Home Blog Page 2

Thailand Unites Over 30 Islands for Clean-Up Campaign on World Ocean Day 2025

By
UW360
-
0

Thailand will mark World Ocean Day 2025 with the launch of “30+ Islands Clean-Up: So Cool Mission,” a nationwide campaign under the Heart-Made Islands Project. Taking place on Sunday, 8 June 2025, in Koh Chang, Trat Province, this large-scale effort under the theme “WONDER – Sustaining What Sustains Us”, brings together communities, international volunteers, government agencies, and private partners in a shared mission to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable island living.

Supported by Asian Geographic Go, the travel experience arm of Asian Geographic Magazines, and hosted at Aiyapura Resort, Koh Chang, the day will feature a wide range of collaborative and action-driven events.

A highlight of the event will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), through which island communities formally commit to reducing or eliminating single-use plastics, straws, and foam products. A symbolic moment will then signal the synchronized start of clean-up efforts across all participating islands. These efforts will include comprehensive beach, mangrove, and underwater clean-ups, led by both Thai and international volunteers. The collected waste will be sorted, weighed, and analyzed, with data recorded to estimate the environmental impact, including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The event will conclude with a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner   and a high-level Roundtable Discussion, “Collaborate & Innovate to Solve the Island Waste Crisis,” featuring panelists including community representatives from three islands, Dr. Wijarn Simachaya (Thailand Environment Institute), Hidy Yu (Bling Bling Ocean Foundation), John Thet (Underwater360 Founder, ADEX CEO), Ms. Chawche Tevaburana-Trakul (Institute for Global Environmental Strategies), along with representatives from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Ogga-Circular, and Indorama Ventures.

International volunteers are especially welcomed to join activities on Koh Chang, Koh Lanta, and Koh Tao, where special participation packages are being offered. Koh Lanta will kick off its clean-up efforts earlier on 5 June, in celebration of World Environment Day 2025.

In preparation for the clean-up, trained divers and volunteers will also take part in a special underwater ghost net removal training, facilitated by the Bling Bling Ocean Foundation, in collaboration with local dive teams.

The “30+ Islands Clean-Up: So Cool Mission” reflects Thailand’s growing leadership in marine conservation and sustainability. Under the theme “WONDER – Sustaining What Sustains Us,” this campaign highlights the urgent call to protect ocean ecosystems and empowers island communities to drive meaningful environmental change.

For more information, visit: https://asiangeo.com/go/

ADEX 2025 Voice of the Ocean Photo/Video/Art Competition Winners Announced

By
Ian Bongso-Seldrup
-
0
“Tentacles of Doom”: Best of Show, Cephalopods, PJ Aristorenas (Philippines)

PJ Aristorenas’s perfectly composed octopus shot took top honours in ADEX Singapore’s signature contest

Underwater360 Group, the organisers of the Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) have announced the winners of the show’s signature photo/video/art competition, ADEX Voice of the Ocean. The big winner was Filipino shooter PJ Aristorenas, whose stunning image “Tentacles of Doom” was crowned “Best of Show” during the live judging session held on the final day of the three-day show. PJ’s prizes included a Seacam camera housing worth $10,000, a 10-day dive package with Lembeh Resort and Murex Bangka, Sulawesi, Indonesia (worth $3,600), a Backscatter Hybrid Flash package (worth $1,260), a Shearwater Peregrine TX dive computer (worth $750), and an XDEEP NX ZEN 28 Ultralight Deluxe BCD (worth $825).

This year’s ADEX Voice of the Ocean live judging event was emceed by DPG Manager Editor Ian Bongso-Seldrup and featured another illustrious panel of judges, who viewed 41 short-listed entries in five categories. This year’s panel comprised Tobias Friedrich, Franco Banfi, Berkley White, Erin Quigley, Kate Jonker, Nicolas Remy, Kay Burn Lim, and William Tan, with the ADEX Ocean Festival 2025 guests-of-honor David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes serving as guest judges. Congratulations to the winners: PJ Aristorenas (Best of Show), Janssen Tan (Cephalopods), Yazid Shaari (Animal Behavior), Emmanuel Vaillant (Waterscapes), Laura Parker (Artwork), and Alfred Schaschl (Short Film).

For more information, head over to the Voice of the Ocean page on the ADEX website or check out the contest page on UnderwaterCompetition.com.

“Peekaboo!”: Winner, Cephalopods, Janssen Tan (Singapore)
“Entwined in Blue”: Winner, Animal Behavior, Yazid Shaari (Libya)
“The Last Rays Before the Rain”: Winner, Waterscapes, Emmanuel Vaillant (France)
“Soft Magic Descending”: Winner, Artwork, Laura Parker (UK)

 

 

Original article: Link

Andrew Oakley to Present Discovery of Dutch Submarine HNLMS K XI at ADEX OZTek Australia 2025

By
UW360
-
0
© Diving Western Australia’s Shipwrecks

Attendees are in for a treat at ADEX OZTek 2025, as Professional Tek Diver Andrew Oakley shares insights into the t recent discovery of the Dutch submarine HNLMS K XI off Perth Waters, at the OZTek Advanced Conference Theatre.

In January 2025, a team of WreckSploration divers—Andrew Oakley, David Jackson, and Patrick Morrison—conducting an investigation of potential wreck sites using Magnetic Survey data from Maritime Discovery Group, unexpectedly discovered the wreck of the HNLMS K XI. Clearly identifiable as a submarine, the team swiftly began surveying the site, capturing over 6,000 images to create an impressive 3D model of the wreck.

Originally launched in 1924, the HNLMS K XI played a role in World War II and was involved in the rescue of HMAS Yarra survivors in 1942. Though its service history was relatively quiet, the submarine remains an important part of Dutch-Australian naval heritage.

Andrew’s presentation at the OZTek Conference will focus on the technology behind deep-water photogrammetry and its role in shipwreck discovery.

© Wrecksploration and Western Australian Museum

Join Andrew Oakley and an incredible lineup of speakers at ADEX OZTek 2025, happening on March 15-16, 2025, at ICC Sydney. Learn on fascinating topics of history, discovery and more.

Make sure to visit www.adex.asia to secure your tickets for the OZTek Advanced Diving Conference and the ADEX Dive & Travel Expo. Two incredible events under one roof—each with its own unique experience and ticket pricing!

ADEX Ocean Festival Singapore 2025, Dedicated to Cephalopods + Celebrating Marine Life Behaviour

By
UW360
-
0

Singapore, April 4-6, 2025 – The highly anticipated ADEX Ocean Festival Singapore 2025 will be held at Suntec Singapore from April 4 to 6, 2025. Marking its 31st year, ADEX remains the platform for divers, conservationists, and ocean enthusiasts to come together, share their passion, explore innovative solutions to ocean challenges, support conservation efforts, discover the latest in diving technology, photography,videography, and much more. This year’s festival promises three days of exciting events, inspiring talks, and must-see attractions for divers of all levels.

ADEX Voice of the Ocean Photo + Video + Art Competition 2025

One of the most awaited highlights of ADEX 2025, the Voice of the Ocean Competition, will return with the live judging event with entries in five categories: Animal Behavior, Cephalopods, Waterscapes, Artwork, and Short Film. This year’s edition celebrates marine life behavior with a special focus on cephalopods. The panel of judges includes Berkley White, Erin Quigley, Kay Burn Lim, Nicolas Remy, Robert Stansfield, and William Tan, with Chloe Harvey from the Reef-World Foundation. Each category will have multiple prizes, including the Best of Show award.  More details on VOO 2025 – ADEX

Surface Interval – Health and Fitness for Diving Enthusiasts

For the first time, the Surface Interval zone will be a key feature at ADEX, focusing on divers’ health and fitness. Attendees can explore booths offering medical consultations on breathing issues, posture correction, and diving-related injuries. This area will also feature a hypnotherapy workshop for divers with phobias like fear of sharks etc. The latest Surface Interval Magazine will be launched during at ADEX Ocean Festival 2025.

Dive Tank and ADEX Mermaid Festival

ADEX Ocean Festival 2025 will once again feature the ADEX Mermaid Festival, where skilled mermaids and underwater performers from across the globe will stand a chance to be voted ‘The ADEX Most Voted Mermaid of the Year’, based on audience votes. The Dive Tank will also host underwater rugby matches and live painting performances by ocean artists, providing unique underwater experiences.

Scuba Try-Outs and Technology Demos at The Pool

The Pool area will provide attendees the opportunity to experience scuba diving for the first time through guided try-outs. This area will also be the stage for the latest advancements in dive technology, giving visitors a firsthand look at new diving gear demonstrations.

Industry Experts

ADEX 2025 will feature insights from leading experts across multiple fields, including Tek diving, conservation, underwater photography and videography, new dive technology, education, freediving, and marine life research and much more. There will be three dedicated stages focused on conservation, Tek, and underwater image/film/book, where speakers will share groundbreaking insights, discoveries, and experiences.

Exhibitor Booths

The festival will bring together top international dive brands under one roof, with exclusive deals and offers for visitors. Explore a wide range of booths showcasing the latest in dive gear, dive apparel, accessories, global dive destinations and more.

Exciting Lucky Draws and Giveaways

Attendees will have multiple chances to win exciting prizes from vendors through daily lucky draws.

Be a part of Asia’s largest dive show!

This year, ADEX Ocean Festival 2025 is dedicated to cephalopods and celebrates the remarkable behaviors of marine life. ADEX is more than just a dive show. It is a gathering of ocean explorers, conservationists, and tech pioneers who are shaping the future of diving and marine conservation. Connect with experts, discover cutting-edge gear, or listen to the stories from the deep.  Visit www.adex.asia for entry tickets.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of ADEX Ocean Festival 2025, April 4-6, at Suntec Singapore!

Behind the Scenes of Avatar and Last Breath: John Garvin’s Exclusive into Filmmaking at OZTek Advanced Diving Conference 2025

By
UW360
-
0

John Garvin, renowned diving consultant, screenwriter, and actor, will be a featured OZTek Conference speaker at ADEX OZTek Australia 2025, where he will share exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the making of James Cameron’s Avatar sequels and the highly anticipated film Last Breath. Last Breath is set for release in the USA and UK on February 28, with an Australian release to follow.

John has been diving since 1990 and is recognized as one of the world’s leading technical diving instructors. He specializes in closed-circuit rebreathers and has trained elite divers worldwide. His expertise has made him an integral part of major Hollywood productions, including Deepsea Challenger and Sanctum, where he wrote the screenplay and coordinated underwater stunts.

As the head of diving operations for the Avatar sequels and Last Breath, John played a crucial role in bringing these visually stunning underwater scenes to life. At ADEX OZTek Australia 2025, he will discuss the innovative diving techniques and challenges involved in creating these groundbreaking films.

For those interested in the intersection of deep-sea exploration and filmmaking, John Garvin’s talk will be an unmissable event. Catch him live on the OZTek Advanced Diving Conference stage at ADEX OZTek Australia, where he will join a lineup of compelling speakers and topics from March 15-16, 2025, at the ICC, Darling Harbour. Get your tickets now for a lineup of fascinating talks from top technical diving experts at the OZTek Advanced Diving Conference.

OZTek Awards & Underwater Photography Competition 2025 – Recognizing Innovation & Creativity at ADEX OZTek Australia

By
UW360
-
0

OZTek Awards 2025

Returning after 2022, we are pleased to once again celebrate and honor the achievements of Australia’s leading Divers and Dive Industry personnel in 2025. These awards recognize those who have pushed the boundaries of knowledge and exploration, driving the development and innovation of new diving technologies.

The presentation of the (usually) biennial OZTek Awards is a much-anticipated aspect of OZTek and in 2025, a simple Award Ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the show on Saturday 14 March (Time to be confirmed).

Deserving winners are nominated by the diving public and the final decision is made by the Award Panel from the information provided.

Award Categories

  • Industry Recognition Award– For Exceptional Contribution to the Growth and Development of Diving.
  • Outstanding Achievement Award– Recognition of deserving individuals whose achievements embody the spirit of diving advancement, adventure, and teamwork.
  • Media Excellence Award– For Ongoing Promotion of Ocean Awareness and the Diving Industry. (Note: This award is only given in outstanding circumstances).
  • Lifetime Achievement Award– Recognition for a lifetime of dedication and passion in diving.
  • Technical Diver of The Year Award– For Exceptional Contribution to the Growth and Development of Technical Diving.
  • Emerging Explorer Award– Acknowledgement of an up-and-coming diver for their contribution to exploration, research or training in the spirit of teamwork and community.

For a look at past winners and their incredible contributions, visit OZTek Awards History. If you know someone deserving of recognition in 2025, you can submit a nomination here: Nominate for 2025.

ADEX OZTek Australia 2025 Underwater Photographic Competition Now Open for Entries

The highly anticipated ADEX OZTek Australia 2025 Underwater Photographic Competition is back, inviting divers and photographers to showcase their creativity and passion for the underwater world.

Open to entrants worldwide, the competition welcomes submissions across five exciting categories: Wreck, Cave, Marine Life with Diver, Open Category (Wide Angle/Marine Life), and Macro/Super Macro Marine Life. Winning images will be printed and exhibited at ICC Sydney during ADEX OZTek Australia 2025 and featured across the event’s website and social media platforms.

All skill levels are encouraged to participate for a chance to win exciting prizes and gain international recognition. Entries close on February 15, 2025. Each entrant can submit up to 15 images with a maximum entry fee of $40.

For full competition details, terms & conditions, and to register your entries, visit: OZTek ADEX Australia – ADEX OZTek Australia 2025 Underwater Photographic Competition

Distractions While Diving

By
UW360
-
0
An underwater photographer holding her camera swimming between some beautiful vibrant colored soft coral

Text courtesy of DAN World

Task-loading (doing or managing too many things at once) is a common reason divers become distracted from keeping track of their depth or air. A very good example of such a distraction is when divers become too focused on underwater photography.

While diving is an enjoyable and relatively safe activity, divers should never forget that it involves using life-support equipment to venture into an environment that’s not conducive for humans. Most dive accidents result from a series of small deviations from safe procedures, and in almost all cases, the accident could have been avoided if the problem was noticed, its implications understood, and an appropriate response was implemented.

THE CONTEXT

The diver was a 48-year-old woman who was open-water certified but had not dived for many years. She had recently completed a second open-water diving course and was on a seven-day liveaboard trip in Australia.

THE SITUATION

On the second day of diving, the diver reported “getting carried away taking pictures.” When she looked at her gauges, she only had 69 bar remaining and was at 30 metres. Her dive buddy was motioning for her to ascend and she began to do so. She reported feeling worried but determined that she would not shoot to the surface and was able to make a steady ascent. She had about 20 bar remaining as she got to six metres and opted to make a safety stop, watching her gauges intently. When it was completed, she signalled for her buddy to ascend the mooring line, which she did in a slow, controlled manner. Her mind raced as her depth gauge approached zero.

On the surface, the diver tried to inflate her BCD, but her tank was completely empty, and had to orally inflate it. She recalled: “It was a 30-metre dive, and I was very embarrassed. My dive buddy was holding it back, but I could tell he was upset with me. I never told him how close I came to running out of air on the ascent, but I apologised profusely. I spoke with another diver, a former instructor, and told him what had happened. He told me he had made the same mistake once – got carried away with taking photos and forgot to watch his gauges. I was shocked at how easily you can lose sight of the time and depth.”

The marine world holds so many wonders, it’s
easy to get distracted

Analysis

This diver was lucky that she realised she was low on air when she did. If she had stayed much longer at that depth, she would likely have run out of air before she made it back to the surface. Running out of air doesn’t automatically lead to death, but when coupled with panic and a rapid ascent, the consequences can be grave.

Always Dive with a Buddy

Many divers who enjoy underwater photography admit to being distracted when their attention is diverted to photographing their subjects. It is very easy to forget to keep an eye on your depth or air, and this is one reason why DAN resolutely suggests recreational divers dive with a buddy. Generally, a buddy would be able to track the gauges and depth, and look out for each other.

Never Compromise Safety

Task loading should be gradual enough so that mastery on the added task can be achieved without ever compromising safety. Situational awareness is a skill that is instrumental in staying safe while diving.

This diver had a close call, learned a valuable lesson and lived to dive another day. Staying calm during her ascent, staying near her buddy and inflating her BCD at the surface were all essential elements in preventing a dive incident.

Regardless of whether you take up underwater photography as a creative pastime or a photographer eager to capture the beauty of the marine ecosystem, you’ll find that complementary diving skills and shooting skills are integral to success.

 

If you’d like to see more of the magazine, why not get the issue out now!

https://shop.asiangeo.com/product/scuba-diver-oceanplanet-no-131/

123...190Page 2 of 190