News
Win a Diving Expedition Place
This is your chance to join a unique citizen science SCUBA diving coral reef conservation expedition.
In partnership with Reef Check and the Marine Conservation Society, Biosphere Expeditions is offering a free place on either its expedition to Musandam (Oman) or the Maldives. And there’s more: in addition to the expedition prize, there are other prizes from Reef Check and the Marine Conservation Society to be won.
You have to be a qualified diver (minimum PADI Open Water or equivalent). You also have to be prepared to muck in on a hands-on conservation project, not a luxury dive holiday. If this is you, then tell Biosphere Expeditions who you are, why they should take you on and what you think you can contribute to the diving expedition.
Main prize: participate in a Reef Check expedition of your choice
The winner can select freely from Biosphere Expeditions’ reef diving expeditions to Musandam (Oman) or the Maldives. The selection has to be made within 15 months of winning the prize.
Consolation prize: Reef Check pack
Consisting of T-shirt, hat and beach towel.
Consolation prize: Marine Conservation Society pack
Consisting of shirt from their clothing range and membership of the MCS for one year.
How to Apply
You have two options of putting in an application. Either send an essay (max. 100 words) or a video clip (max. 1 minute), which you can easily create yourself (for example using the movie setting of your digital camera) and upload to a video sharing site (for example YouTube). Whichever option you go for, Biosphere Expeditions would like to know from you who you are, why they should take you on and what you think you can contribute to the expedition.
Note that Biosphere Expeditions organises serious research & conservation expeditions, not luxury or sports or party holidays. With this in mind, the competitions are no “Pop Idol”-style castings events where you need to sing, dress up or otherwise make a fool out of yourself. Biosphere Expeditions would like to get to know you as much as possible within the above remit, so just be yourself!
To enter this amazing competition simply click here.
The application deadline is 1 July 2019.
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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