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RAID Releases New Basic Wreck Course

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RAID

RAID International has announced the release of the first in their new series of wreck diving courses; the RAID Basic Wreck Course. On making the announcement RAID International Director Terry Cummins said: “We at RAID believe this is the most diver responsive wreck program ever released. Many divers feel wreck diving is a super advanced form of diving, when in reality it does not have to be that way. In the RAID Basic Wreck Course we acknowledge some divers just want to go down and look around the wreck site and may never want to penetrate the inside, or in other cases the wreck is just not suitable for penetration with artefacts spread across the bottom. Unfortunately, this means that many other courses do not deliver the sort of relevant information these divers need to enjoy such a dive. So what we have with the RAID Basic Wreck Course is a program that responds to 80 percent of wreck dives the average diver will do – all very none technical, in shallower depths, but at the same time extremely informative and enjoyable. And of course, like all RAID Courses, all the academic section of the course is online.”

The RAID Basic Wreck Course brought together keen and experienced wreck diving enthusiasts like Paul Toomer, Mark McCrum and Karl Grady. Well known wreck researcher Joane Edney assisted with ground breaking sections on wreck conservation and preservation. Cummins himself has a long history in wreck diving, is an OZTeK and other awards recipient and has personally developed the RAID 10 Point Guide to Wreck Diving which is a great guide to how all divers should approach wreck sites. Cummins added: “As the primary author, I was lucky enough and honoured to have a tremendous team working with me to cover not only the practical side of basic wreck diving, but also experts like Joane Edney to cover important issues like wreck conservation and preservation that just don’t appear in other wreck courses. The result is a program with information found no other place.”

RAID International Training Director Paul Toomer said: “We conducted a Beta Test on the new RAID Wreck Diver programs and Deep 40 Course in the UK and were super impressed with the input we received. The RAID wreck diver programs are unique in the diving industry. For the first time there are state of the art programs enabling divers to engage in wreck diving in a manner that suits their own desires. These programs have been designed, written and reviewed by some of the world’s leading wreck explorers. They are highly informative and go way beyond the scope of any other recreational wreck programs available on the market today”.

When asked why he thought the new breed of RAID wreck diver courses were so special, Toomer replied: “Divers can choose to swim safely, photograph and map wrecks from the outside on our RAID Basic Wreck Diver Program or take things to a whole new level with the soon to be released RAID Advanced Wreck Diver Program.”

RAID International Recreational Training Director Mark McCrum said: “the Basic Wreck Course covers general information about wreck diving, but also goes into specific detail on equipment required and various gear configurations, dive management and open water considerations.” McCrum concluded: “At RAID we are proud to have created a wreck diver program that has cutting edge ideas, sensible practical training and seamless integration to our other RAID programs. It is a great addition to the RAID extensive list of courses.”

RAID International CEO Jim Holliday added: “What the RAID Team has produced with this course is ground breaking. For a long time I have been hearing that many divers just want to go down and look at a wreck, tick the box as it were and do not want to do a whole lot of extra training to make their way inside when that may never be their intention.”

One of the key features is the program allows Open Water 20 divers to take the course. Knowledge and dive credits dovetail into the new RAID Advanced Wreck Course, also due for release this month. Cummins stated: “You will have to wait for what we have in store for you with the Advanced Wreck Course, but I must say that one is awesome and again brought together some of the most experienced wreck and overhead environment diving educators available.”

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 www.freedivingraid.com.

Gear News

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

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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.

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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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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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