News
RAID Opens Three New UK Dive Centres
RAID are leading the way in the UK diving industry with the opening of three brand new dive centres. Dive Blue Horizon in Wakefield, Severn Tec in Shrewsbury and The Fifth Point in Northumberland are dedicated RAID Dive Centres offering solely RAID training.
RAID’s fresh approach to diver training aligns with the core values of many UK dive centres. Adrian Fox of Dive Blue Horizon chose RAID “because of their high standards and progressive approach towards training”. It’s obvious that RAID UK & Malta staff have real influence over the people they meet. Rather than sitting in an office, the company Directors James Rogers and Garry Dallas are travelling the country, hitting the water and showing divers what RAID is like, rather than just talking about it.
At The Fifth Point, owners Nic Emery and James Learwood realised the benefits of RAID during an in-water workshop with RAID Instructor Trainer, Edd Stockdale. “We’ve been teaching diving for years, and just a couple of hours in the water with Edd turned everything we knew on its head. It opened up a whole new way of teaching and modern diving slapped us in the face, making us wonder why we’d never thought of it before.” When they recently launched their new venture, modern diving became the corner stone of their business. “We’ve gone fully ‘tecreational’. All our students learn in wing and long hose configuration from the beginning. We’re creating confident and competent divers by teaching RAID.”
Kevin Murphy, owner of SevernTec was “frustrated with the watered-down approach to dive training” that he’d witnessed in the industry. He discovered RAID and reaped the benefits while conducting Sidemount training with RAID UK and Malta’s Director of Training, Garry Dallas.
“I’ve always thought that skills like propulsion, buoyancy and DSMB use are core skills – not something that should be bolted on as an afterthought. RAID is the only training agency I’ve seen that has these as fundamentals from the very beginning. I like the RAID style of teaching. I’ve got standards to follow, but I’m given the freedom to add my own style. RAID creates better divers. If a student is struggling, I can spend more time with them – it’s not a box ticking exercise.”
Kevin also loves the support from RAID UK and Malta HQ. “The office is there when I need them, even if it’s after business hours I usually get a phone call on the back of a message sent in the evening or at weekends.”
These new dive centres prove that RAID is at the forefront of a change in the diving industry. Far from the industry becoming stagnant, new ventures are taking a different approach to diving and using RAID as their training agency of choice.
For more information visit RADI UK & Malta or www.diveraid.com
Save up to $1100 on select liveaboard dive trips from June through October 2025
Explorer Ventures Fleet is turning up the heat with its new Hot Summer / Cool Prices sale. For a limited time, divers can save $1000 or more on select liveaboard departures from June through October 2025.
Whether you’re ready to dive into crystal-clear summer waters or planning a cool fall escape, this promotion offers major savings on world-class dive adventures in the Galápagos, Turks & Caicos, and the Caribbean.
Hot Summer / Cool Prices – For the Summer Dive Traveler:
From June through August, take advantage of deep discounts on summer getaways. Enjoy up to $1100 off select trips aboard the Humboldt Explorer in the Galápagos or save $1000 on select summer departures aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer Il and Caribbean Explorer II, exploring magic of Saba and St. Kitts.
Cool Fall / Hot Prices – For Travel in the Fall:
Leave the cool weather and falling leaves behind — fall is the perfect time to head south and save. Take $1000 off select departures from September through October aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer II and Caribbean Explorer II.
See all details and departure dates: www.explorerventures.com/discounts-and-specials
Space is limited – and once the trips are full, the savings are gone. Book now to secure your spot!
Looking for other dates or destinations? There are more savings available across the fleet, including liveaboard diving holidays in Indonesia, the Maldives, the Red Sea, and Palau. Explore all current deals here: https://www.explorerventures.com/year-of-savings-dive-liveaboard-specials/
Contact:
1.800.322.3577 (US/Canada) | +1.307.235.0683
About Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet
Since 1987, Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet has been delivering world-class liveaboard diving, blending authentic experiences with a commitment to safety and sustainability. Operating in some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater destinations, their fleet of well-appointed vessels ensures every guest enjoys the highest level of comfort and care.
Explorer Ventures is proud to be the first liveaboard company to collaborate with Green Fins, earning certifications on four vessels: Caribbean Explorer II, Turks & Caicos Explorer II, Tiburon Explorer, and Humboldt Explorer. Notably, Tiburon Explorer and Humboldt Explorer are the only PADI Eco Centers designated in the Galápagos, underscoring their dedication to sustainable and responsible diving practices. With exceptional destinations, a global array of itineraries, and diver-focused design across the fleet, every voyage is crafted for comfort, convenience, and adventure—both above and below the surface.
The Shark Trust Great Shark Snapshot is back for its 4th year! And this time the Shark Trust are asking you to Make Every Dive Count!
The Shark Trust Great Shark Snapshot is back for its 4th year! And this time the Shark Trust are asking you to Make Every Dive Count! The last week of July will see the return of the Shark Trust’s citizen science initiative: The Great Shark Snapshot. It encourages divers and snorkellers, all around the world, to record the sharks and rays that they see. This year it takes place between the 19th and 27th July. Get ready to dive in!
The event is back for its 4th year, and it is happening in “Shark Month”, more commonly known as July! To coincide with a series of events that celebrate all things shark and ray, including Shark Week and the 50th anniversary of Jaws.
Divers, clubs, centres, charter boats and liveaboards are all encouraged to show their support by organising dives and events throughout the week. As well as gathering vital data, the event will provide a chance to celebrate the incredible shark and ray species that live in our ocean.
Information about the species and numbers of sharks and rays the participants find over the week will be added to the Shark Trust’s Shark Log. This global shark census will, over time, allow shark scientists to build a picture of species distribution and any changes that occur
Caroline Robertson-Brown, Marketing Manager at the Shark Trust said “It is great to see this popular citizen science event back for its 4th year. We are asking divers to Make Every Dive Count this year. To identify. Count and Record every shark, ray and eggcase they see during the week-long event. To organise dives especially to take part. Whether you are diving your local dive site, or on a trip of a lifetime, we want divers to join in on the Great Shark Snapshot in July.”
It is easy to join in. Just go diving between 19th and 27th July and record every shark, ray, skate or eggcase that you and your dive group sees. If possible, take photos and some video footage too. Then make sure that you record your sightings on the Shark Trust Shark Log recordings website or by using the Shark Trust app.
This year we have created a digital guide that puts all the information you need in one handy online guide. Which can be downloaded from the website.
The Great Shark Snapshot is a way for divers to get together, go diving, and do something to help shark conservation. Why not dive in?
Find out more here: www.sharktrust.org/snapshot
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