News
World Renowned Polar Expedition Diver Kelvin Murray Joins RAID
RAID UK and RAID International have announced that one of the world’s leading figures in polar and expedition diving, Kelvin Murray, has joined the RAID Team.
A dedicated naturalist and marine conservationist, Murray specialises in cetaceans, seals and Polar Bears and is an ardent advocate of shark conservation, having personally dived with over twenty species. Previously serving as Education Officer for the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society (now known as WDC), Murray has spent over 20 years studying and protecting marine animals. A collaborator with Dr. Sylvia Earle’s SEAlliance and Mission Blue to contribute stills and video images to the Ocean layer of Google Earth, Murray also sponsors and encourages aspiring ocean champions through Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society, enabling young explorers to dive some of the wildest places on the planet.
Terry Cummins, RAID International Director of Business and Marketing, said on the announcement: “It seems like each morning when I wake up I hear another diving icon has joined RAID. It is amazingly gratifying for the RAID Team globally that such recognition of our philosophy on training and diver safety is sweeping the world at such an astonishing rate and that we are attracting individuals of such high quality like Kelvin.”
Kelvin said: “Having dived in some of the most inaccessible and challenging locations across the globe, I know the need for robust training systems to enable us to explore underwater safely, and responsibly is paramount. The RAID online management of courses is particularly impressive; it is environmentally sound, progressive and accessible worldwide. RAID’s pioneering approach and dedication to high quality training and rigorous standards are extremely appealing to me so I am delighted to join the RAID Team.”
Bringing to RAID extensive experience in extreme cold water and remote expedition diving, Murray was Field Diving Officer for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in 2007. There he managed a world-class scientific diving programme throughout the harsh polar winter. In air temperatures down to -28 OC, Murray was responsible for over 500 scientific dives without incident and the first winter season in BAS history without a ‘freeflow’ event. Later joining the expedition industry, Murray combined natural history filmmaking with leading and adventurous divers in the world’s most remote locations, including exploratory diving expeditions to the Antarctic paradise of South Georgia, the archipelago of Svalbard at 80o North, and the world’s largest fjord system in East Greenland. Murray has explored the underwater worlds of Arctic Canada and Iceland, as well as multiple warmer locations including isolated destinations such as Chile’s Juan Fernandez Islands and the Tristan da Cunha group, culminating in thousands of expedition dives worldwide.
Working alongside RAID UK & Malta Director James Rogers and RAID International Training Director Paul Toomer, Murray will contribute to new specialist courses to compliment RAID’s current comprehensive range. Rogers said: “Murray’s extensive practical experience combined with multiple instructor and assessor credentials has seen him write and develop training and supervision programmes for BAS and other polar diving outfits. Credits include the Standard Operating Procedures for Oceanwide Expeditions’ diving programme, polar diving operations procedures for Lindblad Expeditions and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). Frequently consulted on remote diving locations, Murray has supported National Geographic photographers, the BBC Natural History Unit and other filmmakers, so he will be of particular help to RAID in developing further our recreational and technical cold water training programs and a few other unique ideas we have in mind.”
To learn more contact your local RAID Regional Office or find all the information you need on all RAID programs at www.diveraid.com and freediving at www.freedivingraid.com. You can visit RAID’s Facebook page here.
Blogs
Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
News
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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