Renewals For Members 2023
Dear member: thank you for your support, and thank you for helping us to make 2023 so successful. This year, we have tried to make renewing your professional status easier than ever… READ HOW BELOW. And of course, Zero FEe-Membership really helps to make the process pain-free… we’re happy to help there too. QUESTIONS: CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL OFFICE HERE>>> or EMAIL ADMIN HERE>>> If you are not currently a professional member of RAID, CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WINNING TEAM, AND START SAVING MONEY>>>
What does “global acceptance” mean exactly?
The RAID Way™ in action Compared to some of the original diver certification agencies (the dive industry’s granny and grandpa companies), RAID is a relative newcomer with a little more than a seven-year history. However, in that time we’ve earned a reputation for delivering quality instruction, respecting student safety above the almighty dollar, and delivering excellent customer service. All this while providing an innovative and inclusive learning environment, and providing our members with rock-solid support. We call this ‘bringing positive change to the dive industry’ because investing more time in instructor/student interactions, and paying attention to a student’s in-water comfort and skills, translates into happy divers who keep diving. Our organisation (Dive RAID International) is diver owned and operated. We’re not a faceless corporation: RAID is about our customers and teaching them to enjoy scuba and freediving while respecting the marine environment… and them As part of our business ethos, RAID is an active member of several organizations which serve as “industry watchdogs.” These act in a sort of supervisory role when it comes to training standards. Being a member of WRSTC, a regional RSTCs, ISO, EUF, et al. means our courses meet and exceed certain minimum standards. And our training practices, certification levels, and course content is well above average. Working to a higher benchmark helps to protect our students, as well as the excellent professionals who teach for us. There are more than 100 training agencies in the world but the vast majority of diving certs (scuba and freediving) are issued by “the Big Seven:” BSAC, CMAS, NAUI, PADI, RAID, SDI/TDI, and SSI. And for the most part, this group are the backbone of the scuba diving industry, and make up the core membership of those watchdog organisations. One thing that the Big Seven agree upon is that we recognize each other’s certifications. That’s one of the benefits of membership and a sort of quid pro quo for the fees we all pay to be members. This means that a diver who’s earned a e-Card from XYZ agency, can dive with a dive operator or shop that’s affiliated with ABC agency. At the agency headquarters level, there is a true understanding of this respectful agreement and in day-to-day operations, the training department at one agency might speak to the folks in the training department of a “rival” agency several times a month. We get along because there’s strength and stability behind this level of cooperation. However, there are dive operators, dive shops, resorts, freelance instructors, even live-abords who determine to NOT follow the rules and break that arrangement. They insist that whatever agency logo they have on their door is the only one that’s any good and they refuse to recognize any other. RAID sees this as a false dichotomy: false logic. We respect choice, and we respect attention to safety and compliance regardless of agency affiliation. Of course, we understand that dive shops and instructors may have personal reasons for showing a bias, and they are free to conduct business however they wish. But we will continue to suggest to our growing network of RAID dive centres, outstanding professionals, and business partners that, respecting our sister agencies certifications is good business, and boosts the reputation of the whole industry in the consumer’s eyes. Stay safe and dive often!
RAID Benelux open for business
Growth without quality is a poor strategy for any business, but especially a scuba and freediving agency. So, when we took over the responsibility for Dive RAID International, we promised to make sure when we added people to our team they would be totally committed to bringing positive change to the industry. And that’s why we’re so excited to welcome Jimmy Wuytack, our newest RAID Regional Officer (RRO) to the team. “I am convinced that I am the right person to spread the RAID philosophy in Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg! “RAID’s reputation is innovation, and RAID Benelux will follow that trend, and work with the DRI team to bring success and new life to my region,” he said. RAID staffer, and a member of the agency’s management team, Gianmichele Iaria, explained, “I’ve known Jimmy and Tine for several years and have been lucky enough to watch their enthusiasm and expertise grow and become more and more impressive. “I’m excited to welcome them; it’s great news,and I was honoured to work with them during their transition to becoming our ambassadors for their region. They are a new generation of industry leaders, and I am sure they will do a great job for RAID in the coming months and years.” Please join us in welcoming Jimmy and Tine to our team! Visit their Facebook page at Dive RAID Benelux and Instagram here>>> Are you interested in joining Dive RAID International? We’re interested in welcoming you regardless of at which level you want to join: diver, dive leader, dive centre or perhaps as an RRO. Simple: contact info@diveraid.com and we’ll make it happen.
Upsetting the Status Quo
There’s no place for an old-boys club here. At RAID we make a big thing about being innovative and aware of what we believe the industry needs. That’s not just marketing BS and lip-service. When the agency decides that something is going to affect our members and their business (which of course is our business), we do everything possible to take the time to consider what options there are and weigh the pros and cons of each. This helps us to avoid Status Quo bias and arrive at what we feel is going to deliver the most positive outcome. RAID’s approach is never to follow the pack and never to opt for the default if a better alternative exists. We are innovators. It shows in our history. This has won us market share but has also raised the hackles on the back of some of the industry’s old guard who resist change at any price. You know them. They are stuck in the past, shun creative ideas, reject technology, and refuse to admit that the old ways aren’t necessarily the better option. RAID is far from perfect, but we try, and we are proud of the changes we’ve introduced within the industry. One of those is welcoming dive leaders and pros from diverse backgrounds, all genders, and every possible outlook. Innovation means we judge on merit and capability, rather than trying to protect an “old-boy’s club” and anything resembling an out-dated and unfair guild system. These are the cognitive errors that stifle innovation and real growth. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with us, that’s fine, just as long as we’re judged on results rather than rumour.
RAID Now Supports ORCA v6 from LUNGFISH
RAID is thrilled tell you about its collaboration with Lungfish Dive Systems, and to introduce a new option to our cutting-edge range of rebreather courses. The Lungfish Dive System blends simplicity with advanced operational capabilities in a compact and flexible unit that’s equally at home in recreational or expedition mode, which sets a new standard in underwater exploration. Lungfish Dive Systems, renowned for their expertise in Closed Circuit Rebreathers (CCR), presents a compact rebreather that redefines convenience and versatility in scuba diving. Lighter and less cumbersome than traditional scuba gear, the Lungfish CCR offers unmatched adaptability, catering to diverse dive and travel preferences. At the heart of this breakthrough is the Lungfish ORCA CCR, designed to deliver superior performance while eliminating the bulkiness associated with traditional SCUBA equipment. Dive enthusiasts can enjoy extended underwater adventures with exceptional freedom of movement. The ORCA CCR’s flexibility makes it the correct “tool” for a long list of dive and travel requirements. “This is such a stunning rebreather. Compact and lightweight, but it’s so really well constructed. It dives, and trims so well, no matter whether you are wetsuit or drysuit diving. And it is so beautiful simple.” Paul Toomer, RAID’s senior training consultant and an instructor-trainer for the Lungfish unit. This remarkable unit boasts state-of-the-art electronics, complemented by failsafe mechanics and robust practicality. Its ergonomic, user-friendly design combines seamless operation with top-tier performance. The low resistance breathing loop guarantees effortless and comfortable breathing, while the efficient scrubber efficiently manages demanding deep-water conditions. For added safety and monitoring, the unit incorporates a solid-state carbon dioxide monitor. To embark on this thrilling rebreather journey, aspiring divers should meet the following prerequisites: Contact your local RAID Dive Centre to find out more about Lungfish Dive Systems!For instructor training, contact: Paul Toomer | Dave Gration | Martin Robson. For diver training in the USA, please contact Sandra Clopp. Already a Lungfish instructor? Easy to cross over your status by completing this form>>>
Why the RAID experience is worth checking out
A message to divers or anyone interested in becoming one At last count, there are around 120 diver certification agencies in the world. Of course, most of those are regional operations or closely associated with sports clubs, and by definition, have little impact on what is a thriving global industry. Of the remainder, there are only seven companies that have associated dive shops and active instructors teaching internationally. Dive RAID International (AKA RAID) is one of those, so-called, Big Seven dive certification agencies. So, what exactly does that mean for potential customers like yourself? Well, there are several benefits to teaching or learning to dive The RAID Way™. For folks wanting to become a diver or anyone already certified but wanting to learn more, the RAID difference is quality. RAID has a solid reputation for that. We’re not saying the competition doesn’t have a quality product, it’s just that we define it a little differently: no shortcuts, a comfortable, inclusive, and unhurried learning experience, with a solid focus on skills development and diver comfort. And to help us maintain quality in RAID dive centers in more than 35 countries, we have a comprehensive on-line quality assurance system that surveys EVERY diver during the certification process. This means you get a better experience. For professionals, shop owners, instructors, and other dive leaders, we offer a robust B2B system that’s completely online and that includes products from try-dive and a full recreational course curriculum plus highly-respected technical programs such as a rich CCR, deep trimix, and cave lineup, Zero-Fee membership, Free-Learning, a modern approach to business support that’s focused on helping your business to thrive. All this within a respected corporate package backed by ISO/EUF/RSTC membership. Interested? Take a look around our website to find out more about the benefits of The RAID Way™ and how they can make your underwater dreams come true.
Opening up Germany
RAID is constantly growing and turning more divers and wannabe divers on to the fun, comfort and safety of diving The RAID Way™. And occasionally we get to welcome old friends and dive buddies into the “family.” We’re so happy to let the diving community know that RAID Germany is now fully online. Stefano Stolfa (RAID Italia, one of the partners at DRI, and a senior Examiners (in center in photo)), recently worked with long-time RAID instructor-trainer Robert Lange (on right in photo above), and “new boy” Uwe Rath (left in photo) to upgrade their teaching status with the agency. Robert is now a full RRO for Deutschland (info@raid-deutschland.de), and will be responsible for professionals’ support and growth of the brand in that region. Uwe, who has been prominent in both recreational and technical diving communities in the Dominican Republic as well as in Europe, is now a RAID Examiner with a particular interest in helping to grow RAID’s professional network in Germany. We expect RAID’s newest RRO will be running instructor programs as well as professional crossovers asap. Contact Robert for details and schedules. Between us, we are making it easier to join RAID in bringing positive change to the dive industry. Beautiful classroom facilities, and 8 degrees at 18 metres for gas sharing drills!
Lungfish Rebreather Training with RAID + Paul Toomer
Although our focus at RAID has drifted more towards the recreational/sport diving end of the dive agency spectrum in the past few years, we do have a pretty solid grounding in breathers and offering CCR training. Right now we are excited that one of our senior staff Tech Examiners and one-time president, Paul Toomer, has been appointed a factory-sanctioned instructor for the Lungfish CCR. “It has been so enjoyable working with the Lungfish team and Dave Gration putting the course materials together. “I am so excited about the release of this course and we are super excited to train the first wave of RAID Lungfish divers.” Paul Toomer. The Lungfish CCR is a late-generation unit with a “travel weight” of around 10 kgs (less bulky than a traditional twinset), and which can be configured for lightweight or expedition diving. For more information about this innovative , compact unit, visit the WEBSITE>>> To speak with Paul about training on the unit for RAID, email him: paul@diveraid.com.
What’s in it for you…
WE’RE MAKING IT EASIER FOR YOU TO DO BUSINESS WITH DRI RAID was the first agency to go totally digital, fully online, no printed manuals, giving us the smallest fin-print in the industry and convenience for our members. And at the time, our back-end Business-to-Business site was state of the art. But since the only constant is change, especially in the digital world, over time, the other agencies followed our lead and caught up. Our once groundbreaking system got tired. We patched it, upgraded it, but it became obvious it really needed to be rebuilt from the first line of code to the last… brick by brick so to speak. Well, we’re doing just that. It’s going to take a while… several months because it’s like tuning a car engine while it’s still running. While the work goes on, if you’re a pro member or a dive centre owner, you’ll notice gradual changes as the contractors do the renovations. Please excuse our mess… as they say. But otherwise, it’s business as usual… only getting easier a little at a time.
This isn’t the Vatican… off your knees, please!
WHY WE MAKE SUCH A BIG DEAL ABOUT BUOYANCY (AND TRIM) You may have heard that students in RAID Open Water 20 programs (and beyond) are expected to demonstrate skills while neutrally buoyant. What skills? All of ’em: mask removal, second-stage recovery, gas sharing, all of ’em. And it’s easier than you think. So, what exactly do we mean by: “while neutrally buoyant”? We mean, floating in the water column and not touching the bottom, the sides, a piece of rope; nothing. Simply put, no kneeling on the bottom of the pool, in the sand, or anywhere else. Just floating and looking like a correctly-trained diver. We’re told that some instructors teaching for other agencies are not so picky. Ours are mindful of the environment—kneeling on some little critter or disturbing its home is not nice—and want to make the diving experience as enjoyable as possible. And controlling buoyancy and being in trim (which usually means being able to hold a more or less horizontal body position in the water) makes swimming easier for the diver, and results in them using less gas, which results in longer dives. So, that’s why RAID makes a big deal about buoyancy and trim. Those two skills go hand-in-hand to make diving more fun, divers more relaxed, and mean any impact divers have on the environment is kept to a minimum. Interested to learn more? Contact your local RAID dive center. They can start you right or, if you are already a certified diver who was taught to kneel, they can help you kick the habit. SEARCH HERE>>>
