News
DiveRAID First Aid
Diver training agency RAID have announced the appointment of Rob Mackins to spearhead the organisation’s first aid programs.
Rob is a RAID Instructor Trainer and has owned and run his own UK dive centre. He has gained over 20 years of experience as a trainer in both the Private Training and Further Education sectors as well as having considerable experience in curriculum management. Rob is highly qualified and experienced in the world of first aid, and brings with him the philosophy of keeping up with developments in the first aid sector.
“The opportunity to use Rob’s wealth of skills to give RAID a strong start on the this was important. I first spoke to Rob two years ago and we soon found common ground and started to map out where RAID First Aid is going,” says James Rogers – Managing Director of RAID UK and Malta.
The fist step is completed with a first aid programme for RAID that will be aimed solely at divers, incorporating the latest guidelines from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR).
In addition to the international first aid developments, RAID UK & Malta is forging a relationship with the Awarding Organisation, Qualsafe Awards, so that the organisation can offer OFQUAL accredited training programmes in First Aid, such as the Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work, and Teacher Education courses, such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training. In addition RAID are also able to offer a range of other subject areas in the likes of Health & Safety and Fire Safety.
“We recognise that there is a significant additional potential income stream for our dive centres to deliver courses to non divers,” added James. “RAID will be the first dive agency in the UK to offer accredited programmes, which not only gives our divers and diving instructors nationally recognised qualifications, but these qualifications are also extremely attractive to employers out of the dive sector.”
Because the courses are OFQUAL accredited, there are strict guidelines governing the qualifications required to teach these courses. Some will already hold qualifications to do this; however, for those that do not, RAID say it is their intention to roll these qualifications out before the end of the year as much of the groundwork is already in place.
For bookings or for further information about the course that are available, contact RAID UK and Malta by calling 0191 432 4644 or email info@diveraiduk.com.
To find out more about RAID, visit www.diveraid.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
Gear News
Introducing the RS Series Drysuit from DYNAMICNORD
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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