the missing man informed us that her son had just called her and that he was locked up in the cells of a police station… for allegedly being found diving in a protected marine reserve without a permit.”

The alarm was raised by the man’s friend who grew anxious after darkness fell.

“All rescue resources were stood down as they were no longer required and the man’s friend was relieved to find out that he was alive and well,” said Lambinon.

“It appears that while the friend had gone for a walk along the beach law enforcement agencies had come across the scuba diver diving and they had arrested him for apparently not having a dive permit.”

]]> http://www.scubaherald.com/crazy-news-scuba-diver-found-guess-where/feed/ 0 Best Dive Job in the World 2012 – It’s here again! http://www.scubaherald.com/best-dive-job-in-the-world-2012-its-here-again/ http://www.scubaherald.com/best-dive-job-in-the-world-2012-its-here-again/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2011 01:30:16 +0000 Scuba Herald http://www.scubaherald.com/?p=1047 Indonesia-based dive operator Blue Season Bali is set to announce an updated version of their hugely popular contest dubbed “The Best Dive Job in the World.” The Best Dive Job in the World debuted in October 2010 and offered the chance for one person to spend seven months in beautiful Bali training to become a PADI scuba diving instructor- for free.

Last year’s winner Kenzo Kiren is now in Bali living the adventure of a lifetime. Blue Season Bali has already released some information about the upcoming contest, indicating that it will be “bigger, better and feature more inclusions than last year.” While everything isstill a bit vague, they have confirmed that the grand prize value will go from approximately USD 17,000 to over USD 25,000.

In a rare interview, contest co-organizer Tom West revealed a little about the upcoming contest, “We are waiting until the official launch on September 30th to give the full details of this year’s competition.

Thousands of fantastic supporters and contestants participated in last year’s event and many have given us feedback about what they would like to see included in this year’s prize. We have taken that on board and are excited to make The Best Dive Job in the World 2012
unlike anything the dive industry has ever seen.”

Blue Season Bali will be launching The Best Dive Job in the World 2012 simultaneously on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and across their network of websites, including the flagship site for The Best Dive Job in the World at www.bestdivejob.com. For more information, contact contest organizers Tom West or Jonathan Cross directly at win@bestdivejob.com.

]]> http://www.scubaherald.com/best-dive-job-in-the-world-2012-its-here-again/feed/ 0 Sorry Scuba Killer…. you can’t scape from Justice http://www.scubaherald.com/sorry-scuba-killer-you-cant-scape-from-justice/ http://www.scubaherald.com/sorry-scuba-killer-you-cant-scape-from-justice/#comments Sun, 01 May 2011 22:58:01 +0000 Scuba Herald http://www.scubaherald.com/?p=669 We all know him as the scuba honeymoon killer…. not only a sick man, but a pretty stupid diver…
In a highly unusual step, now retired Queensland coroner David Glasgow said publicly last year that he was willing to give evidence against Watson over the scuba diving death of his wife Tina in 2003.

The prosecution team led by Alabama’s assistant attorney-general Don Valeska had considered calling Mr Glasgow as a witness to help bolster their case that Watson allegedly murdered his wife while the couple were on their honeymoon in north Queensland.

But Mr Valeska told Alabama circuit court judge Tommy Nail today that prosecutors had decided not to call Mr Glasgow as a witness.

Watson has already served an 18-month jail sentence in Queensland after pleading guilty to his wife’s manslaughter while the pair dived near the wreck of the SS Yongala near Townsville.

Mr Glasgow used his power as a Queensland coroner – which applied at the time Tina died but was later removed from the state’s laws – to directly charge Watson with the murder of his wife after a four-week inquest that ended in 2008.

Queensland’s Director of Public Prosecutions later reduced the charge to manslaughter after Watson voluntarily returned to Australia to face what was then a pending murder trial.

Now in Alabama, Watson faces two capital murder charges after Tina Watson’s father, Tommy Thomas, successfully led a campaign for the state’s Attorney General to pursue the matter further. Watson was present at the Jefferson County Court, accompanied by his second wife, Kim.

Watson’s defence team had argued that any evidence from the retired Queensland coroner should be dismissed as hearsay.

Source.

]]> http://www.scubaherald.com/sorry-scuba-killer-you-cant-scape-from-justice/feed/ 0 Kenzo Kiren Winner of the best dive job in the world http://www.scubaherald.com/kenzo-kiren-winner-of-the-best-dive-job-in-the-world/ http://www.scubaherald.com/kenzo-kiren-winner-of-the-best-dive-job-in-the-world/#comments Wed, 16 Mar 2011 06:32:08 +0000 Scuba Herald http://www.scubaherald.com/?p=666 We have been following the best dive job in the world for over 5 months and today the winner has been announced: Kenzo Kiren from Canada. Kenzo becomes the first lucky winner of one the most amazing contest in the scuba diving industry. The Best Dive Job rocked the typical-boring-scuba-industry with one of the smartest marketing ideas ever created.

Kenzo won with over 230 votes, 2 solid videos and a great application.

so what Kenzo won?

Living in Bali for 7 months… in one of the most amazing locations in Indonesia.
Scuba Diving Instructor Training in Asia’s best PADI IDC Center,
The full training from zero to top hero, includes

* PADI Open Water Course
* PADI Advanced Open Water Course
* PADI Rescue Diver Course with manual
* PADI Emergency First Response, Care for Children
* PADI Emergency First Response Instructor Course
* PADI Master Scuba Diver Course including:
o PADI Project AWARE Specialty Course
o PADI Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course
o PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Course
o PADI Naturalist Specialty Course
o PADI Fish ID Specialty Course
* PADI Divemaster course
* PADI IDC Preparation Course
* PADI Instructor Development Course
* PADI Mock Instructor Exams
* PADI Instructor Exams
* PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer prep course (Five Instructor specialties)
* All the PADI materials, applications and examination fees required to become a PADI Scuba Instructor.

But that’s not all, this also includes…

* Top-quality scuba equipment package – worth over USD1500
* All PADI certification and exam fees – worth over USD 1800
* All PADI materials needed to become a diving instructor – worth over USD 1500
* 7 month single accommodation – Located close to the dive center, restaurants, bars and the beach!
* Blue Season Bali Divemaster Seminars
o Positive Approach Sales workshop
o Tank / Compressor use workshop
o www.padimembers.com workshop
o Equipment repair workshop
* Unlimited Diving for 7 months – worth over USD16,000. MINIMUM 300* logged dives.
* Job placement services – Blue Season Bali has a vast network of industry members looking for top quality PADI professionals. We also include our PADI Pro Resume workshop to get you started.
* Website builder workshop – come away with your own professional website
* Visa Assistance – We’ll arrange the right visa for your stay in Bali
* Free wireless broadband Internet access in our dive center.
* Return Transportation from the Airport in Denpasar, Bali.
* Diver Insurance – for your entire stay in Bali.
* Lunch and drinks – on all diving days.

Mmm lucky… lucky Kenzo…

Stay tunes because for sure the Best Dive job contest will be launched again… and while we wait for the next contest, here at ScubaHerald.com we will follow the adventrues of Kenzo Kiren in fantastic Bali, with clearly the best dive job in the World.

]]> http://www.scubaherald.com/kenzo-kiren-winner-of-the-best-dive-job-in-the-world/feed/ 0 Hun Hao Priscilla: Winner of the Second Prize in the Best Dive job http://www.scubaherald.com/hun-hao-priscilla-winner-of-the-second-prize-in-the-best-dive-job/ http://www.scubaherald.com/hun-hao-priscilla-winner-of-the-second-prize-in-the-best-dive-job/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 02:50:17 +0000 Scuba Herald http://www.scubaherald.com/?p=662 This morning we woke up with a great news from the coolest scuba contest in the world: The Best Dive job in the world.

This message from Jonathan Cross, Manager of Blue Season Bali:

Hun hao Priscilla,  congratulations for winning the second place prize in The Best Dive Job in the World 2011 competition.  It is my pleasure to invite you to join us for three months of divemaster, underwater photo and video training with our team here at Blue Season Bali.

Priscilla seemed to be a very  nice scuba-girl so wearing my Scuba Herald journalist hat, I contacted her today and we had a quick phone call.

For 2 seconds I felt like in an Oprah Show… she was so excited I could just understand what she was saying… clapping, screaming, laughing … very very EXCITED.

Priscilla is the second prize winner and she will receiving:

* 3-months PADI divemaster internship training (starting from any level)
* Emphasis on underwater VIDEO and PHOTO
* 3-months of single accommodation
* Lunches on diving days
* Free equipment use during the training
* Unlimited diving in Bali
* Video and Photo editing training
* Regular video, photo and text blogging on our network of sites.

This professional divemaster internship will be heavily focused on underwater photo and video – along with editing and posting. Just like in the first place prize, all the training, diving, accommodation, materials, application fees, etc. is completely free and is a big “thank-you” from our team here at Blue Season Bali for your participation in the program.

For sure one of the coolest diving prizes in the world…. ! How lucky is this girl?



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