News
RAID Sidemount Diver Course Updated
RAID is proud to announce the update of the RAID Sidemount Diver and Instructor programs. Sidemount, although invented for cave diving, has become a mainstream recreational and technical equipment configuration. It allows for longer dives and provides the diver with an increased level of redundancy due to carrying two independent cylinders.
The program may be combined with other RAID programs to ‘tailor make’ a program based on student needs and aspirations. This means Sidemount may be combined with Open Water 20, or with a technical, wreck or cave program. The only requirements are that all prerequisites have been met and that the hours and minimum standards for both courses have been met and adhered to
RAID decided that not only did the manuals need a revamp in terms of material content, but they also needed to be more universal and more flexible. When RAID released the original sidemount program it was incredibly well received in the market place. There are many sidemount courses available, but the updated RAID Sidemount program introduces the latest diving, teaching and equipment technologies and philosophies. The Sidemount program is aimed at the both the recreational and technical market.
The Sidemount program overview is as follows.
- Divers may dive to their maximum current certification depth but may not exceed a maximum depth of 40 metres/130 feet.
Divers may use:
- Two correctly configured sidemount cylinders.
- Air, nitrox, oxygen and trimix (where applicable)
- The END/EAD for trimix must not exceed 30 metres/100 feet.
- The PO2 of any gas used may not exceed 1.4.
Divers may only complete no decompression dives.
The rule of thirds (or sixths where appropriate) must be strictly observed when managing gas.
THE RAID SIDEMOUNT COURSE IS A NOT A DECOMPRESSION OR OVERHEAD PROGRAM.
Content
There are two manuals – Equipment and In-Water (Confined and Open Water combined), three quizzes and an exam.
The in-water manual has a cover sheet directing customers towards the Open Water manual. This enables their quality assurance system to ask questions specific to both environments. All the manuals, quizzes, skills and quality assurance have been updated to follow new equipment designs and new training and diving ideologies. The equipment manual discusses all the equipment needed to safely use sidemount systems. The manual has been designed to be flexible and allow the instructor the opportunity to modify the equipment so that it works best for the training environment.
There is a minimum of 1 confined water skill session and 2 open water dives.
The minimum in water time is 1 hour in confined and 3 hours in open water.
The standards have been updated and have been moved from the manuals into the Raid General Diving Standards.
SIDEMOUNT INSTRUCTOR
The Sidemount Instructor program has been updated, as have all the components of the program.
Instructors will enjoy many features of the new program. It is extremely flexible and allows instructors to complete the skills when they feel their students are ready. The standards are easy to follow and easy to apply. Simply stated, as long as all the confined water skills are completed, in the minimum time, then students may move to open water.
Students and instructors will also find that we have now added objectives, value statements and ‘how it’s done’ steps to each of the skills in the in-water manual.
- Having a measurable objective provides the instructor and the student diver with an exact description of what must be achieved when mastering the skill.
- The value statement provides a valid reason for why the skill needs to be completed.
- The ‘how it’s done’ steps provide a basic overview of how the skill is completed. It must be noted that this is simply a guideline as students may need to be shown many different ways to master the objective. This is, of course, a vital role of the instructor.
The Equipment manual is not dedicated to one style of sidemount diving. This allows a more international feel to the manual and allows instructors to use either Floridian or Mexican sidemount philosophies or slight modifications thereof.
Finally, the program can be combined with other programs to ‘tailor make’ a program based on student needs and aspirations. This means Sidemount may be combined with Open Water 20, or with a technical, wreck or cave program. The only requirements are that all prerequisites have been met and that the hours and minimum standards for both courses have been met and adhered to.
Will any current students be affected?
Any students currently participating the Sidemount course will find a new set of manuals within their online login. Any questions relating to parts of the previous program have now been removed or updated, however, the basics of sidemount diving has not been reinvented, so the transition from the old to the new program should be seamless and simple.
These changes will not affect any students who have already passed a particular quiz or exam.
All RAID Sidemount divers and instructors, whether past or present, will have received the latest manuals, as with any RAID course that is updated.
Becoming a Sidemount Instructor
To become a Sidemount Instructor you need to do the Sidemount Diver course first. Then contact an Instructor Trainer (or higher) who has Sidemount. There will be a theory session on how to teach the course and a practical session on Instructor quality skills and demonstrations.
If you have any questions please contact the RAID UK & MALTA office.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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