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RAID Opens Belgium Regional Office

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RAID logo 2RAID International has announced the establishment of its Belgium Regional Office under the strong leadership of Filip Coysman: CEO, Steffi Coysman: COO, Katelijne Buydaert: CFO and Bert Wallaert: Back Office Director. The RAID Belgium Regional Office will be a full service facility providing on the ground support for the growing number of RAID Instructors and Dive Centres that see RAID as a real alternative to what other training agencies have to offer.

Making the announcement, RAID International Training Director Paul Toomer said: “The Belgium office will administer RAID’s affairs in Belgium and will assist other RAID offices throughout Europe to develop RAID generally and forge valuable partnership with local dive industry stake holders. Filip, Steffi, Katelijne and Bert between them have extensive knowledge of the region and in particular dive instruction and retailing, developed over several years. They know what it takes to develop and maintain a successful business, so we at RAID International could not be happier than to bring these extremely experienced industry personalities into the RAID global family.”

Terry Cummins, RAID International Director of Business and Marketing said: “We cannot express more the tremendous excitement we share by having Filip and his well-established crew choosing to join the rapidly growing RAID global team. We are sometimes asked why we choose to set up RAID Regional Offices as we do and the answer is quite simple. We are not ignorant of the fact, or expect, one big European office will suit all the countries right across the continent or would it also be able to properly service nearby UK, Middle East and Africa. Each country has its own unique needs and challenges so having quality representatives on the ground there that can directly cater for local essentials is what it is all about. This approach has worked extremely well for us already when you see just how much our offices in the UK, Middle East, South Africa and Italy have achieved already. So in keeping with this, RAID Belgium will bring to RAID strong administration skills, local experience and representation. Of course translation of more RAID materials will follow and accelerate. Together with our other RAID offices, the Belgium office will also be able to provide RAID Trainers and Examiners for both mainstream and technical diving throughout the continent.”

RAID International CEO Jim Holliday welcomed the announcement and said: “The establishment of our Belgium Regional Office is just another example of RAID’s unprecedented global expansion since our re-launch in 2014. RAID is truly a quality alternative to other training systems as evidenced by the quality of professionals we are attracting from all over the world to RAID like Filip and his team. Existing dive professionals and divers anywhere with a desire to come on board this exciting journey with us, that is, interested in becoming a RAIDer, should contact us”.

Paul Toomer went on to say: “The establishment of RAID Belgium is an awesome development. I am absolutely thrilled! It fills in yet another part of the globe where RAID is emerging as the training agency of choice of diving professionals unafRAID to take a serious look at us and when they do, they jump on board.”

RAID Belgium over coming weeks will develop their infrastructure but for the moment you can contact Filip Coysman and the RAID Belgium team at:

Fonteinestraat 10

8740 Pittem

Mobile : +32 475 596652

www.scubaturtles.be

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 freediving at www.freedivingraid.com. You can find RAID on Facebook here.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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regulator

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

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.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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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.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

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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