News
SSI Continues Environmental Education Leadership with TWO New Specialty Courses
SSI announces the availability of two new unique specialties, “Coral Reef Restoration” and “Invasive Species Management,” as part of its commitment to environmental stewardship through the Blue Oceans initiative. These specialties aim to empower certified divers to actively contribute to the protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems. When combined with SSI’s ever-expanding Ecology Specialties, SSI continues to be the industry leader in conservation course offerings.
Coral Reef Restoration Specialty
Divers now have the opportunity to become certified in Coral Reef Restoration through SSI’s recognized instructors. This specialty equips participants with the diving knowledge and skills needed to engage in coral planting initiatives, contribute to coral health assessments, and actively participate in the preservation of these vital marine ecosystems.
Invasive Species Management Specialty
SSI recognizes the urgent need to address the threats posed by invasive species to aquatic biodiversity. The Invasive Species Management specialty is designed to train divers through SSI’s recognized instructors in identifying, safely removing, and managing invasive species, particularly in sensitive aquatic environments. Divers will play a crucial role in preserving native species and restoring ecological balance.
Ocean Guardian Digital Card
To celebrate the availability of these unique specialties, SSI is introducing the Ocean Guardian Digital Card, a certification card recognizing divers who complete the Coral Reef Restoration and/or Invasive Species Management specialties. This exclusive certification signifies a diver’s dedication to ocean conservation and identifies them as an Ocean Guardian.
SSI invites divers worldwide to join the Blue Oceans initiative, participate in these unique specialties, and become Ocean Guardians committed to protecting and restoring our oceans.
SSI’s Blue Oceans Initiative
SSI’s Blue Oceans Initiative sets the benchmark for conservation among the recreational diving community. Combining awareness and encouragement of opportunities to conserve our aquatic environments through diving activities, minimizing our impact through awareness and diving skills across all training programs, offering educational materials such as the Blue Oceans Program and our Ecology Specialties, and now, through Ocean Guardian, SSI is enabling its divers to create a direct positive impact on our aquatic environments.
If you are not yet an SSI Training Center or SSI Instructor but want to explore how you can benefit from offering SSI’s wide range of ecology conservation programs like these, call SSI at 1-800-892-2702 or visit us at https://my.divessi.com/become_trainingcenter to become an SSI Training Center, or check out how to get a FREE SSI Crossover Kit by clicking here: https://www.divessi.com/en/blog/free-ssi-crossover-kit-promotion-7120.html.
News
Dived Up Publications announces the release of The Diver and the Cookby Lasse Spang Olsen
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
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
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