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HEAD takes over the Aqualung Group

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Aqualung

HEAD Group, a leading global sports equipment company, takes over the AQUALUNG Group.

As per a judgement rendered by the Commercial Court of Nice on June 26th HEAD has been declared the winning party in a bid for the troubled AQUALUNG Group which was placed in receivership on May 16th.

Building on its existing portfolio in Winter Sports, Racquet Sports, Sportswear, and Water Sports, the transaction will significantly strengthen HEAD’s presence in the Water Sports segment by expanding its brand portfolio beyond its established Water Sports brands that include MARES, SSI, rEvo, LIVEABOARD.COM and ZOGGS.

HEAD is planning a restructuring of the AQUALUNG Group business platform and will provide urgent funding to secure the continuation and long-term sustainability of the group. As such the HEAD Group has offered a rescue package of over €50 million along with a comprehensive integration plan with significant synergies. It will see hundreds of jobs saved and Aqualung’s current production facilities in France; UK and Mexico improved and expanded.

The combined group becomes the world leader in the global Water Sports market, uniting two iconic players driven by safety, technical excellence, innovation, comfort and design, performance, and passion for sport and aquatic exploration.

HEAD will maintain and develop the AQUALUNG, APEKS and AQUASPHERE brands and reinforce its strategic and growing military and professional division.

HEAD also plans to build on Aqualung Group’s production capabilities to support the global production and distribution of premium products. The combined expertise of the two companies will accelerate market leadership and open new opportunities to broaden access to water sports worldwide.

Founded in 1943 following the invention of the ‘aqua-lung’ by Captain Jacques Cousteau and engineer Émile Gagnan, the AQUALUNG Group is a pioneer with an unrivalled history and is a global reference in scuba diving equipment. Its products are distributed in over 90 countries and are trusted by both recreational divers and military and professional operators for critical missions.

MARES was acquired by HEAD in 1971 and has evolved to a market leading brand in the scuba diving sector with innovative products.

SSI was acquired by HEAD in 2014 becoming the #1 diving certifier in Europe and has more than doubled in revenue since its acquisition.

ZOGGS, a swim brand born in Australia was acquired by HEAD in 2020 and has since seen significant international growth taking advantage of HEAD’s global network.

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PADI Launches World’s First Scuba Technician Distinctive Specialty Course with Octo Diver

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Scuba Technician

Octo Diver, in collaboration with PADI, have introduced the first-ever PADI Scuba Technician Distinctive Specialty Course, designed to raise the standard of dive equipment knowledge and safety in the scuba diving industry.

Scuba Technician

This 7-day hands-on course is open to all certified divers, dive professionals, and dive centre/resort staff, and focuses on vital life-support equipment servicing.

The course modules include:

  • Scuba Regulator Servicing (Diaphragm & Piston types)

  • 2nd Stage Servicing (Balanced & Unbalanced)

  • K-Valve Cylinder Valve Maintenance

  • Scuba Cylinder Visual Inspection

  • Power Inflator Servicing

  • Oxygen Cleaning for Scuba Equipment

  • Scuba Compressor Service & Maintenance

  • Standard Service & Repair Reporting

It is developed by Octo Diver’s professional team, led by a certified PADI Scuba Technician Instructor with a background in mechanical and aerospace engineering and over 15 years of experience in the diving industry.

Scuba Technician

This professional-level course can be conducted at Octo Diver’s classroom in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, or hosted at dive centers worldwide. Hosting dive centers receive exclusive benefits, including high commission, special course rates, and free seats.

Upon completion, students will receive certification from PADI along with official technician credentials.

Octo Diver is currently looking for dive centers and resorts globally to host this course. Let’s work together to make diving safer and more professional — Be a Certified PADI Scuba Technician.

For more information, visit www.Scuba-Technician.com

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Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort – A Hidden Gem in the Northern Moluccas

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Northern Moluccas

Far from the usual tourist trails, on a small island in the Northern Moluccas, lies a place of extraordinary beauty: Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort. Nestled between dense tropical jungle and a powdery white sand beach, the resort offers a peaceful escape immersed in nature at its purest. With panoramic views of the turquoise sea and direct access to some of Indonesia’s most untouched reefs, it’s a dream come true for those seeking tranquility above and adventure below the surface.

Northern Moluccas

The resort features just 16 spacious beachfront bungalows, each only steps from the ocean. At its heart is a beautifully designed open-air restaurant, built entirely from natural materials, where guests can enjoy a diverse selection of Indonesian and international cuisine.

Northern Moluccas

But what truly sets Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort apart is the underwater world that surrounds it. The reefs of the Northern Moluccas are among the most pristine and biodiverse in all of Indonesia – and remarkably, they remain largely untouched. Thanks to the remote location, dive boats are often the only ones around, giving divers the rare privilege of exploring vibrant coral gardens, dramatic walls, and colorful drop-offs in complete solitude.

Northern Moluccas

Marine life here is nothing short of spectacular. Blacktip reef sharks are spotted on nearly every dive, while nutrient-rich walls attract sea turtles, schools of jacks, and bumphead parrotfish. For macro enthusiasts, the area is a treasure trove of rare and photogenic species, including pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, frogfish, leaf scorpionfish, and several types of octopus and shrimp.

Northern Moluccas

One of the region’s most extraordinary highlights is the Halmahera Walking Shark, a rare species endemic to this part of Indonesia. First described by scientists only in recent years, this small shark is unlike anything else in the ocean. Rather than swimming, it uses its muscular pectoral and pelvic fins to “walk” along the seabed. These elusive yet fascinating creatures are most often encountered on night dives – and witnessing one in the wild is a truly unforgettable experience.

Northern Moluccas

The reefscapes surrounding Spice Island Resort are equally impressive. Flourishing hard coral formations spread across the seabed, interspersed with vivid sponges, large sea fans, and colorful soft corals. The biodiversity is astonishing, and the visual spectacle underwater is a dream for photographers. Most importantly, the reefs here are healthy—a rare treasure in today’s marine environment. With minimal tourism and careful management, the ecosystem remains intact, vibrant, and teeming with life.

Northern Moluccas

Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort is more than just a dive destination – it’s a retreat for those seeking peace and a haven for underwater explorers looking to experience the authentic magic of Indonesia’s last true frontier.

Book your next diving adventure at Nabucco’s Spice Island Resort with Extra Divers!

info@extradivers.org

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