News
RAID introduce new IT level to manage crossover requests
During a year of change, RAID has seen such a huge increase in requests to crossover professional ratings for instructors affiliated with sister agencies, that they have had to create a new instructor-trainer program to manage the flow in a timely fashion.
Instructor crossovers (XO) have become a major priority for Dive RAID International as we move into 2022. The driving factors have been last year’s release of several innovative new programs, including FREe-Learning, but the launch of Zero FEe-Membership* late in 2021 truly ramped things up. A reassuring number of dive-industry professionals realize that joining the Dive RAID team not only saves them money but also builds their personal credibility. RAID courses from Try-Dive and OW20 to the most advanced technical programs have a solid reputation for quality and safety.
Each of our Regional Offices is experiencing greatly increased requests, to the point where they have had to make changes to the administrative process better to streamline the process while maintaining the high standards RAID is famous for.
The newly created <<XO Instructor Trainer>> rating earns RAID professionals the right to join Examiners and existing Instructor Trainers to run crossover programs for instructors and divemasters accredited with recognised competitors.
Explaining what the new IT level means to the agency, PJ Prinsloo said, “We are obviously pleased with the number of crossover requests we have received, but we also realized that to handle those requests quickly enough to make it viable for the instructors asking to teach for RAID, we needed to make some changes.”
Prinsloo, VP Training added that one of the biggest benefits to the RAID community is better service. “With the influx of new talent offering RAID programs and especially ConED specialties, we can better deliver safe, inclusive, and technologically smart training in more regions and to more people. Certifying more of our existing professionals to conduct crossovers, allows us to meet demand from the dive community.”
If you are an existing RAID professional interested in adding this new rating to your professional credentials, please contact your local RRO for your region or contact: info@diveraid.com with your location and current ratings for general XO information.
* Zero FEe-Membership (ZFM) is a Dive RAID International exclusive launched in late 2021. It means that dive pros with the agency pay NO annual subscription fees provided they issue at least five certifications for the agency in the following calendar year.
Blogs
Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
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With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
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Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
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It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
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News
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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