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New
Diving-Safari boat "Sheena"
operated by Diving Centers Werner Lau
9 January 2007
Starting with 18th June 2007 the "Sheena", is the
first and only diving boat cruising in the south of the Maldives
operated by Werner Lau. Tours are offered weekly from Medufushi
in the Meemu-Atoll and start every Monday.
In the almost untouched and unexplored regions in the South
Maldives Werner Lau offers dives at the reefs and channels in
the Meemu-, Laamu- and Thaa-Atolls. An alternative route, available
on request travels to Felidhoo-Atoll to see Hammer head sharks
and to South-Ari-Atoll to meet whale sharks.
The trips will stop at well known top dive spots as well as
sometimes having expedition character as Werner Lau wants to
develop completely new dive areas.
Other routes are available for groups and full charters on request
and by arrangement - especially in the summer months from/to
Male, as well as 14 day tours.
Requests and bookings via booksheena@wernerlau.com,
pictures and information at www.wernerlau.com
Project
AWARE - Dive For Earth Day
Dive
volunteers wanted. Participate in the ultimate of Earth Day
activities – Project AWARE’s Dive for Earth Day.
During the week of 22 April, divers and water enthusiasts worldwide
will make a splash for water conservation. Underwater environments
continue to face numerous and alarming threats including pollution,
habitat degradation, overfishing and the effects of climate
change. Project AWARE in partnership with Dive for Earth Day
organizers and volunteers focus attention on local shorelines,
rivers, lakes and ocean environments in need of protection.
Want
to Dive for Earth Day? You can do your part locally. You can
participate in or organize Dive for Earth Day activities like
shoreline and underwater cleanups, CoralWatch surveys, AWARE
Kids activities, Dive for Earth Day displays, education fairs
and more. For more information or to sign-up, please visit the
Project
AWARE Website.
Scubapro Recalls Mark 20 Regulators
October 2, 2006
El Cajon-based scuba gear manufacturer Scubapro USA announced
a recall Oct. 2 of 48,500 of its Scubapro Mark 20 first-stage
regulators, following eight reports of units that failed after
being serviced.
The voluntary recall alert reports no injuries or accidents
as a result of the device. The recall was conducted in cooperation
with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission...
The regulators are devices that fit directly onto the air tank,
keeping the air release constant despite decreasing pressure
within the tank. Failure of the device during a dive could result
in drowning. A Mark 20 regulator retails for about $260.
David Dinsmore, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration’s diving program, issued a diving safety bulletin
in March 2005, stating that all NOAA divers were to discontinue
diving with the Mark 20 after finding that three out of 298
regulators had cracks.
According to an August 2005 article in Undercurrent magazine,
Scubapro attributed the cracks to users “over-torqueing” the
regulator. Dinsmore then told Undercurrent that NOAA’s outside
expert disagreed with the assessment. The NOAA diving center
advised divers to replace the Mark 20 with Scubapro’s Mark 25
regulator.
David Pence, an officer with the University of Hawaii diving
safety program, also issued an advisory in March 2005, discontinuing
the Mark 20 from use on university-sponsored operations. The
ban included personally owned Mark 20s that would be used on
university related dives.
The advisory stated that, “multiple catastrophic failures” of
the device had been reported to the university. Representatives
from Scubapro were unavailable for immediate comment. For more information click here.
Suunto Oy announces an important safety
notice regarding its D9 and D6 diving instruments
June 19, 2006
Suunto Oy has identified a software bug in the D9 and D6 diving
instruments. The software bug may cause the D9 and D6 to incorrectly
track dive time on rare occasions, potentially causing a risk
to the diver. For further information please read more here.
Therefore, Suunto is requesting that the D9 and D6 products
with the serial numbers listed below shall be returned for a
software update that eliminates this issue.
The products affected are:
D9 serial numbers 62102582 and below
D6 serial numbers 62103693 and below
Suunto strongly recommends that D9 or D6 should not be used
for diving before the unit has been updated with the latest
software. If the product is used before updating the software,
backup instrumentation must also be used.
Suunto will provide a free software update to fix the bug. Please
bring your D9 and/or D6 to your nearest local authorized Suunto
retailer for the software update as soon as possible. For contact
information please visit our web site www.suunto.com
If that is not possible or if you require any further details,
contact the Suunto Help Desk at SuuntoD9-D6@nordictelecenter.fi
To contact Suunto by phone, call toll free 1 800 543 9124
in the USA and Canada, or +358 284 1160 (international call
rates are applicable) from all other countries.
As a complimentary service Suunto will at the same time replace
your battery and perform a pressure test free of charge.
Suunto apologizes for any inconvenience.
Scubapro X650 Diving Regulators Recalled
for Drowning Hazard
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2006
Release #06-177
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 808-3948
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Scubapro® X650 Diving Regulators Recalled for Drowning Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,
in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a
voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers
should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise
instructed. (To access color photos of the following recalled
products, see CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.)
Name of Product: Scubapro® X650 Second Stage Regulator
Units: About 670
Manufacturer: Scubapro® with global headquarters located
in El Cajon, Calif.
Hazard: A manufacturing error could cause the main housing of
some regulators to change shape over time, which could cause
the cover and diaphragm to become dislodged. If this occurs,
air flow will be interrupted and the regulators will no longer
function, posing a drowning hazard to users.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description and Models: The recall involves some X650 second
stage regulators. All X650 second stage regulators are clearly
marked with a blue capital "X" next to the numbers
"650" in white. Affected regulators have a visible
bump located on the right side of the unit between the letter
"C" and where the mouthpiece attaches to the regulator
body.
Sold at: Authorized Scubapro® dealers in the U.S. from June
2005 through May 2006 for between $400 and $670
Manufactured In: Genova, Italy
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the product immediately
and contact Scubapro® to determine if they have an affected
second stage regulator. If so, they will receive a free replacement
regulator. The company is contacting registered owners of the
product directly.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Scubapro®
at (800) 808-3948 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through
Friday or visit their Web site at www.scubapro.com
Firm's Media Contact: Cynthia Georgeson at (262) 631-6600
DAN's Statement on SSS and Insurance
PUBLIC STATEMENT FROM DIVERS ALERT NETWORK
DAN Speaks to Insurance Issue
We deeply regret that many DAN members and others in the diving
community were the focus of a recent broadcast email campaign
by the SSS Network. The latest statement from SSS is designed
to intimidate and frighten DAN members, and much of the information
is untrue, misleading and contradicts previous statements from
chambers within the SSS Network.
DAN and SSS are in dispute over the excessive treatment charges,
which DAN believes are not reasonable and customary in comparison
to other hyperbaric chambers, and which will damage the diving
industry long term if not addressed now. By refusing to accept
DAN insurance, SSS is attempting to place the burden of payment
on the diver in order to gain leverage to force DAN’s insurer
to accept higher treatment charges.
We find it hard to believe that SSS facilities would be closing
due to insurance issues involving DAN’s insurer. SSS has claimed
that insurance purchased through DAN represents only a small
percentage of their business. They have now stated that some
of this is being driven by a slowdown in diving travel, especially
to dive locations that experienced hurricane and tsunami damage.
DAN has always supported remote facilities through our Recompression
Chamber Assistance Program (RCAP). This program is part of the
not-for-profit mission of DAN, and provides equipment to help
chambers remain fully operational so they can remain open and
viable and assist divers in need without having to resort to
overcharging injured divers.
The recent SSS press release implies that there is something
suspicious about Accident & General Insurance, Ltd. (AGI),
a wholly owned subsidiary of DAN that underwrites a portion
of the diver accident insurance purchased through DAN. On the
contrary, DAN has referenced AGI in all of its publications
and presentations about DAN. Revenue generated by AGI supports
DAN’s mission activities, including medical services and research.
No DAN employees receive compensation from AGI.
DAN has worked hard to bring this dispute to an equitable resolution.
A court date is set for early May 2006. A mediation session
is scheduled for late March. The tactics employed by SSS are
unfortunate choices in a dispute that we choose to handle in
a more professional manner.
While SSS keeps changing its position (see DAN website at http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/news/article.asp?newsid=735
for a chronological records of their statements), DAN has always
maintained a consistent message and approach to the issue:
A. DAN Members will be treated at all SSS recompression chambers.
B. DAN Members with Dive Accident Insurance purchased through
DAN are fully covered.
C. In the event of a dive injury, call the DAN Emergency Hotline
immediately.
D. DAN will handle all the necessary matters and no DAN member
will be out of pocket.
DAN has been here to protect divers for over 25 years, and during
that time we have been true to our mission to keep divers and
our sport as safe as possible. We will continue to do so. DAN
is and will remain "Your Dive Safety Association".
Special Notice on Passports
The Department of State and Homeland Security have announced
a "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative" in which
they are proposing to require all U.S. Citizens, Canadians,
citizens of Bermuda and citizens of Mexico to have a passport
or other accepted secure document to enter or re-enter the U.S.
by January 1, 2008.
The departments said that the requirements would be rolled out
in phases. The proposed timeline is as follows:
December 31, 2005 - Passport or other accepted document required
for all travel (air/sea) to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda,
Central and South America.
December 31, 2006 - Passport or other accepted document required
for all air, sea to or from Mexico and Canada.
December 31, 2007 - Passport or other accepted document required
for all air, sea and land boarder crossings.
In a joint announcement the departments said that they are requesting
comments on the proposed policy and suggestions for alternatives.
The departments said that they will consider these suggestions
and comments before they announce a formal rule making when
they will again seek comment on the proposed rule......More Details on Department of State Website
Mares Introduces: LIFETIME SERVICE PARTS
POLICY
NORWALK, CT. (January 18, 2006)
Mares Diving announces a new Lifetime Service Parts Policy for
all Regulators sold in the U.S. and Canada effective January
1st, 2006.
In addition to the Limited Lifetime Warranty offered on all
Mares Regulators, Mares will now offer free "Lifetime Service
Parts" to all consumers on the purchase of any Mares Regulator
sold in the U.S. and Canada. Mares will supply the necessary
parts for the annual service of the regulator 1st and 2nd stages
at no charge to maintain the Limited Lifetime Warranty, for
the useful lifetime of the regulator to the original owner.
"Mares has always been an industry leader in Regulator
Technology, the addition of this new policy will reinforce our
commitment to a higher level of service for both dealers and
consumers" states Phil Mintz, Director of Sales and Marketing,
Mares Diving Division of Head USA.
Along with the introduction of the Mares Regulator Lifetime
Service Parts Policy, Mares will also offer the opportunity
for consumers who purchased a Mares Regulator in 2004 or 2005
the option to upgrade to the new Lifetime Parts Policy for a
nominal fee.
All Mares Authorized Dealers have been sent the details on the
new Lifetime Service Parts Policy and upgrade.
HEAD USA is part of the HEAD NV Group, which is based in the
Netherlands and listed on the New York and Vienna Stock exchanges.
The HEAD NV Group is a worldwide sporting goods company that
manufactures and markets products under the HEAD brand (racquet
and winter sports), Penn (world's #1 tennis ball and racquet
ball brand), and Tyrolia (wintersports bindings), in addition
to the three diving brands (Mares, Dacor and Sporasub). HEAD
NV's Chairman is Johan Eliasch. The telephone number for the
Diving Division is 203 855 0631; fax 203 866 9573; website www.mares.com.
For HEAD USA information, log onto www.head.com.
Press
Releases June 7, 2006
The Dive Bus Curacao
The
face behind the tyre (or tire)
Signle
Diver Weeks with The Dive Bus
Divers Alert Network - DES Quest
Divers Alert Network announces the launch of the DES Quest,
a challenge to all interested divers to pursue and achieve the
level of Diving Emergency Specialist (DES). DES is a DAN Training
recognition program designed to commend divers who have continued
their education and training in order to obtain knowledge and
be both better buddies and better divers. It incorporates DAN
Training programs with those of other training agencies, providing
the diver with a well-rounded dive education.
To achieve the level of Diving Emergency Specialist, a diver
must:
1. Be a rescue level (or higher) diver with their training agency
2. Hold a current CPR and First Aid certification
3. Hold a current certification in Oxygen First Aid for Scuba
Diving Injuries (or equivalent)
4. Complete three of the following:
- Advanced Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries (or equiv.)
- First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries (or equiv.)
- AEDs for Scuba Diving (or equiv.)
- On-Site Neurological Assessment for Divers (or equiv.)
- Remote Emergency Medical Oxygen (REMO2)
The DES Quest will run from June 1 - Dec. 31, 2006. During the
Quest, when DAN is notified of a diver’s achievement of DES,
the diver will receive a specially designed T-shirt and ballcap
prize package. In addition, the diver will automatically be
entered in a drawing for a DAN Gift Certificate worth $250Ñ.
Not to forget those who teach, the DES Quest includes incentives
for training centers and instructors as well.
For more information on DES, the DES Quest or becoming a DAN/DES
Instructor, visit www.DiversAlertNetwork.org
.
Press Release March 28,
2006
Diving Centers Werner Lau - Yap
On 31st of March 2006 the Diving Centre Werner Lau at the Traders
Ridge Resort in Yap, Micronesia, will be no longer operated
under the management of Werner Lau. We apologize for having
to inform all our customers, partners and friends about this
decision. Because of insurmountable dissension between the owners
of the Resort and us we do not see any possibility to continue
our services at the Traders Ridge Resort.
Diving Centers Werner Lau, www.wernerlau.com
Press Release May 15,
2006
Kids Diving with Werner Lau - Maldives - Red Sea - Bali
Waiting for the summer holidays... Diving Centers Werner Lau
offers on all his Diving Centres worldwide "Diving for
the Youngster". After the guidelines off SSI and PADI you
can start with the Junior Open Water Diver from an age of 10
years onwards. Special Kid-Equipment for the young boys and
girls are as well on stock as enough 7 ltr aluminium tanks.
Our instructors are well trained for the diving with you and
are keen to show you how impressive and spectacular it can be
under water... For further information contact info@wernerlau.com
or have a look at www.wernerlau.net.
Mares Introduces: LIFETIME
SERVICE PARTS POLICY
NORWALK, CT. (January 18, 2006)
Mares Diving announces a new Lifetime Service Parts Policy for
all Regulators sold in the U.S. and Canada effective January
1st, 2006.
In addition to the Limited Lifetime Warranty offered on all
Mares Regulators, Mares will now offer free "Lifetime Service
Parts" to all consumers on the purchase of any Mares Regulator
sold in the U.S. and Canada. Mares will supply the necessary
parts for the annual service of the regulator 1st and 2nd stages
at no charge to maintain the Limited Lifetime Warranty, for
the useful lifetime of the regulator to the original owner.
"Mares has always been an industry leader in Regulator
Technology, the addition of this new policy will reinforce our
commitment to a higher level of service for both dealers and
consumers" states Phil Mintz, Director of Sales and Marketing,
Mares Diving Division of Head USA.
Along with the introduction of the Mares Regulator Lifetime
Service Parts Policy, Mares will also offer the opportunity
for consumers who purchased a Mares Regulator in 2004 or 2005
the option to upgrade to the new Lifetime Parts Policy for a
nominal fee.
All Mares Authorized Dealers have been sent the details on the
new Lifetime Service Parts Policy and upgrade.
HEAD USA is part of the HEAD NV Group, which is based in the
Netherlands and listed on the New York and Vienna Stock exchanges.
The HEAD NV Group is a worldwide sporting goods company that
manufactures and markets products under the HEAD brand (racquet
and winter sports), Penn (world's #1 tennis ball and racquet
ball brand), and Tyrolia (wintersports bindings), in addition
to the three diving brands (Mares, Dacor and Sporasub). HEAD
NV's Chairman is Johan Eliasch. The telephone number for the
Diving Division is 203 855 0631; fax 203 866 9573; website www.mares.com.
For HEAD USA information, log onto www.head.com.
New Book
Diver Down
By: Ange, Michael R.
ISBN: 0071445722
DOI: 10.1036/0071445722
Format: BC 192 pages
Pub Date: 2005-09-27
Copyright: 2006
Edition:1
$15.95 USD
One diver, after a seemingly brief period below the surface,
discovers that his gas supply has run perilously low. Another,
paralyzed, bobs helplessly on the surface, and when a poorly
trained divemaster attempts rescue, things go from bad to worse.
Two other divers, fascinated by the bountiful undersea life
of the Caribbean, fail to notice that a powerful current is
sweeping them rapidly away from their unattended boat.
These are just a few of the true stories you’ll find in Diver
Down, most of them involving diver error and resulting in serious
injury or death. Each of these tales is accompanied by an in-depth
analysis of what went wrong and how you can recognize, avoid,
and respond to similar underwater calamities. This unique survival
guide explores the gamut of diving situations, including cave
and wreck diving, deep-water dives, river and drift diving,
decompression sickness, and much more. It shows you how to prevent
tragic mishaps through:
* Inspection and maintenance of primary and secondary diving
gear
* Learning and following established safety protocols
* Confirming the training and credentials of diving professionals
* Practicing emergency responses under real-world conditions
Contents
Special Topics Contents
Preface: Dive Safety and This Book
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Scuba 101
The "Rescuer"
The Sailors' Cold and Lonely Night
Dying for Maintenance
A Killer Wreck Dive
Good Intentions
The Public Safety Diver
The Inexperienced Professional and an Ego
The "Trust-Me" Dive
Killer Arrogance
A Killer Shortcut
Hazards to Navigation
A Simple Commercial Dive
The Dive Plan Failure: Narcosis Is for Everyone
A Snug-Fitting Suit
The Little Details That Get You
The Expedient Gear Technician
Practicing What You Preach
The Folly of Youth
You Can't Buy Common Sense
The "Top Guns"
About the Author
Index
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