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Irish photographer takes top honours in competition with rare image of courting sharks off the West Coast of Ireland

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The British Society of Underwater Photographers (BSoUP) are once again pleased to announce results of The British and Irish Underwater Photography Championship (BIUPC) which was held on 4th September 2021.  

For Underwater Photographers, a “splash-in” is a competition that takes place on a single nominated day, when photographers jump into the water to compete against each other. Traditionally, these competitions have been restricted to particular locations, but BIUPC is unique in that it has developed a format to allow pictures to be taken anywhere within the coastal or inland waterways of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. This has hugely increased the richness and variety of pictures submitted for judging, and so truly allows for a snapshot of the underwater environment captured photographically around these shores under time pressure.

Nick Watson is the Chair of BSoUP and organiser of BIUPC each year, and has made this appeal to all Branch members for BIUPC 2022 and all future years: ‘The spirit of this competition is unique, and one where we as a diving and photographic community can capture the heart and spirit of our waters over 24 hours.  You don’t have to be the most experienced photographer or have the best equipment to get noticed (photography in general lends itself to being in the right place and at the right time).  So, I’d like to encourage as many Branch members in 2022 to take part in BIUPC, thus growing this body of history.  From my experience Branch members will be diving in areas where many unique images can be taken’.   

There are three main categories for competitors: 

  • Wide Angle (open)
  • Close Up (open) 
  • Compact Camera (restricted)

Each of these categories will have one winner, and one overall Champion is chosen from these 3 images.  The ultimate prize is the coveted Peter Scoones memorial Trophy.

There is also a category for:

  • Man’s Impact on UK and Irish Marine and freshwater Environments (but this isn’t included for the Overall Champion)
  • ‘Newcomers’ – those who haven’t been taking pictures underwater for more than three 3 years, and are eligible to become Overall Champion (it’s the quality of the image that counts not the equipment or experience)

76 images were submitted in total, with 34 entrants, 3 in the restricted category. Results were announced online at the BSoUP monthly meeting held on 21st September 2021. The judges were Atanas Petrov and John Collins. Results for BIUPC 2021 were as follows:

For more information about BSoUP visit the website by clicking here.

  • Fireworks Anemone and crab: Wide Angle Highly Commended by Yo-Han Cha

  • Gooseberry Galaxy: Wide Angle Highly Commended by Billy Arthur

  • River bed in dynamic flow: Wide Angle Runner Up by Damien McGuirk

  • Courting basking sharks: Wide Angle Winner by Martin Kiely

  • Sturgeons at Capernwray: Compact Camera Highly Commended by Karen Ho

  • Glen Strathallan wreck: Compact Camera Highly Commended by David John-Peake

  • Diver exploring the Podsnap: Compact Camera Runner Up by Karen Ho:

  • Long clawed squat lobster: Compact Camera Winner by Grant McCarry

  • Moonlight Gem: Close Up Highly Commended by Sandra Stalker

  • Anemone-covered ladder: Man’s Impact Highly Commended by Kirsty Andrews

  • Koi: Man’s Impact Highly Commended by Karen Ho

  • A long-clawed squat lobster poking its head out of an old discarded crisp packet: Man’s Impact Runner up by Trevor Rees

  • Bridge over troubled water: Man’s Impact Winner Paul Colley

  • Burrowing Anemone: Close Up Highly Commended by James Lynott

  • Yarrell’s blenny: Close Up Runner Up by Trevor Rees

  • Long Clawed Porcelain Crab: Close Up Winner by Cathy Lewis

Nick and Caroline (Frogfish Photography) are a married couple of conservation driven underwater photo-journalists and authors. Both have honours degrees from Manchester University, in Environmental Biology and Biology respectively, with Nick being a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, a former high school science teacher with a DipEd in Teaching Studies. Caroline has an MSc in Animal Behaviour specializing in Caribbean Ecology. They are multiple award-winning photographers and along with 4 published books, feature regularly in the diving, wildlife and international press They are the Underwater Photography and Deputy Editors at Scubaverse and Dive Travel Adventures. Winners of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Photo-journalist of the Year for a feature on Shark Diving in The Bahamas, and they have been placed in every year they have entered. Nick and Caroline regularly use their free time to visit schools, both in the UK and on their travels, to discuss the important issues of marine conservation, sharks and plastic pollution. They are ambassadors for Sharks4Kids and founders of SeaStraw. They are Dive Ambassadors for The Islands of The Bahamas and are supported by Mares, Paralenz, Nauticam and Olympus. To find out more visit www.frogfishphotography.com

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Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 2

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christmas

Welcome to Day 2 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!

Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.

Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…

christmas

The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit
by Liquid Sports

info@liquidsports.co.uk / www.sharkskin.com / Sharkskin Facebook / Liquid Sports Facebook

christmas

The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof one-piece full suit offers complete protection from the cold, sun, and marine stingers. It is designed to replace a wetsuit in warmer waters or to be worn under an existing wetsuit for extra warmth in colder waters. The 4-way stretch material is comfortable and less buoyant than neoprene, reducing the amount of weight needed, making scuba diving or snorkeling more comfortable.

The chest zip design provides greater flexibility in the torso and reduces water flow. The large cargo pocket on the thigh can be used to store accessories in an easily accessible and secure design.

The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof range is an enhanced version of the standard Chillproof range. This range incorporates Titanium Far Infrared (FIR) nano-technology into the fabric, which retains your body’s heat, improves circulation, and enhances metabolic function. The T2 Chillproof range is 100% windchill proof and has the same thickness as the standard Chillproof range, but provides the warmth equivalent to a 4-5mm wetsuit. This makes it a great substitute for a wetsuit in warmer waters or an extra layer of insulation in colder waters. The Titanium nano-particles reflect and retain the Far Infrared heat energy emitted from our bodies, effectively keeping us warmer and increasing blood flow for better metabolic function and recovery.

christmas

AP Diving Ratchet Reels

christmas

Treat yourself or your dive buddy to one of our best-selling AP Ratchet Dive Reels this Xmas. Unique benefits include:

  • The line is totally encased, preventing snagging or tangling – common problems with open reels.
  • Both reels are lightweight and sit comfortably in the palm of the hand or pocket.
  • High-visibility, positively buoyant, Dyneema line – stronger than steel.
  • Simple switch to change between ratchet and free-running modes.
  • The cases are glass reinforced polymer – rugged and extremely light.
  • Ideal as both an SMB deployment reel and a navigation reel.

The APD90 90m reel – £127.20
https://www.apdiving.com/…/90m-ratchet-pocket-reel.html
The APD45 45m reel – £60.62
https://www.apdiving.com/…/45m-racheted-pocket-reel.html

*GRAB A SEASONAL DISCOUNT on AP Ratchet Reels, Surface Marker Buoys and BCDs!*

Enter the Voucher Code AP-XMAS-24 at the checkout online to get 10% off.
Offer ends 19th Dec. Last postage dates vary with the carrier and destination. If in doubt, please check with the AP office 01326 561040 for up-to-date delivery information.

sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook  / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV

christmas

The Diver & the Cook
A book published by Dived Up Publications

info@divedup.com / www.DivedUp.com / Dived Up Facebook / Dived Up Instagram / Dived Up tiktok

christmas

A ship lost. No survivors. A grim recovery mission begins, pushing a team of commercial divers well beyond their comfort zone. Braving treacherous conditions, Nico van Heerden single-handedly combs the cramped, debris-strewn, zero-visibility Jascon 4 shipwreck searching for any sign of the lost crew.

Then, in a scene akin to a horror movie, while exploring a small, isolated compartment, Nico feels a tap on his shoulder. Could someone have survived underwater for over sixty hours?

The Diver & the Cook is the incredible true story of a seemingly impossible underwater rescue. Told first-hand, with authentic images and detailed reconstructions, veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen brings this gripping tale to life.

An unprecedented operation, this story provides a unique perspective on the dangers and challenges faced by divers, showing the importance of teamwork and communication in high-risk situations. An incredible survival story against all odds, with an equally surprising aftermath.

Available now from online retailers and direct from DivedUp.com

info@divedup.com / www.DivedUp.com / Dived Up Facebook / Dived Up Instagram / Dived Up tiktok

christmas

Suunto Ocean Dive Computer

info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.suunto.com / Suunto Diving Facebook / Suunto Diving UK Facebook / Suunto Diving Instagram

christmas

Made in Finland with 100% renewable energy, the Suunto Ocean is tailored for an active lifestyle, from exploring the depths below surface to conquering the heights above. Featuring multiple dive modes, wireless tank pressure support and extensive set of alarms for scuba and freediving; more than 95 default sport modes, GPS, barometer, offline maps and advanced training features for sports; and finally on-wrist heart rate with activity tracking for daily use, this device ensures you stay in tune wherever you’re exploring.

Featuring a large, vibrant color display, the Suunto Ocean ensures exceptional readability and usability in all conditions.

Dive enthusiasts will appreciate its dive modes for scuba and even technical diving, including nitrox and the Suunto Bühlmann 16 GF algorithm. Additionally, freedivers and snorkelers will find dedicated dive modes to suit their needs. Pairing seamlessly with the Suunto Tank POD before diving allows users to monitor tank pressure, gas consumption, and remaining gas time directly from their wrist. To enhance safety during dives, the Suunto Ocean offers an extensive selection of customizable audio and vibration alarms.

info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.suunto.com / Suunto Diving Facebook / Suunto Diving UK Facebook / Suunto Diving Instagram

Scuba Travel Gift Vouchers

christmas

Looking for the perfect gift that will make a splash this holiday season? Consider giving the gift of adventure with our Scuba Travel Gift Vouchers! Whether your loved ones are seasoned divers or curious beginners, these vouchers open the door to unforgettable underwater experiences.

Our gift vouchers can be used for a variety of scuba trips, from liveaboards to resorts worldwide , ensuring there’s something for everyone.

This Christmas, give the gift of exploration and adventure.

Purchase a Scuba Travel Gift Voucher today and let your loved ones embark on their next great underwater journey!

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Dived Up Publications announces the release of The Diver and the Cook by Lasse Spang Olsen

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The Diver and the Cook

A ship lost. No survivors. A grim recovery mission begins, pushing a team of commercial divers well beyond their comfort zone.

Braving treacherous conditions, saturation diver Nico van Heerden single-handedly combs the cramped, debris-strewn, zero-visibility Jascon 4 shipwreck searching for any sign of the lost crew.

Then, in a scene akin to a horror movie, while exploring a small, isolated compartment, Nico feels a tap on his shoulder. Could someone have survived underwater for over sixty hours?

The Diver & the Cook is the incredible true story of a seemingly impossible underwater rescue. With first-hand accounts, authentic images and detailed reconstructions, author and documentary maker Lasse Spang Olsen brings this gripping tale to life. The book is the result of over four years of work, including intensive interviews, access to previously unknown material, and deep study of conversations and film recorded during the actual incident.

Witness the unwavering determination of the human spirit as Jascon 4 galley chef, Harrison Okene, fights for survival after his ship goes down. Meanwhile, rookie saturation diver Nico van Heerden faces a daunting challenge: spearheading the rescue mission in a perilous underwater environment. With time running out, what rules must the dive team break to save Harrison before it’s too late?

An unprecedented operation, this story provides a unique perspective on the dangers and challenges faced by divers, showing the importance of teamwork and communication in high-risk situations. An incredible survival story against all odds, with an equally surprising aftermath.

Quote from the author, documentary-maker Lasse Spang Olsen:

“There are a whole lot of different versions of this story out there. But I believe that by speaking directly to the key people involved, creating meticulous reconstructions and doing original research we have dug much deeper and got far closer to the truth about the rescue and the sinking than anyone has ever managed to before.”

About the author

Author and veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen – in a 40+ year career – has participated in stunts and FX on over 600 films, directed eleven features and filmed extensively underwater. He’s led expeditions uncovering historical mysteries like the Flying Enterprise wreck and documented adventures worldwide. He’s also a producer and lecturer. Originally published in Denmark as Dykkeren of Kokken (February 2024), this is his fourth book.

The Diver and the Cook (ISBN 978-1-909455-61-0) is released on 12 November 2024 in paperback and ebook. It is available via online retailers, bookstores, from DivedUp.com and to the dive trade via Nautilus UK.

Dived Up Publications website: www.DivedUp.com
Facebook @DivedUpPublications / Insta @diveduppubs / X @DivedUp / TikTok @divedup

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