News
Dive Industry Personality Watson DeVore Joins the Growing RAID Team
An Exclusive Interview with Watson DeVore: “It looks like the family is back together again.”
For those few that don’t know Watson DeVore, here is a very short summary of his many achievements:
- Former Director of Education for Scuba Schools International for 6 years.
- Held a seat on the Recreational Scuba Training Council Board for 6 years.
- Created and conducted the global quality initiative / US update for all SSI IT/ICs.
- Revised all SSI programs at the time and co-authored new programs.
- Co-authored and collaborated on the global standards for SSI.
- Instituted the SSI Retail Advisory Board.
- Instituted the SSI Technical Diving Board.
- Developed several training products that are still used today by SSI.
- 7 years as the Midwest business consultant for SSI prior to moving inside to become the Director of Education.
- Established and operated a successful Dive Center in Southern Oregon for 13 years.
- Established and operated a Hydro testing facility in Southern Oregon for 13 years.
Interviewer:
OK Watson, you have just shocked the dive world and joined RAID after so many years with SSI. The obvious question: why?
Watson:
What I enjoyed most in my time as Director of Education for SSI Globally was feeling like I was part of a family. When I left the dive industry, I thought it was for good, but I guess once you are in the dive industry for as long as I was, almost 26 years, it’s hard to leave something you are so passionate about. I am really excited to be back and most of all, I feel like RAID has put the family back together again. Paul Toomer former Director of Technical Training for SSI, Mike Wells former Director of SSI Freediving, Jim Holliday former CEO of SSI Australasia, Col McKenzie and his team from SSI Australasia and Mark Mccrum former Manager SSI Australasia are all part of the team at RAID HQ that I have worked alongside for years. I am also excited to be working with many of the former SSI distributors, now RAID around the world again.
It has also been great to see the rest of the RAID Executive team assembled. It’s almost like a who’s who of the global dive industry, especially with Terry Cummins (ex PADI VP) and James Rogers (ex PADI UK Director) on board, Tech Diving icons like Paul Haynes and Charles Hawkes and many others. All these guys are really committed to making some big changes in the dive industry and it will be wonderful to be part of something so new, yet based on an unbelievable wealth of industry experience.
Having personally co-authored and written more manuals than most people in the dive industry, I know the challenges with getting them right, especially the first time. For example, by the time you print a student manual the information can be out of date. So with the 100% digital solution that RAID offers across 60 different courses you will always have the most current information at your fingertips.
Interviewer:
Was this as hard a decision for you as it seems?
Watson:
I did not make the decision to come on board with RAID lightly. I took a good look at how the program was put together and the way it handles quality control is simply unbelievable. The way the skills are taught in the water at the beginner level is not a re-write of old ideas or concepts, but rather a totally new way to teach. I believe this new way will improve the quality of diver training for years to come.
I also saw what RAID has been able to achieve corporately in such a short period of time since their re-launch early this year. Regional offices already in Australia, Asia, Africa, Italy, Korea, Philippines, Middle East, Latin America, UK and now the USA – You have to agree that this is impressive in anyone’s language and a testimony to what this global team is capable of achieving.
And again, one of the main reasons I have chosen to become a part of RAID is the fact that I will be working hand in hand with my longstanding family and friends from around the world.
Interviewer:
So how do you see RAID provides value to the dive industry and especially what do you see as the benefits of its educational programs to divers:
Watson:
I feel the future of the dive industry is the Millennials. Through online education utilizing the internet, we will be able to bring the younger generation into our industry which it so desperately needs and has been emphasized by DEMA. It will also help those older, time poor executives with disposable income to avoid the potential horrors of sitting in a classroom for hours. RAID is an established online leader in the field of education allowing the student to work at their own pace 24/7. The student, regardless of age or demographic, is fully qualified on the theory side prior to ever stepping into a dive center for their water work. This is paramount to the success of the student and is highly marketable. The student can then go straight into the water and embrace the very reason they wanted to learn to dive.
We must embrace the Millennials. The future is RAID!
Interviewer:
Thank you Watson and very best wishes to you and your future with RAID.
For more information about RAID and the courses they offer visit www.diveraid.com.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
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.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
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.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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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