News
RAID UK & Malta Expand Their Team With New Appointments
2016 was a very successful year for diver training agency RAID. Internationally they experienced unprecedented growth and achieved many milestones including joining the Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) as an Associate Member.
On a regional level, RAID UK & Malta were so successful in 2016 that Managing Director James Rogers appreciated the need to grow his team “to meet the ongoing requirements of our new and existing RAID dive centres”.
This year is set to be even bigger for RAID with a packed events calendar and, as James proudly announced, “the launch of many new initiatives including new courses and the only OFQUAL accredited First Aid and teacher program in the dive industry”.
To support their rapid development, RAID has appointed three new members to the team; Rob Mackins, Robyn Black and Nic Emery.
Rob Mackins, a RAID Instructor Trainer and creator of RAID International’s brand new First Aid programs has been appointed as First Aid Manager for UK & Malta. James stated that “with a background of over 20 years in teaching and lecturing with a First Aid and Emergency Care Course focus, Rob will spearhead RAID’s entry into this sector”.
James also noted that “as more dive centres tune in to RAID’s way of thinking, I was very aware that our customers needed a dedicated person to answer their questions and guide them through the RAID system”. Robyn Black has been appointed as RAID UK & Malta’s Membership Services Co-Ordinator. James said that Robyn “has an in-depth knowledge of the range of services offered by RAID, and as a RAID Instructor Trainer, knows the system inside out.”
Nic Emery has been involved in the diving industry for over a decade, and with experience in graphic design, content marketing and social media management, she has been appointed as RAID’s new Communications Co-Ordinator. James Rogers remarked “RAID UK & Malta has a dedicated following, but with Nic’s help I believe we can expand our brand and get the RAID message out to more people”.
To find out more about RAID and their different way of thinking, visit www.diveraid.com or email the RAID UK and Malta team directly:
News
Dived Up Publications announces the release of The Diver and the Cookby Lasse Spang Olsen
A ship lost. No survivors. A grim recovery mission begins, pushing a team of commercial divers well beyond their comfort zone.
Braving treacherous conditions, saturation diver Nico van Heerden single-handedly combs the cramped, debris-strewn, zero-visibility Jascon 4 shipwreck searching for any sign of the lost crew.
Then, in a scene akin to a horror movie, while exploring a small, isolated compartment, Nico feels a tap on his shoulder. Could someone have survived underwater for over sixty hours?
The Diver & the Cook is the incredible true story of a seemingly impossible underwater rescue. With first-hand accounts, authentic images and detailed reconstructions, author and documentary maker Lasse Spang Olsen brings this gripping tale to life. The book is the result of over four years of work, including intensive interviews, access to previously unknown material, and deep study of conversations and film recorded during the actual incident.
Witness the unwavering determination of the human spirit as Jascon 4 galley chef, Harrison Okene, fights for survival after his ship goes down. Meanwhile, rookie saturation diver Nico van Heerden faces a daunting challenge: spearheading the rescue mission in a perilous underwater environment. With time running out, what rules must the dive team break to save Harrison before it’s too late?
An unprecedented operation, this story provides a unique perspective on the dangers and challenges faced by divers, showing the importance of teamwork and communication in high-risk situations. An incredible survival story against all odds, with an equally surprising aftermath.
Quote from the author, documentary-maker Lasse Spang Olsen:
“There are a whole lot of different versions of this story out there. But I believe that by speaking directly to the key people involved, creating meticulous reconstructions and doing original research we have dug much deeper and got far closer to the truth about the rescue and the sinking than anyone has ever managed to before.”
About the author
Author and veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen – in a 40+ year career – has participated in stunts and FX on over 600 films, directed eleven features and filmed extensively underwater. He’s led expeditions uncovering historical mysteries like the Flying Enterprise wreck and documented adventures worldwide. He’s also a producer and lecturer. Originally published in Denmark as Dykkeren of Kokken (February 2024), this is his fourth book.
The Diver and the Cook (ISBN 978-1-909455-61-0) is released on 12 November 2024 in paperback and ebook. It is available via online retailers, bookstores, from DivedUp.com and to the dive trade via Nautilus UK.
Dived Up Publications website: www.DivedUp.com
Facebook @DivedUpPublications / Insta @diveduppubs / X @DivedUp / TikTok @divedup
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
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