News
RAID Releases New Deep 40 Course
RAID International have announced the release of their RAID Deep 40 program. On making the announcement RAID International Recreational Training Director Mark McCrum said: “We believe this is the most advanced recreational Deep Diver program in the dive industry. Innovative ideas and real practical training make this a very saleable and desirable course for those divers wanting a little more out of a deep diver program than has been traditionally offered elsewhere. One of the key features is the program seeks to bridge the gap between traditional recreational deep courses and technical diving. The aim is to have a deep diving program with seamless integration into higher levels of training. No conflicting ideas or procedures, but a system that encourages consistency between the programs.”
RAID International Training Director Paul Toomer said: “The ultimate aim of the program is to create a diver that can properly plan and execute deep dives in accordance with all the rules contained in our program. This needs to be independent of the instructor by the end of the program with the instructor becoming an observing mentor by the last dive.”
The program is also designed to link in with the RAID Explorer 30 program, RAID Advanced 35 program and the RAID deco programs. There are some common dives between programs and considerable advanced academics not found in other recreational deep diver programs.
RAID International CEO Jim Holliday said: “What the RAID Team has produced with this course is ground breaking. For a long time I have been hearing that divers want more from a recreational deep diving courses than what is currently out there and here we deliver just that. The course covers general information about deep diving, but also goes into specific detail on equipment required and various gear configurations, physics and physiology, dive management and open water considerations when deep diving.
RAID International Director of Business and Marketing Terry Cummins added: “Many agencies advocate using traditional recreational procedures for deep diving. This program seeks to bridge the gap between recreational and technical without creating double standards in terms of planning and procedures. For example, it allows the use of nitrox and trimix in the deep course, but explains the planning and limitations in great detail. There is a robust planning section which aims to train divers on all the aspects of planning deep divers, including planning for NDL, Nitrox, gas limits, helium and other contingencies. The one thing that stands out for me is that RAID has not only bridged the gap between recreational and technical diving with this course, but has also provided clear guidelines for RAID Deep 40 Instructors accepting divers on the program, whether they were trained by RAID or another agency.”
Toomer added: “We conducted a Beta Test on the Deep 40 and the soon to be released RAID Wreck Diver programs in the UK and were super impressed with the input we received. For example, one of the RAID Beta Testers, Gary Grant from Diving Dreams, reported to me: “Great training materials and skills, mate this course is totally awesome, totally pushes the students,” and “Thank you for making a difference to the dive industry.” It does not get much better than that.”
McCrum concluded: “At RAID we are proud to have created a ‘REAL’ deep diver program that has cutting edge ideas, sensible practical training and seamless integration to our other programs. This is a unique program designed for quality, consistency and competency for divers conducting deep recreational dives. It will be an easy program to market and sell for RAID Dive Centres and Instructors. A great addition to the RAID list of courses.”
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
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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