News
Industry Message from RAID President on COVID-19 Situation

On behalf of RAID HQ and all Regional Office staff, I’d like to share some information on the agency’s current position on the COVID-19 pandemic.
We all appreciate that everyone has to comply to directives from our respective governments and health department officials globally. Unfortunately, this means that training and travel as we know it has changed. Our aim over the coming weeks is to provide you with some business interruption assistance wherever we can. We are trying as best as possible to not just talk about assistance but to actually bring something that truly benefits you in these times.
Even at HQ, we have stopped travel, and many HQ staff, senior directors, and ITs who have travelled in the near past have placed themselves in self-isolation. Naturally, this affects our scheduled travel for business-related meetings and training commitments with our members and divers globally, but in the interest of abundant caution, we are certain this is the best action our company can take.
Our members have expressed serious concerns over common practices in agency-sanctioned scuba training. Two specific concerns are in regard to gas-/air-sharing drills and equipment disinfecting. We have brought these concerns to the attention of the appropriate authorities and will be discussing what action our members can take to keep divers in training as safe as possible. We will be releasing updates immediately after those meetings.
As you all know, RAID training courses are valid for 6 months. If you have purchased a RAID program and are unable to complete the course within the 6 months, we will extend your course so that you can complete the program once these trying times are over.
We are empathetic about the negative impact COVID-19 is having on businesses, our families, our dive centers, our professionals, and, of course, our divers. RAID is also working hard on alternative programs and standards changes designed to help support your business, your diving ambitions, and your continued diving and teaching safety. We will release regular news and updates.
If you are in doubt about anything regarding diver training and how COVID-19 impacts it, please do not hesitate to contact your local representative.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Paul V Toomer
President
Visit www.diveraiduk.com or www.diveraid.com
Marine Life & Conservation
Jeff chats to… Andrea Marshall of the Marine Megafauna Foundation (Watch Video)

To mark International Women’s Day 2021, Scubaverse is sharing a series of videos that shine a light on some of the amazing women working in the world of scuba diving and marine conservation.
In this exclusive Zoom interview, Jeff Goodman, Scubaverse Editor-at-Large, chats to Andrea Marshall, co-founder, board member and principal scientist for the Marine Megafauna Foundation, about marine conservation and her work with Manta Rays.
Andrea is a passionate conservation biologist directing an experienced global team of Manta Ray researchers. She is a professional underwater photographer, technical diver and ocean explorer. A seasoned public speaker, educator and ocean ambassador, with on-camera experience. Andrea is also owner of Ray of Hope expeditions, an adventure-science travel company.
Find out more at www.marinemegafauna.org.
Rather listen to a podcast? Listen to the audio HERE on the new Scubaverse podcast channel at Anchor FM.
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs
Mermaid Minute #1: Meet Mermaid Linden (Watch Video)

In this new series on Scubaverse.com we will be sharing Linden Wolbert’s video series ‘Mermaid Minute’.

The “Mermaid Minute” is an ocean educational web series for children. Each action-packed episode explores one subject, creature or habitat about our oceans for 60 seconds.
Professional Mermaid Linden Wolbert is a real mermaid whose passion is educating children about the wonders of our oceans, swimming safety and ocean conservation as well as exploration and inspiring our world’s youngest ocean ambassadors.
Do you LOVE MERMAIDS? This is Episode #1 of the Mermaid Minute, the only ocean education web series hosted by a mermaid! Mermaid Linden created this for kids and anyone who LOVES OUR OCEANS!
See and learn more about Mermaid Linden here: www.mermaidsinmotion.com
Follow Mermaid Linden here:
www.instagram.com/mermaidlinden
-
Competitions3 months ago
WIN a PADI eLearning Course – 5 courses up for grabs!!!
-
Competitions3 months ago
WIN an Envirus Everyday+ Mask from Sharkskin – 5 up for grabs!!!
-
Competitions1 month ago
WIN a Sharkskin Performance 40L Duffle Bag!!!
-
Competitions1 month ago
WIN a DivePro S10 Compact Dive Torch!!!
-
News1 month ago
Scubaverse.com’s NEW Monthly Underwater Photo and Video Contest Prizes worth more than £500 each!
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Philippines vital for endangered Whale Sharks
-
Competitions3 weeks ago
WIN a SeaLife AquaPod Mini!!!
-
Gear Reviews3 months ago
Divers Ready: Garmin Descent Mk2, Mk2i and T1 Transmitter Review (Watch Video)