News
RAID Announce Advanced 35 Course
Dive training agency RAID have announced the release of their fully revised Open Circuit Level 2 program.
The course has been totally revamped and renamed RAID Advanced 35. As the name implies, diver training is conducted to a maximum depth of 35 meters (115 feet).
The new program has been significantly upgraded in content from the original RAID Level 2 Diver Program and offers many opportunities for the diver and RAID Dive Store in terms of stimulating diver interest in continuing education. The program is designed to directly link in with the RAID Explorer 30 program which now becomes a practical subset of RAID Advanced 35. In turn, RAID Advanced 35, with diver training going beyond the traditional 30 meters offered by other agencies, has direct links with the new RAID Deep Course (coming soon) and other RAID Diver Specialties.
RAID International Recreational Training Director Mark McCrum stated: “At RAID we believe this is the most comprehensive advanced diver program in the industry and we are very proud of the final product which will surely excite divers and dive stores alike. For example, all the eManuals have been fully revised and redesigned, delivering a new graphical format and making learning even easier. We have also added in some unique dive skills not included in programs offered elsewhere. Another ground breaking feature is Nitrox can now be done in conjunction with either the RAID Advanced 35 or RAID Explorer 30 Courses. In terms of prerequisites, to undertake the Advanced 35 Course, applicants must be certified as a RAID Open Water 20 diver (or equivalent). Any diver trained by another training agency is of course welcome on this and other RAID programs. However, because RAID typically has more enhanced content in their programs when compared to other training agencies – for example, we do not treat buoyancy as a specialty course – RAID Pros will gladly fill-in any gaps to achieve mastery of the Advanced 35 content.”
RAID International Training Director Paul Toomer said: “This is an awesome step forward for diver training in general and we can openly applaud the work Barry and Celia Coleman (RAID Founders) did to create the foundation on which this program was based. I am sure this will be the most popular advanced diver program in the industry in the not too distant future, especially with the acknowledgement RAID is getting worldwide for the quality of our programs, evidenced by our rapid growth, the level of professionals we are attracting and now with full service Regional Offices in 12 countries.”
“All the English materials for the RAID Advanced 35 are immediately available online and some of our RAID Regional Offices have already started with translations,” said Terry Cummins, RAID International Business and Marketing Director. Cummins went on to say: “I have been around a long time, been involved in writing advanced courses for other training agencies and I have to say this program is the most extensive advanced diver training available today. I am confident that no other agencies has this level of competence built in to their programs or deliver such skill development directly after entry level training. For dive stores, it is very, very marketable and redefines what the term advanced diver really means.”
Visit www.diveraid.com or contact your local RAID Regional Office for more details.
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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