News
RAID Looking for Industry Partners
Following RAID’s outstanding growth after its relaunch in early 2014, the diver training agency is now actively seeking qualified partners to own and run new RAID Regional Offices.
“With such offices already established in Australia, Asia, Africa, Italy, Korea, Latin America, Middle East, Philippines and the UK, and with RAID programs taught in over 40 countries, the opportunities for talented people to get in on the ground floor of RAID’s revolutionary concept in diver training will never be better. We are especially interested in talking to potential new partners later this month at DEMA Show 2014,” said Jim Holliday, RAID International CEO.
Terry Cummins, Director of Business and Marketing for RAID International, said: “I remember when I started running my own regional office with another training agency over 40 years ago feeling the same level of excitement and independence I do with RAID today. On the other hand, diving enterprise in many parts of the world, particularly the developed markets like the USA, Australia, UK and many parts of Europe is flat or in decline calling for a significant change and totally new business models. Training agencies are at the gateway of new diver acquisition and have a massive responsibility to generate change for the benefit of the entire industry, not just themselves. RAID can help provide such a change with its points of difference to other training agencies”.
Paul Toomer, RAID International’s Training Director, said: “There is only one certainty if nothing changes, nothing changes, and RAID is set to change the diving industry and help reinvigorate the industry. For starters it’s an awesome comprehensive online system with new and affordable courses coming online almost every month – literally the most prolific growth in the number of programs the industry has seen. Secondly, RAID has a proactive quality control system like no other to improve and maintain the quality of diver training. Thirdly, RAID uses the latest training techniques adopted from the technical diving community to greatly enhance essential skills like proper buoyancy control and other in-water skills of all new divers.”
Commenting on RAID’s corporate slogan, Dive Training In A Class of Its Own, Holliday feels that “while the courses of the 70s and 80s were perhaps too long and arduous, the pendulum has now swung too far the other way. RAID’s philosophy involves putting some real content back into dive courses resulting in a far better diver, increases in diver retention, improved gear sales and the ability to generate a general commitment to diving”
Cummins added: “Also the cost of certification packages for stores is a topic that has been a major concern for the dive industry for years. That is, course fees locked in the 70s and 80s while certification packages seem to be going up and up every year. So we have leveraged our technology platform to the point where our programs typically cost much less to become involved at both the store and consumer level than you will find elsewhere.”
Holliday continued: “Although you can learn the theory of diving in cyberspace with the state of the art technology we have at RAID, you eventually need to get wet, and that generates the need for RAID Instructors, RAID Dive Centres and Regional Offices to service RAIDERS in the respective territories. Now here is the really exciting part: you can be a direct part of this. RAID are offering opportunities to join us and become a RAID Instructor, RAID Dive Centre or even a RAID Regional Office proprietor.”
If you are interested, contact Cummins at RAID International (terryc@diveraid.com.au). Cummins is quick to add that applicants for RAID Regional Offices will be expected to submit a resume of experience, undergo a due diligence exercise and provide a business plan as part of their application to join the growing RAID global team. In the meantime you can visit www.diveraid.com for more information.
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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