In loving memory of a special friend: Herbert ‘Hank’ Neukam (* 4 July 1958 - † 8 April 2025) left us much too early. A terrible hunting accident took Herbert's life on Tuesday. Hank was not only a valued colleague in the diving industry, but above all he was a loyal friend who enriched our lives in so many ways.
Water is a fascinating element, and the mysterious underwater worlds have a special appeal. This is precisely what inspires many divers and draws them into the depths time and time again. But while you normally dive in lakes, rivers or oceans - i.e. on the surface of the earth - the question arises: what does an underwater landscape look like in hidden caves, deep underground? The passionate apnoea diver and explorer Jan Holland tells us about his experiences.
The German Water Sports Industry Association (BVWW Bundesverband Wassersportwirtschaft e.V.) has changed its name to Verband Maritime Wirtschaft e. V. (VMWD) following the decision of its general meeting. ‘In a further step, the ‘Deutscher Boots- und Schiffbauer-Verband (DSBV) merges with the VMWD.
A new initiative is causing a stir in the international diving scene: The RSTC - the umbrella organisation for major training organisations - wants to introduce a mandatory aptitude test for all diving instructors from 2026. Every two years, active dive pros will have to prove that they can deal professionally with pressure situations, group dynamics and stress not only underwater, but also on the surface.
A story about a little man, friendly inhabitants and friendly whale sharks: Travelling has actually become really easy: A few hours on a plane and you're on a beach under palm trees, enjoying your time. And then there are destinations that are still isolated and remote today ... you'd hardly think it possible!
In Lake Wörthersee near Klagenfurt, international police divers are currently training to defuse bombs underwater. The training is organized by six specially trained officers from the Austrian Cobra task force, who are in demand throughout Europe for their expertise. They regularly conduct training for emergency services in other EU member states on behalf of Europol.
A submarine sank off the Egyptian coast near the tourist resort of Hurghada. More than 40 people were on board. Local media report six dead. The Russian Embassy in Cairo announced that four Russian citizens were killed in the incident, with dozens on board the submarine. At least nine other tourists are said to have been injured.
Fascination meets unanswered questions: The Felicitas mine is considered one of the most spectacular diving spots in Germany. Anyone who has been therespeaks enthusiastically about the crystal-clear water , mystical atmosphere and unparalleled diving experience. Felicitas is a particularly attractive site for experienced divers – but it is also facing growing criticism.
In the early morning of March 13, 2025, a dramatic incident occurred in the port of Port Ghalib: the popular liveaboard Emperor Seven Seas caught fire. Fortunately, all 29 people on board - passengers and crew - were safely evacuated and there were no injuries. However, the incident highlights the growing safety problems in the Egyptian liveaboard industry.
Fish are often regarded as simple creatures, but numerous studies have demonstrated their astonishing cognitive abilities. In laboratory experiments and observations in their waters, fish have shown themselves to be clever animals with often highly developed social behaviour. An international research team has now developed a special intelligence test for fish that makes it possible to analyse their learning and problem-solving abilities directly in their natural habitat.