DiveNewsWire
Contributor
RAID was founded more than 7 years ago to address the necessity for an advanced training system to meet the needs of the worlds first recreational rebreather the Poseidon MK6. Today RAID argues they have the worlds most comprehensive online dive training system offering training in the areas of free diving, scuba from beginner to instructor trainer, a full range of technical diving, rebreather diver on specific CCRs and a comprehensive business support system.
RAID also claims they have made many significant improvements to dive training globally which is why stores and instructors around the globe are crossing over to offer RAID. So we asked the question to RAID Executives; why should a diver train with RAID? Here are a few of the significant answers:
TOTALLY ONLINE
There are a number of companies that offer some dive training online along with the traditional book option. RAID is 100% online so once you start with RAID you can do all your theory online for all your courses. This makes training more convenient and saves spending time in a classroom and provides the opportunity for you to spend more time in the water.
RAID INCORPORATES A PRO ACTIVE QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM
RAID uses advanced quality control systems second to none to help ensure you are trained to the highest standard. RAIDs training system clearly articulates all training requirements and you must tick off as you are trained in order to move through the system.
RAID INCORPORATES THE LATEST TRAINING TECHNIQUES FROM THE FIRST COURSE
Historically changes in training have been driven by product innovation, and product innovation is often driven by the formulae one of diving, the technical market. For example, the use of specialised gases, in particular Nitrox was originally met by heavy resistance from all sides of the dive industry when the technical community began using this gas. It is now generally accepted that Nitrox has significant safety benefits and the potential to extend dive time. It is now very common place. Most manufacturers now build equipment suitable for use with Nitrox. Most agencies now offer some kind of Nitrox program.
Interestingly divers often have to be retrained in basic dive skills to improve buoyancy for technical diving.
RAID was conceived from technical diving and built from the top down so the latest techniques are incorporated in our Open Water Dive program. What this means is skills like horizontal hovering (i.e. in the dive position) rather than Buddha (seated position) are trained from the outset. A RAID diver will typically have far superior buoyancy skills than divers trained through other agencies because we spend a lot more time on this essential skill.
Why is this so important? Most accidents relate to buoyancy control. This is not a skill PAID feels new divers can perfect later. Yes RAID incorporate additional buoyancy skills in most of our training programs, but by taking more time in the beginning and using the latest techniques we believe we create much better divers.
TRAINING STANDARD
RAID believes we offer a higher training standard. Our online training is more comprehensive than other agencies. Our standards call for more in water time and our proactive quality control system helps ensure our higher standard is met.
PRICE
RAID certifications fees are amongst the lowest in the industry. RAID believes that by reducing their overheads (no warehouse, no shipping department, no traditional employment structures, etc.), RAID can pass those savings on to RAID Instructors, stores and divers generally). We ask everyone to check out our certification fees against other agencies and by the way, compare apples to apples. Our fees include: online training, T Manual and eC Card.
NO WAITING FOR CERTIFICATION
RAID offers instant verification of your training with our E Card system. We can also offer an optional print plastic card for a nominal price, printed while you wait in the dive store. This is great for tourist and others that need an instant hard copy C Card.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Our standards have been independently verified by the HSE which is one of the highest standards in the world. Our programs meet requirements for International Standards Organisation (ISO) and VET accreditation for Australia.
MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Because RAID is 100% online it does not chop down trees to make paper and burn up fuel to ship books around the world.
A VERY STRONG TEAM
While RAID has been around for some time, in recent times the team has had a significant boost. Recognising a mood within the industry for change and a desire to increase the quality of dive training a new team has been formed calling on the talents of some of the most experienced people in the dive world. Many of which have held very senior positions in traditional diver training agencies.
More...
RAID also claims they have made many significant improvements to dive training globally which is why stores and instructors around the globe are crossing over to offer RAID. So we asked the question to RAID Executives; why should a diver train with RAID? Here are a few of the significant answers:
TOTALLY ONLINE
There are a number of companies that offer some dive training online along with the traditional book option. RAID is 100% online so once you start with RAID you can do all your theory online for all your courses. This makes training more convenient and saves spending time in a classroom and provides the opportunity for you to spend more time in the water.
RAID INCORPORATES A PRO ACTIVE QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM
RAID uses advanced quality control systems second to none to help ensure you are trained to the highest standard. RAIDs training system clearly articulates all training requirements and you must tick off as you are trained in order to move through the system.
RAID INCORPORATES THE LATEST TRAINING TECHNIQUES FROM THE FIRST COURSE
Historically changes in training have been driven by product innovation, and product innovation is often driven by the formulae one of diving, the technical market. For example, the use of specialised gases, in particular Nitrox was originally met by heavy resistance from all sides of the dive industry when the technical community began using this gas. It is now generally accepted that Nitrox has significant safety benefits and the potential to extend dive time. It is now very common place. Most manufacturers now build equipment suitable for use with Nitrox. Most agencies now offer some kind of Nitrox program.
Interestingly divers often have to be retrained in basic dive skills to improve buoyancy for technical diving.
RAID was conceived from technical diving and built from the top down so the latest techniques are incorporated in our Open Water Dive program. What this means is skills like horizontal hovering (i.e. in the dive position) rather than Buddha (seated position) are trained from the outset. A RAID diver will typically have far superior buoyancy skills than divers trained through other agencies because we spend a lot more time on this essential skill.
Why is this so important? Most accidents relate to buoyancy control. This is not a skill PAID feels new divers can perfect later. Yes RAID incorporate additional buoyancy skills in most of our training programs, but by taking more time in the beginning and using the latest techniques we believe we create much better divers.
TRAINING STANDARD
RAID believes we offer a higher training standard. Our online training is more comprehensive than other agencies. Our standards call for more in water time and our proactive quality control system helps ensure our higher standard is met.
PRICE
RAID certifications fees are amongst the lowest in the industry. RAID believes that by reducing their overheads (no warehouse, no shipping department, no traditional employment structures, etc.), RAID can pass those savings on to RAID Instructors, stores and divers generally). We ask everyone to check out our certification fees against other agencies and by the way, compare apples to apples. Our fees include: online training, T Manual and eC Card.
NO WAITING FOR CERTIFICATION
RAID offers instant verification of your training with our E Card system. We can also offer an optional print plastic card for a nominal price, printed while you wait in the dive store. This is great for tourist and others that need an instant hard copy C Card.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Our standards have been independently verified by the HSE which is one of the highest standards in the world. Our programs meet requirements for International Standards Organisation (ISO) and VET accreditation for Australia.
MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Because RAID is 100% online it does not chop down trees to make paper and burn up fuel to ship books around the world.
A VERY STRONG TEAM
While RAID has been around for some time, in recent times the team has had a significant boost. Recognising a mood within the industry for change and a desire to increase the quality of dive training a new team has been formed calling on the talents of some of the most experienced people in the dive world. Many of which have held very senior positions in traditional diver training agencies.
More...
