News
Eggcellent offers from the Scuba Travel Team
UK-based Tour Operator have a great Easter Egg Facebook Competition this weekend. Check out the Scuba Travel Facebook page to enter their “guess the egg” competition – each day they will be posting a photo of different marine life eggs – identify which egg it is and you’ll be in with a chance to win a Scuba Travel voucher every day!
There’s also some fantastic dive holiday deals! Happy Easter!
Emperor Serenity from £1595
Jim is back from his amazing adventure on Emperor Serenity where he was spoilt with sightings. He dived with sharks and manta in abundance from the luxurious Emperor Serenity – read his trip report on the Scuba Travel blog and get a taste for what’s in store if you book one of these beauties:
- 29th April – Best of the Maldives Itinerary £1645
- 13th May – Best of the Maldives Itinerary £1595
The Maldives are a must see location for all divers. Watch manta as they come to be cleaned, schools of fish in breathtaking numbers on the edge of the drop off or zip through the channels on a speedy drift. Serenity gives you the opportunity to dive the best sites and discover a dream destination from the comfort of a contemporary, sleek liveaboard.
Read more about Serenity here…
Carpe Diem – 20th April – £1945
Carpe Diem combines superb service, exceptional diving and on board comfort at affordable prices. The large saloon features a big flat screen and audio system and is a great area for briefings. Outside of the lounge is an outdoor seating area. The meals are served al fresco in the dedicated dining area on the upper deck. After diving, enjoy the sun deck to soak up some rays or relax in the shade.
The popular Best of the Maldives itinerary delivers what it says on the tin. Dive the classic sites that made the Maldives so famous. Focusing on the hottest sites around Male & Ari atolls, there are pelagics a plenty, with manta, sharks and even whalesharks.
Dive Komodo on Mermaid 2 – £2895
Join the experienced crew on this diver friendly, steel-hulled liveaboard to cruise the big fish hotspots of Indonesia. The food on board is a hearty mix of Thai and western dishes, all served in the main deck dining room. Mermaid 2 has everything on board to make her your home away from home as you cruise the Indonesian islands.
Komodo National Park is a must see for all photographers and videographers with excellent viz all year round and an enviable selection of exotic and far flung dives.
- 17th May – Save £200 only £2895
- 09th June – save £200 only £2895
Komodo Dragons, manta and sharks await beneath the seas of Komodo Island, with speedy drift dives and bio diversity being the highlights of these outstanding pristine reefs.
Tempest – 21st April Wrecks & Reefs – only £795
Book by 7th April! The flexible Wrecks and Reefs itinerary offers the best of both worlds, iconic wreck dives and breathtaking reef dives every day. Fill your log books with dive sites such as the Thistlegorm, Shark and Yolanda, Abu Nuhas and Tiran, as well as the stunning drop offs of Ras Mohammed.
- 21st April – Wrecks and Reefs
Tempest is a well loved liveaboard in the Red Sea and with only 12 places on board she is smaller than most. A popular choice, she boasts a friendly atmosphere and a spacious and comfortable stay.
Scuba Seraya, Bali – only £1595
What an amazing price to dive in Bali! The intimate Scuba Seraya resort is a popular choice with Scuba Travel’s customers who come back year after year. This resort is totally set up for divers in lush gardens on their private beachfront. Soak up the Balinese sun in your outside bathroom or pull up a chair on your veranda, with partial sea or volcano views.
- 14th April – Save £300 only £1595
- 9th June – Save £300 only £1595
Bali is an excellent Indonesian diving destination with rich reef dives, cool critters a plenty, and you are only moments from the famous Liberty wreck. It’s a laid back location with bags to offer divers and non divers alike! Price includes return flights, 7 nights full board, morning boat dives and unlimited housereef dives in the afternoons – a deal not to be missed!
Whales & Orcas at Bunaken Oasis!
The beautiful Bunaken Oasis Luxury Resort has had some very special visitors recently. Some of the oceans larger inhabitants have swung by to check it out with orcas spotted last week and a sperm whale this week WOW – we wonder who will turn up next?!
- 3rd May – save £350, only £2795
- 17th May – only £2895
This 5 star luxury resort on Bunaken Island delivers outstanding service both on land and in the sea. Set amid tranquil gardens, meander between the spa and freeform infinity pool. At the end of each relaxing day, the multi-level cocktail bar is the place to be before you make your way to dinner. Explore Bunaken’s stunning wall dives and coral fields, with optional mangrove and muck diving to boot.
Turks & Caicos Aggressor – save £600, only £1495
The Turks & Caicos Aggressor sleeps 18 guests in a range of well appointed cabins. At the end of the day, put your feet up with a sundowner at the wet bar. The freshly made food is served up in the dining area and the sun deck has a choice of shady and sunny spots so everyone can relax in peace between dives.
- 28th April – Save £600 Only £1495
- 12th May – Save £600 Only £1495
The Turks & Caicos Aggressor is a special kind of diving holiday in the Caribbean. Sail between the endless cays and islands in complete comfort, breaking up your day only to dive. The Provo to Provo itinerary offers outstanding wall diving with plenty of chances for pelagics from the comfort of your Aggressor liveaboard.
Oman Aggressor – only £1845 excl. flights
This is a fantastic introductory offer to dive the hot new region in Oman. Diving highlights are undoubtedly the opportunity to see the resident population of humpback whales but the islands are a paradise of untouched dive sites where whale sharks, dolphins, turtles, reef sharks and big balls of reef fish wait on pristine, unspoilt reefs.
- 21st April – save £750
- 2nd June – save £750
- 14th July – save £750
The Oman Aggressor is a fantastic 45m liveaboard with a range of stylish cabins all boasting aircon and ensuite bathrooms. For relaxation after your dives you have the choice of the large sundeck with shade, a jacuzzi and bar, or the spacious saloon area. Enjoy a variety of local Omani and international cuisine from the onboard chef.
Dive with a purpose – with the Carpe Fleet
There is a growing school of thought that the Maldivian ‘big three’ – whale sharks, manta rays and turtles – react to the changes in the monsoon seasons by moving to sites on the leeward side of the atolls. In May 2018, Carpe Novo will become a research platform for biologists from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme providing them, and 20 lucky guests, an unprecedented opportunity to explore this phenomenon. The goal of this particular Dive with a Purpose expedition is to begin the 2018 southwest season’s data collection, documenting the movements of these iconic, yet enigmatic, animals.
The Rescue a Reef trips on Carpe Vita are accompanied by a Reef CPR marine biologist. Join these special weeks to help identify and remove crown of thorns from reef eco systems. All training will be given on board.
- 25th May – Whale Research
- 14th July – Rescue a REEF
- 8th Sept – Rescue a REEF
Give us a call on 0800 0728221 to find out more about these exciting expeditions!
To find out more about Scuba Travel and the dive holidays they offer call 0800 0728221, email dive@scubatravel.com or visit www.scubatravel.com.
Gear News
Introducing the SP Neoprene Suit from DYNAMICNORD
Maximum freedom of movement and outstanding comfort
The SP series neoprene suits deliver incredible diving comfort to even the most demanding divers. Fabulous style included. Designed and engineered in Germany.
The smart 3D cut and the pre-shaped arms and legs not only ensure flexibility and a perfect fit, but also help you slip into the suit with ease. Cuffs on the arms and legs guarantee perfect sealing, which is further enhanced by the flap on the back zipper.
Zippers at the wrists and ankles provide additional comfort and ensure easy donning and doffing. The small neck zipper adds another layer of comfort.
The neoprene ribs in the back of the knees and crook of the arms are unique. The clever concept ensures optimum comfort when bending the arms or legs.
Shoulder and knee protectors protect the suit in high-wear areas. The small computer safety strap holds the device in place. The SP suit series is available for men and women in 5 & 7mm and offers a wide range of sizes including numerous intermediate sizes.
Every day, DYNAMICNORD works to keep its environmental impact as low as possible. Only the best available neoprene is used for the SP series of neoprene suits. It goes without saying that the neoprene is made from limestone. It is sourced from nature and has less negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, Carbon Black, one of the main components of neoprene, is pyrolysed from used tires. This reduces energy consumption and cuts CO₂ emissions by 200 grams per neoprene suit. Innovative dyeing machines reduce water and energy consumption during production by 60%.
DYNAMICNORD’s R&D department is constantly testing recycled materials and other next-generation sustainable components to become even more eco-friendly in all areas.
The different models in the SP series are now available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
SRPs incl. VAT:
SP suit 7mm: £504.00
SP suit 5mm: £440.00
Sizes:
Women: XS-2XL, ST, MT, LT, M+, L+, XL+, 2XL+
Men: S-3XL, MT, MLS, ML, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Blogs
Jeff Goodman Launches Underwater Moviemaker Course with NovoScuba
Transform Your Dive Experiences into Cinematic Masterpieces
NovoScuba has partnered with acclaimed underwater filmmaker Jeff Goodman to introduce the Underwater Moviemaker Course—a revolutionary program designed to equip divers with the skills to capture the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an avid diver, or a photography enthusiast, this course offers the tools and expertise needed to create stunning underwater videos. From vibrant coral reefs to curious marine life, you’ll learn how to film, edit, and produce captivating underwater stories, all with expert guidance from a seasoned professional.
Jeff Goodman: A Legacy in Underwater Filmmaking
Jeff Goodman brings over 40 years of experience in underwater film production for television to this course. Reflecting on his career, Jeff said:
“Although technology has dramatically changed, the basics of underwater filming remain constant. This course covers crucial skills for producing great videos. Whether you’re creating professional broadcast films or high-quality hobby videos, the fundamental principles are the same.
A camera operator must master their equipment to capture those magical underwater moments effortlessly. But beyond technical know-how, underwater filmmaking is about having fun and enhancing your diving experiences. So, take your time, learn at your own pace, and enjoy this creative journey.”
About NovoScuba
Founded in 2023, NovoScuba is reshaping dive education with a comprehensive, digitally native platform. Offering cutting-edge training programs for divers at all levels, NovoScuba sets a new benchmark in the diving industry by combining innovation with accessibility.
With ISO-certified courses, a student subscription model, and multilingual support, NovoScuba ensures that dive education is inclusive and engaging. More than just a training provider, NovoScuba fosters a global community of divers committed to exploration, collaboration, and sustainability.
Join the NovoScuba Underwater Moviemaker Course Today!
Dive into the world of underwater filmmaking and start creating cinematic stories that inspire. Learn more about the course and enroll today at www.novoscuba.com/novoscuba-underwater-moviemaker-course.
EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Goodman interviews Mark Spiers, CEO of New Scuba Diving Training Agency NovoScuba
NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
The diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.
NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.
A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission
NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.
NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.
Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration
NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.
Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.
NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.
Quality Training at a Great Price
NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.
Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity
At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.
Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success
NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.
Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload
Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.
Crossover Made Easy
For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.
Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership
NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:
- Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
- Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
- Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.
Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement
NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.
Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth
At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.
Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution
Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.
For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.
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