News
RAID releases new Advanced Wreck Diver course
RAID International have announced the release of the second in their series of wreck diving courses: the RAID Advanced Wreck Diver Course.
On making the announcement, RAID International Director Terry Cummins said: “We at RAID believe our new series of wreck diving programs are the most diver responsive wreck programs ever released. Following on from the release earlier last month of Basic Wreck, Advanced Wreck takes wreck diving to a higher level. For example, while in Basic Wreck we acknowledged some divers may just want to go down and look around the outside of a wreck, Advanced Wreck caters for those divers that will definitely want to penetrate the wreck safely.”
As is the case with Basic Wreck, Advanced Wreck brought together a keen and experienced international team of wreck diving enthusiasts like Cummins, Karl Graddy, Paul Toomer, Mark McCrum and Joane Edney to provide the unique content. Also, well-known overhead environment diver Darrell Staight provided detailed guidance, still photography and video footage on proper reel and guideline use linked directly from the Advanced Wreck online platform to the also new RAID TV on YouTube.
RAID International Training Director Paul Toomer said: “Dive professionals and divers alike are getting use to and excited by the unafRAID approach we are taking at RAID to program development generally. They do not follow a traditional track. Clearly, these programs are unique in the diving industry. In the case of wreck, our programs enable divers to engage in wreck diving in a manner that suits their own interests, needs, desires and skill level. We conducted Beta Tests on the new RAID Wreck Diver and Deep 40 Courses in the UK and were super impressed with the awe-inspiring input we received.”
RAID International Recreational Training Director Mark McCrum said: “While Basic Wreck covers general information about wreck diving, equipment required, various gear configurations, dive management and open water considerations, Advanced Wreck takes all that and more to a higher level with further cutting edge ideas and comprehensive practical training. Of course, and as always with RAID, there is seamless integration to other RAID programs. For example, those that have completed the RAID Advanced 35 and RAID Basic Wreck and can easily progress further in wreck diving by completing the additional academic and practical skills in Advanced Wreck while receiving credit for training dives already completed. Dive professionals will also love the way the Basic and Advanced Wreck programs can be run together up to the point where the dives get deeper and more complex”.
RAID International CEO Jim Holliday said: “The wreck diving series we are releasing are a great addition to the RAID extensive list of online courses we have, easily the largest collection in the dive industry. What the RAID Team has produced with these is not only ground breaking, but illustrates and is indicative of what the RAID Team is capable of when stacked up against all our other achievements over the last 12 months since our relaunch in early 2014. If there was any doubt whether RAID was going to be a force in the diving industry that surely must have now evaporated.”
Toomer added: “you will have to wait for what we have in store for you with our Technical Wreck Course, but I must say that that one is going to be awesome, and again will bring together some of the most experienced technical and wreck diving educators on the planet.”
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. visit RAID’s Facebook page here.
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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