News
Jill Heinerth and Steve Lewis join RAID
RAID has announced that Steve Lewis and Jill Heinerth have committed to producing cavern and cave programs for the diver training agency which are set for release in late 2016 / early 2017.
Training Director Paul Toomer had this to say: “I cannot believe that RAID has attracted two of the most influential divers in the world today. I have been friends with Steve and Jill for quite a few years but I could only dream of being able to entice two instructors of this caliber to our ‘little’ agency. I think the cave world will be stunned by what Steve and Jill are producing. The program promises to be extremely cutting edge and forward thinking. Steve, Jill and RAID are planning a full range of periphery materials like videos, cue cards, slates etc., and also a full range of marketing materials.
“Just 10 years ago I was watching Steve and Jill dive and teach cave and now here we are working together. All I can say is, get ready for some serious cave action.”
Steve Lewis had this to say about the new partnership: “It’s a terrific pleasure for me to work with RAID, Paul and Jill on this project. They have both my respect and admiration, and I’m blessed to be given this opportunity to help with the development of RAID’s overhead program, which all three of us see as more than just another agency throwing its hat into the cave/wreck penetration market. Rather we feel we have raised the bar and produced an instructor and diver program that will help future cave divers enjoy their diving, respect and protect the environment, and develop lifelong skills to keep them from becoming statistics.”
Steve Lewis is a technical diving instructor trainer, prolific author, and an adventure travel, marketing, and training consultant for various clients in the public and private sectors. He is an avid cave diver, but also has a particular interest in WWII shipwrecks.
Lewis was elected to The Explorers Club in May 2005 for his exploration of deep wrecks in North America’s Great Lakes, and is a member of the College of Fellows of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS). He is also a recipient of the Sheck Exley International Safety Award. He has been a member of several expeditions, and in 2007 led a team that assessed the Bell Island iron ore mine for “condition, safety and feasibility” of future research.
Their report provided the Bell Island Heritage Society with important information on artifacts left when mining operations ended in the 1940s. In 2016, he was part of the team that successfully revisited the mine to continue the work begun nine years before. This recent project carried flags from the Explorers Club and RCGS, and was voted project of the year by the RCGS.
He has published dozens of articles about diving and diver training for various publications and has written several textbooks and instructor guides. He is a popular speaker and has made presentations focused on diver safety at many dive shows and seminars. His published books on diving include: The Six Skills and Other Discussions, a guide for technical divers and the very popular Staying Alive: Applying Risk Management to Advanced Scuba Diving.
On joining the RAID cave team, Jill had this to say: “It is a pleasure to work with Steve Lewis and RAID who are building a truly objective cave training program with very clear and demanding standards. The RAID program will permit students, instructors and trainers to know precisely what is expected in training while the quality assurance program will ensure a high bar for maintaining excellence and preventing attrition of knowledge. Steve Lewis brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to writing excellent materials that will benefit students as they prepare themselves for class.”
A pioneering underwater explorer and filmmaker, Jill’s photography and writing have been featured in prominent publications around the world. In recognition of her lifetime achievement, Jill was awarded the inaugural Medal for Exploration by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and was appointed as their first Explorer in Residence. Recognizing a lifetime devoted to water advocacy, Jill was also awarded the Wyland Icon and Sea Hero of the Year awards. Jill is a motivational speaker, prolific author of numerous books on technical diving and pioneer in the field of technical rebreather and cave diving. She founded www.WeAreWaterProject.com to spread water literacy and information that helps people to become better stewards of our water resources.
Jill wrote, produced, and starred in the PBS Documentary series “Water’s Journey,” and has numerous National Geographic and NOAA expeditions and film projects on her resume. Jill is a monthly columnist for Diver Magazine, and her articles and photos have appeared in publications as diverse as National Geographic and the Wall Street Journal. She is a Fellow of the National Speleological Society, The Explorer’s Club, Women Divers Hall of Fame and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Jill is an international speaker who has spoken at prestigious events such as TED as well as diving shows from Singapore to Poland and all over North America.
To find out more about RAID, visit www.diveraid.com.
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.
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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