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Sasha Karnilovich Wins the 2016 DAN MasterTrim Competition Final

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Alexandra Karnilovich, aka Underwaterbat to her colleagues and “Sasha” to her friends, is a young and talented diving instructor. She has recently won the final of the DAN MasterTrim 2016, the first international competition on buoyancy control in scuba diving. An active DAN Member since 2014, Sasha was born in Moscow (Russia), and currently lives and works in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain) at the Urpeko Gasteiz Buceo diving centre.

The final was held last November 19th in the magnificent setting of Y-40 The Deep Joy, the world’s deepest pool. The nine finalists, winners of the three qualifying rounds, were confronted in a challenge to the last breath, finally determining who among them was better at mastering trim and buoyancy underwater. The divers made two dives, one during the day and another during the night. They were required to follow a precise dive profile created by DAN specialists, so all of them could measure their ability of control underwater. Data was recorded by two dive computers, a personal one and a second one provided by DAN Research. At the end of the two sessions, the dive profiles were analysed through the Diver Safety Guardian logbook, which calculated the final score on the basis of recorded data. Sasha ranked first thanks to a performance that bordered on perfection. Two Italian dive instructors, Daniele Vasselli and Stefano Paludetto, ranked second and third.

During the night dive, Y-40 staff used reflective materials, t-shirts and banners, as well as blacklights, to create stunning light effects.

The MasterTrim competition was created by Salih Murat Egi, an expert in biomedical engineering and Senior Researcher at DAN Europe. “According to a recent survey we conducted among divers, buoyancy control is a matter of concern for many and a key skill in the opinion of many instructors”, said Prof. Egi. “I was struggling with this puzzle when, whilst watching a documentary on National Geographic about animals and humans learning through playing, I thought about creating a competition. In the diving industry you only find competitions related to underwater video and photography, but they are more related to artistic skills than to diving skills, so they are not designed for every diver.”

The contest was supported by Green Bubbles. “Mastering buoyancy and trim means diving in a sustainable manner, and considering awareness and respect for the environment around us as a priority,” declared researcher Serena Lucrezi. “This is why Green Bubbles, a European project dedicated to recreational diving, whose aim is to maximise the benefits of diving and minimise their negative impacts as well as promote environmental sustainability, has decided to support MasterTrim.”

“Maintaining a stable, horizontal position can help reduce fatigue and air consumption, learn new skills more easily and even protect the marine environment,” said Massimo Pieri, European Research Area Supervisor at DAN Europe. “DAN is committed to promoting dive safety, and MasterTrim is in line with DAN’s mission. This is why we wanted to raise awareness and let other divers know about the advantages of proper buoyancy.”

The contest had a total prize pool of €10,000, and was sponsored by Albatros Top Boat, Y-40, Dive System, Benny Free Shark, TEMC, International Kemer Underwater Days and Innovasub. Prizes included diving cruises and trips, dive computers, BCDs, dry bags, clothing and safety materials.

Find out more about DAN Europe at www.daneurope.org.

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Dive Worldwide Announces Bite-Back as its Charity of the Year

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Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.

Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”

Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.

Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”

To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.

Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.

MORE INFORMATION

Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com

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Scubapro Free Octopus Promotion 2024

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Free Octopus with every purchase of a SCUBAPRO regulator system

Just in time for the spring season, divers can save money with the FREE OCTOPUS SPRING PROMOTION! Until July 31st SCUBAPRO offers an Octopus for free
with every purchase of a regulator system!

Get a free S270 OCTOPUS with purchase of these combinations:

MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with A700

MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with S620Ti

MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with D420

MK25 EVO Din mit S620Ti-X

Get a free R105 OCTOPUS with purchase of the following combinations:

MK25 EVO or MK19 EVO with G260

MK25 EVO or MK17 EVO with S600

SCUBAPRO offers a 30-year first owner warranty on all regulators, with a revision period of two years or 100 dives. All SCUBAPRO regulators are of course certified according to the new European test standard EN250-2014.

Available at participating SCUBAPRO dealers. Promotion may not be available in all regions. Find an authorized SCUBAPRO Dealer at scubapro.com.

More information available on www.scubapro.com.

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Experience the Red Sea in May with Bella Eriny Liveaboard! As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Join us on Bella Eriny, your premier choice for Red Sea liveaboards, this May for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs Enjoy comfortable accommodation in our spacious cabins Savor delicious meals prepared by our onboard chef Benefit from the expertise of our professional dive guides Visit our website for more information and to secure your spot: www.scubatravel.com/BellaEriny or call 01483 411590 More Less

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