People

Bob Hollis in 2013

Bob Hollis has died

Over the course of his lifetime, Bob Hollis founded many companies including renowned scuba diving brands, Oceanic, Hollis, and Aeris as well as American Underwater Products, Pelagic Pressure Systems and ROMI Enterprises.  For several years he served on DEMA's executive committee.

Bob Hollis's accomplishments were many and varied. Over his extensive career, Bob received many awards, including the NOGI Award, and the DEMA Reaching Out Award, and he was inducted into the Scuba Diving Hall of Fame.

NAUI Announces the Passing of NSG CEO, Rick Lorimor

We have some very sad news to share: Rick “Ranger Rick” Lorimor, CEO of NAUI/NAUI Services Group since 2018 and a former NAUI Board Member, has unexpectedly passed away. Rick leaves behind his wife, Debbie; his son, Matthew; and two grandkids.

Ranger Rick discovered his love of diving while serving in the Army in 1976. He was passionate about diving, and was an incredible instructor, mentor and knowledgeable leader fully committed to NAUI and its mission.

LIDA Annual Film Festival

LIDA Annual Film Festival
The Long Island Divers Association (LIDA) is a not-for-profit regional organization dedicated to the promotion of local diving

We are very excited to return to an in-person event this year and will be hosting the film festival at Hofstra University. After three years of Covid restrictions, it’s time for divers to once again enjoy the pleasures of meeting in person.

You are invited to submit proposals for possible inclusion in this event. The Film Festival is an annual fundraising event for LIDA and traditionally features an exciting slate of world-renowned speakers, filmmakers and photographers.

Mark Powell, International Training, ERDI, TDI, SDI, Brian Carney, Rosemary E Lunn, Roz Lunn, XRay Mag, X-Ray Magazine, scuba diving news
Instructor Trainer Mark Powell is now Director of Global Development

Mark Powell is now Director of Global Development

In 2017, Mark Powell became TDI / SDI's 'International Business' Manager. This job has recently been expanded to become a full-time role for the award-winning author, instructor trainer and 'tech-diving guru'. 

Mark Powell is uniquely qualified to help dive centers and professional members. Brian Carney

 

 

Peter Sotis sentenced to 57 months in rebreather smuggling case

Sotis was the 80% owner of Add Helium, a diving equipment and training company in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The charges stem from the defendants’ scheme to cause the illegal export of rebreather diving equipment to Libya in August 2016.

If rebreathers are to be exported to any countries with national security concerns, such as Libya, it requires a license from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Rick Stanton, Great Britain and Ireland Explorer Chapter, Rory Golden, Mark Wood, Sally Cartwright, Rick Stanton, Rosemary E Lunn, Roz Lunn, XRay Mag, X-Ray Magazine, scuba diving news
Rick Stanton was presented a Great Britain and Ireland Explorer Chapter Coin by Mark Wood on 21 November 2021

Rick Stanton presented with Explorers Club 'Chapter Coin'

100 of these coins have been especially crafted for the chapter.

The GB&I Chapter Coin is given to inspiring individuals and those who have contributed to exploration in extraordinary ways. Mark Wood, explorer

Polar explorer Mark Wood stated "As Chair of the Great Britain and Ireland Chapter I'm in a privileged position to meet some extraordinary people through my work. I had the honour of presenting Rick Stanton with the Chapter Coin."

Peter Sotis, pictured in 2013
Peter Sotis, pictured in 2013

Peter Sotis convicted of attempting to illegally export rebreathers to Libya

If the name Peter Sotis rings a bell, it is no coincidence. He was Rob Stewart's dive buddy when the filmmaker tragically lost his life on a deep rebreather dive in 2017, after which he was ostracised by the dive community as well as sued by Stewart’s family for his role in Stewart's death. Both the incident and the lawsuit have been covered in the magazine.

Dan Burton (left) with X-Ray Mag's editor in Jordan 2019
Dan Burton (left) with X-Ray Mag's editor in Jordan 2019

Dan Burton dies in a paragliding accident

Dan Burton was known to the international dive community as a true pioneer who, among many other endeavours, explored using technical diving in combination with underwater photography.  At least that is what he was up to when we first met in the 1990s.

Sacha Dench was attempting a 3,000-mile journey in a motorised paraglider ahead of November's COP26 UN climate change conference with Dan Burton working in support as her cameraman.