News
RAID able to apply for Recreational Scuba Training Council membership under new by laws
Dive training agency RAID International has announced it has submitted an application this week for membership of the Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) under the new guidelines announced yesterday by the organisation.
The RSTC has revised the application process for organisation membership. In an official statement the RSTC announced: “While additional changes may be made in the future, RSTC is looking to expand the membership in the organisation by implementing these changes so more scuba training agencies will have the opportunity to become part of the important work of the RSTC.”
A few of the changes announced include allowing other training agencies with headquarters located outside the United States to apply for membership, the introduction of a new Associate Member level and an updated process which allows membership for training organizations conducting business within the United States, as well as other locations globally.
RAID CEO Jim Holliday strongly welcomed the announcement, saying: “Until yesterday, only USA based training agencies – those with their Headquarters there – were able to apply for RSTC Membership although there was a general and incorrect global perception that any diver training agency could apply for membership. Unfortunately, this perception sometimes led to criticism unfairly levelled at those training agencies that could not claim such membership. For example, although RAID is already an approved dive training agency by HSE (UK) and Australian Standards, that it’s standards also meet or exceed dive industry minimum standards found globally and we are the fastest growing agency in the dive industry, some industry participants were concerned by the lack of our RSTC membership. RAID is hopeful that will immediately change with this new announcement by the RSTC.
“It also seems that the RSTC is now rightly taking the view that with only 5 USA based agencies represented currently, the need for change is evident to create a more inclusive organisation that can represent a broader cross section of the current training market. Therefore RAID congratulates RSTC on the decision to create new and clearer guidelines aimed at inclusion based on merit and looks forward to our membership being ratified. Once inducted into the RSTC, both RAID International and RAID USA will work enthusiastically with the RSTC to meet our mutual goals,” Holliday added.
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 on freediving at www.freedivingraid.com. You can find RAID’s Facebook page here.
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
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.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
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
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