Sam Helmy

United Kingdom

News Staff Writer at Deeper Blue

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Articles

Choice Adds a New Airline Transfer Partner — Here's the Full List of 15 Choice Privileges Transfer Partners

2 days ago | awardwallet.com | JT Genter |Sam Helmy

While Marriott Bonvoy is best known for its expansive list of airline transfer partners, Choice Privileges has quietly been building a network of its own. And as of today, May 12, that list has grown once again. Choice just added LATAM Airlines as its 15th airline transfer partner, giving travelers yet another option for converting hotel points into miles. If you're not already familiar with Choice Privileges transfer partners, now’s a great time to catch up.
Mares Launches New Prestige BCD

3 days ago | deeperblue.com | Sam Helmy

Mares has announced the launch of the Prestige BCD, a jacket-style buoyancy compensator designed for optimal comfort, advanced safety and exceptional dive performance. Designed to fit divers of all sizes, the Prestige BCD boasts an ergonomic design. Swivel buckles on the shoulder straps and an elastic cummerbund offer a custom fit that allows the BCD to adapt to wetsuit compression at depth.
Thailand Bans New Divers From Using Cameras In The Water

3 days ago | deeperblue.com | Sam Helmy

Thailand has announced new national regulations limiting the use of underwater cameras to experienced scuba divers. The new move is designed to help protect vulnerable coral reefs. The Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment has decreed that only divers certified as Advanced Open Water level or equivalent, or Open Water Divers with a logbook showing at least 40 ‘deep’ dives, are now eligible to take cameras underwater.
Yap To Host 4th Annual Micronesia Expo

4 days ago | deeperblue.com | Sam Helmy

The State of Yap announced that it will host the 4th Annual Micronesia Expo from July 21–26, 2025. This year marks a special milestone, as Yap becomes the final of the four sister states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to host this event. The other three states of Pohnpei, Kosrae and Chuuk successfully held the past three Expos. The expo offers a brilliant opportunity to witness the cultural richness of all the Federated States of Micronesia celebrated under one roof.
Two New Danish Slave Ships Identified Off Costa Rica

4 days ago | deeperblue.com | Sam Helmy

Two new Danish slave ships dating back to the 1700s have been identified in the waters off Costa Rica. The ships had long been thought to be pirate ships. However, this was brought into question in 2015 when yellow bricks were found at one of the sites by US marine archaeologists. Research divers from Denmark’s National Museum went out and excavated the wrecks that lay at a depth of 4m/12ft.
CMAS Sanctions Divemaster Caught Spearfishing On Scuba

5 days ago | deeperblue.com | Sam Helmy

A Filipino freelance divemaster, Philmar Madriaga, has had his CMAS Divemaster status revoked in the wake of him being caught spearfishing while using scuba gear on April 21, 2025. Madriaga was apprehended as he emerged from the site Cathedral Rocks around 7 pm. The location is a “Declared Marine Sanctuary,” a type of Marine Protected Area (MPA) where human activities are restricted to protect marine resources and biodiversity.
PSI-PCI To Offer In Person Training In Long Beach

5 days ago | deeperblue.com | Sam Helmy

Unfortunately, PSI-PCI will not be at the Scuba Show in Long Beach, California. However, PSI-PCI will be offering in-person training for their courses locally. Not only that, PSI-PCI President Mark Gresham will be on location to teach these courses.
Check Out SCUBAPRO's New Navigator Lite BCD

1 week ago | deeperblue.com | Sam Helmy

SCUBAPRO has announced the release of its new lightweight back-inflated BCD, the Navigator Lite. The new BCD model is specifically designed for recreational divers who travel frequently, yet prefer a wing-style BCD that offers back flotation. Central to the Navigator Lite design is the Airnet soft backpack, which ensures that the BCD remains lightweight and foldable, facilitating easy packing and storage. This makes the unit a sturdy yet straightforward design.
Cressi's New Rafaello Dive Computer Is Now Shipping

1 week ago | deeperblue.com | Sam Helmy

Cressi’s new Rafaello Dive Computer is now shipping, the company has announced. The rugged new computer offers divers a wide range of functions packed in a small, rugged device that is capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use, travel and more. The Cressi Rafaello Dive Computer is ideal for a wide range of divers as well as freedivers and technical divers who wish to use it in a pure gauge mode. Features of the new Cressi Rafaello include:Large bright east to read high contrast display. .
Check Out This New Diver's Guide To Sustainable Seafood

1 week ago | deeperblue.com | Sam Helmy

Educator and marine conservation biologist Dr. Alex Brylske recently issued a diver’s guide to responsible seafood. Making responsible choices when it comes to consuming seafood is critical to the long-term health of the world’s coral reefs. By far, the biggest threats to coral reefs come from overfishing. Sadly, whether you are taking out top predators or the bottom layer of the food chain, both can have a catastrophic effect on the health of a coral reef.