Hi All,
In addition to the general update we have issued in conjunction with the BDSG see here: https://www.diveraiduk.com/announcements/to-dive-or-not-to-dive-update-from-raid-uk/
We also want to share the original DAN/RSTC advice document that RAID & the BDSG are currently dissecting into usable documents, specifically aimed at 1) the UK market 2) specific sub groups.
In the interim please use this as your guideline.
DOWNLOAD DOCUMENT: C-19_DAN-E_Recommendations_040520_EN
A special meeting of the British Diving Safety Group was held online on Tuesday 12 May 2020 that included medical experts, the majority of diver training organisations (including RAID) and supporting industry representatives. The purpose of the meeting was to determine how the latest changes in government guidance may apply to the UK diving community. And how we must interpret these into best practices considering the legality of returning to diving as well taking into account the ethical and social aspects of potentially putting increased demands on the health and rescue services.
The consensus of the attending parties was that the infrastructure to safely support diving activity is still lacking and requires more time to re-establish itself. Contamination risks remain too high during the preparation for diving and could put undue pressure on businesses who must operate safely and within the law. More importantly, should emergency support be necessary, this would place an unacceptably high burden on rescue services and medical treatment facilities at a time when they are already stretched.
The 5 main reasons not to return to diving just yet:
Consequently, the view of all concerned was that whilst we respect everyone’s desire to return to diving activities as soon as possible, it is too early to restart diving in the UK. We should be considerate of the impact any activity could have until such a time when the supporting infrastructure can safely operate at full capacity and in line with government guidance.
With regret, we must encourage divers to act responsibly and not go diving, however safe it may seem to do so. We will continue to work together to provide suitable guidance to support a planned return to safe diving as and when the time is right.
We’ve set out a 3 week period during which we’ll prepare guidance documents for:
We will also re-asses the situation and viability to return to diving at the end of this 3 week period, which will be followed by another RAID update.
In summary, stay at home and lets improve the UK’s numbers further before we go out and enjoy diving again.
RAID UK
Please note:
As a dive agency and an active member of several industry organizations, we have no expertise in medical issues, most especially infectious diseases. However, we do have a fiduciary duty to our members to bring to their attention, bulletins and releases on medical issues from accredited experts in the field. When we make a statement that is directly related to health and safety, our policy is to cite reliable sources.
Effective Immediately RAID have issued the following standard update.
This excerpt is a pre-release of what will be included in General Standard Update v.58 which is scheduled for immediate release.
Photography/Cameras/Movies
With the specific exception of the circumstances listed below, RAID neither sanctions instructors nor students using hand-held underwater cameras (still or movie) while on course. Operating a camera is distracting and takes attention away from the task at hand – either leading or following course requirements. Instructors are cautioned that, in the unfortunate case of an incident leading to any type of unfavourable outcome resulting in loss of equipment, minor injury, serious injury or death, there is no defence possible when participants were distracted by the presence of a camera.
Regardless of the level of training. No cameras, please.
This applies to instructors AND students.
The exceptions are:
In Collaboration with RAID International RAID UK & Malta have created special crossover packages for instructors and dive centres in regions covering: UK, Malta, Norway, Sweden, Egypt.
The packages cover not only the tuition from an approved RAID Instructor Trainer but also; all materials, 5 specialties, application fee’s, and 1 year of RAID professional membership.
For Dive Centres wishing to come on board, we extend this deal to 6 professionals (including dive masters) as well as your 1st year centre fee included.
Individual Suggested Price: £450*
Dive Centre Pack Suggested Price: £1000*
*Individual IT’s and centers may vary these prices as well as their specific offering.
Given RAID’s expansion in the market place and continuing development behind the scenes there has never been a better time to join this progressive agency that puts the quality back into diving.
UK- Scotland:
Kenny McGuire – Tec Diving Scotland
E: kjm@instructor.net – M: 07968 165621
UK – North West:
Garry Dallas – Simply Sidemount
E: garry@simplysidemount.com – M: 07740 46 47 48
Olivier van Overbeek – DiveLife / Diving Matrix
E: oli@divingmatrix.com – M: +44 7961 466812
UK – North East:
Pete & Robyn Black – Deep Blue Pirates
E: info@deepbluepirates.net – M: 07969825646
Gen MacCallum – Blue Water Training
M: 07792 305030
Malta & Gozo:
Rachel Vassallo – Ritual Dive Gozo
E: Rach@ritualdive.com – M: +356 79260259
Toby van Pooss – Liquid Diver Training (Gozo)
E: fluiddivertraining@gmail.com – M: +356 7707 3027
Olivier van Overbeek – Diving Matrix (Waterworld Qawra)
E: oli@divingmatrix.com – M: +44 7961 466812
Norway & Sweden:
Edd Stockdale – Gradient Technical (Sweden)
E: edd@gradient-scientific.com – M: +46793296609
