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RAID Release Whale Shark Specialty Course

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RAID logo 2RAID in partnership with Sharklife has announced the release of the RAID Whale Shark Specialty program, which the training agency says “is a very innovative way of looking at shark species”.

Traditionally most training agencies focus on sharks in general; Sharklife and RAID however will release individual shark specialities that identify each species’ unique characteristics.

Another unique feature is that this Specialty can be taken by certified divers, accomplished snorkelers and freedivers alike; it is a courses for all people.

The aim of the Whale Shark Specialty

This course is designed to introduce divers & snorkelers to the whale shark species by helping people develop an understanding and knowledge of whale shark biology and behaviour. Students will learn techniques for diving with whale sharks which is an important environmental aspect of diving with these animals.

The course also includes a conservation section which focuses on the threats facing whale sharks and their conservation status.

What are the academic sections?

The courses have two manuals to cover the academic and practical open water section of training.

  • Whale Shark Speciality
  • Whale shark taxonomy and classification
  • Whale shark distribution and habitats
  • Whale shark biology
  • Whale shark behaviour
  • Threats to whale sharks

Open Water:  Practical components included

  • Estimating size
  • Verify sex
  • Whale Shark behaviour and swimming patterns

Who may teach this speciality?

A RAID Shark Speciality Instructor

What are the links with other programs?

There are no direct links to other programs, however this specialty is associated with the Sharklife & RAID Ragged Tooth Sand Tiger Shark Specialty. Both build awareness and educate people about sharks.

Can we credit dives if done as electives?

It will be up to the Whale Shark Specialty Instructor whether to credit dives or not. In some cases, the Instructor may want to complete all dives for practice and to provide a full program. This is recommended by RAID as the practical in water experience after completing the academic knowledge development will be fully appreciated.

Dive stores could decide to run the Whale Shark Specialty in conjunction with Explorer 30 or Advanced 35. Remember that RAID has requirement for mastery rather than simply completion of dives.

Run your Whale Shark program with an organised trip

As a dive centre you may want to organise a trip to a known area for sighting of whale sharks and combine this with the training. Generally, the operators of these areas will be well versed in operations around the animals and will appreciate divers who have taken the time to learn more. This can be rewarding for the students and financially better for the dive centre.

Instructor ratings for Whale Shark Specialty explained

Sharklife and RAID have identified that RAID Divemasters and level 4 divers as well as RAID Instructors may apply to become a RAID Shark Speciality Instructor.

Sharklife and RAID have not (to date) identified any other agency who may have a similar RAID Shark Speciality Instructor rating other than present Sharklife Shark Instructors. Any persons who have a Shark Instructor certification through Sharklife may cross over without any up-date.

How does a RAID Divemaster or Instructor become a Shark Speciality Instructor?

The Process:

  • Obtain the Sharklife /RAID Shark Instructor course.
  • Complete all theory, questions and exam.
  • Contact regional office for sign off.

You will be required to prove (documentation) that you have experience diving or leading dives/groups with sharks and/ or provide a certification of a similar nature. The intent is to confirm that as a Shark Speciality Instructor you have the relevant experience/expertise to lead persons in a safe environment in conditions which you are accustom to.

It is not the intent that this certification (Shark Speciality Instructor) will provide you the license to lead persons into any environment for which one is not experienced, as described or included in the respective guide lines in the respective Shark Speciality courses. It does not cover the feeding of any Sharks and is not intended to certify any person (Instructor or student) to be in the water / environment where there is any shark feeding.

Once certified as a RAID Shark Speciality Instructor, you will be qualified to teach any of RAID’s Shark Speciality programs automatically, as and when the training agency launches them. Presently they are

  • Ragged Tooth Sand Tiger Shark Speciality
  • Whale Shark Speciality

Contact your RAID Regional Office now to upgrade to Shark Specialty Instructor.

www.diveraid.com

Photo by Tam Warner Minton

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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regulator

Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

regulator

Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulator

Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

regulator

Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

regulator

The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

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