News
World Renowned Polar Expedition Diver Kelvin Murray Joins RAID
RAID UK and RAID International have announced that one of the world’s leading figures in polar and expedition diving, Kelvin Murray, has joined the RAID Team.
A dedicated naturalist and marine conservationist, Murray specialises in cetaceans, seals and Polar Bears and is an ardent advocate of shark conservation, having personally dived with over twenty species. Previously serving as Education Officer for the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society (now known as WDC), Murray has spent over 20 years studying and protecting marine animals. A collaborator with Dr. Sylvia Earle’s SEAlliance and Mission Blue to contribute stills and video images to the Ocean layer of Google Earth, Murray also sponsors and encourages aspiring ocean champions through Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society, enabling young explorers to dive some of the wildest places on the planet.
Terry Cummins, RAID International Director of Business and Marketing, said on the announcement: “It seems like each morning when I wake up I hear another diving icon has joined RAID. It is amazingly gratifying for the RAID Team globally that such recognition of our philosophy on training and diver safety is sweeping the world at such an astonishing rate and that we are attracting individuals of such high quality like Kelvin.”
Kelvin said: “Having dived in some of the most inaccessible and challenging locations across the globe, I know the need for robust training systems to enable us to explore underwater safely, and responsibly is paramount. The RAID online management of courses is particularly impressive; it is environmentally sound, progressive and accessible worldwide. RAID’s pioneering approach and dedication to high quality training and rigorous standards are extremely appealing to me so I am delighted to join the RAID Team.”
Bringing to RAID extensive experience in extreme cold water and remote expedition diving, Murray was Field Diving Officer for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in 2007. There he managed a world-class scientific diving programme throughout the harsh polar winter. In air temperatures down to -28 OC, Murray was responsible for over 500 scientific dives without incident and the first winter season in BAS history without a ‘freeflow’ event. Later joining the expedition industry, Murray combined natural history filmmaking with leading and adventurous divers in the world’s most remote locations, including exploratory diving expeditions to the Antarctic paradise of South Georgia, the archipelago of Svalbard at 80o North, and the world’s largest fjord system in East Greenland. Murray has explored the underwater worlds of Arctic Canada and Iceland, as well as multiple warmer locations including isolated destinations such as Chile’s Juan Fernandez Islands and the Tristan da Cunha group, culminating in thousands of expedition dives worldwide.
Working alongside RAID UK & Malta Director James Rogers and RAID International Training Director Paul Toomer, Murray will contribute to new specialist courses to compliment RAID’s current comprehensive range. Rogers said: “Murray’s extensive practical experience combined with multiple instructor and assessor credentials has seen him write and develop training and supervision programmes for BAS and other polar diving outfits. Credits include the Standard Operating Procedures for Oceanwide Expeditions’ diving programme, polar diving operations procedures for Lindblad Expeditions and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). Frequently consulted on remote diving locations, Murray has supported National Geographic photographers, the BBC Natural History Unit and other filmmakers, so he will be of particular help to RAID in developing further our recreational and technical cold water training programs and a few other unique ideas we have in mind.”
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 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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