RAID General Diving Standards (TRAINING PROCEDURES)

Question 1

Whose obligation is it to follow the latest RGDS and updates which are available online through the RAID website?

Answer 1

It is the obligation of the RAID Dive Centre and RAID Professional to ensure that they follow the latest RGDS and updates.

Question 2

How often is the requirement for the RAID professional to review the RGDS?

Answer 2

It is the requirement of the RAID professional to review the RGDS prior to the beginning of any training.

Question 3

It is a requirement that all RAID professionals maintain CPR, First Aid and Oxygen Provider.

Is this according to the local legislation or every 2 years?

Answer 3

It is a requirement that all RAID professionals maintain CPR First Aid and Oxygen Provider according to local legislation or every 2 (two) years.

Whichever is the shorter.

Question 4

Almost every student or participant in a RAID course has to complete an online registration with RAID.

Which course participant is the possible exception?

Answer 4

Almost every student or participant in a RAID course has to complete an online registration.

The possible exception being a Try Dive.

Question 5

A Parent or Guardian signature is required for all in-water activities for any persons under what age?

Answer 5

A Parent or Guardian signature is required for all in-water activities for any persons under 18 years of age or under the legal age of the country that the program is to be undertaken.

Question 6

Any question answered ‘YES’ on the RAID Medical Statement Questionnaire demands that the student is examined and signed off by a Medical Physician stating the holder is fit to dive.

Answer 6

A student needs to be examined and signed off before in water training is undertaken when any question is answered ‘YES’ on the RAID Medical Statement Questionnaire.

Question 7

During the RAID program, when might a medical signed by a Medical Physician stating the holder is fit to dive need to be obtained if the student did not answer ‘YES’ on the RAID Medical Statement Questionnaire.

Answer 7

During any RAID program if a person becomes ill, sick or injured, which would generate a “YES” answer to the RAID Medical Statement Questionnaire, then prior to their continuation of any practical or in water training, a medical signed by a Medical Physician stating the holder is fit to dive needs to be obtained.

Also if there is any doubt about medical circumstances, the physical or mental condition of the person, then a medical signed by a Medical Physician stating the holder is fit to dive should be requested.

Question 8

How long is a Medical Statement valid for?

Answer 8

A Medical Statement is valid for six (6) months, or as stated in the medical statement or in accordance with the local laws.

Question 9

If a student does not complete the online course Quick Quiz or Exam in front of the RAID Instructor and the Instructor was not in attendance at all times during the Quick Quiz or Exam, what must the student do?

Answer 9

If a student does not complete the online course Quick Quiz or Exam in front of the RAID Instructor, then the student must complete the appropriate Quick Quiz at the Dive Centre to demonstrate knowledge and confirm that the academic work was done by them.

Question 10

Should the Quick Quiz be failed what can be done?

Answer 10

Should this Quick Quiz be failed there is a second version offered as a make-up.

If both versions are failed the RAID Instructor must ensure the student has the knowledge to continue the program by providing formal academic training and verbal quizzing for all key safety issues and core concepts.

Question 11

Dive Centres are to keep records of for all RAID registered students, subject to local laws, including but not limited to:

Answer 11

• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Agreement
• Safe Diving Practices and Statement of Understanding
• Medical Statement Questionnaire(s) / Dive Medical when required
• Rebreather Assemble Check List (if applicable)
• Any written Quick Quiz, Exams & in water sign off
• Any Quality Assurance Form & Quality Violation Report Form submitted
• Any Accident/Incident Report Form submitted

Question 12

How long must paperwork for every registered student be retained for?

Answer 12

Paperwork must be retained for every registered student for a minimum of seven (7) years, or longer, depending on local legal requirements.

Question 13

Are electronic copies of registered students paperwork acceptable?

Answer 13

Electronic copies are acceptable provided they are stored with appropriate backups and can be authenticated and are acceptable by local laws and regulations.

These documents MUST be immediately available for inspection, by RAID International, their relevant insurers and/or local authorities upon demand.

Question 14

What does the certifying Instructor need to confirm before any in water or practical training commences?

Answer 14

The certifying Instructor needs to confirm through inspection, that all the relevant documentation is completed in full, in writing, signed where appropriate and collected by the Certifying RAID Dive Centre running the course, prior to any in water activities, regardless of training or experience level.

Question 15

What must a RAID Dive Centre and appointed RAID Instructor ensure student divers meet to enter the chosen program.

Answer 15

A RAID Dive Centre and appointed RAID Instructor must ensure that all student divers for all levels of certification meet the required prerequisites and have the necessary medical fitness, knowledge and skills to enter the chosen program.

Question 16

How long does a student have to obtain certification from the date of purchasing the training course(s)?

Answer 16

From the date of student purchasing a training course(s), the student has six (6) months to complete in full any RAID training program and obtain certification.

It is the responsibility for the RAID Dive Centre to inform their students of such. This includes in water or practical training.

Question 17

If an Instructor replaces another RAID certified Instructor during any part of a RAID training program, what must they ensure?

Answer 17

If a RAID certified, renewed Instructor replaces, by appointment, another RAID certified and renewed Instructor during any part of a RAID training program, then that Instructor MUST ensure and accept responsibility that all the relevant protocols and requirements have been met in accordance with the RGDS.

Question 18

What will invalidate the contents of the materials such as training manuals, Instructor guidelines for training, student manuals, directional guidelines, RGDS?

Answer 18

Downloading and/or printing materials including but not limited to, training manuals, Instructor guidelines for training, student manuals, directional guidelines, RGDS, is permitted but will invalidate the contents as there is no update process once downloaded from the RAID website.

Question 19

Is it possible for RAID Instructors to take students from the regional area they are working in?

Answer 19

RAID Instructors working outside their regional area (as defined by RAID HQ) must not take students from the foreign area they are working in, unless arranged in consultation with the managers of the RAID Regional Office for that area.

It is acceptable to teach students from their own RAID Regional Office area who are on an organised vacation with their home country RAID Dive Centre.

Question 20

When does a review of in water motor skills need to be conducted in confined water?

Answer 20

A review of selected in water motor skills should be conducted in confined water for all certified divers who enroll in a training program and who have not logged an open water dive within 6 (six) months prior.

Question 21

Who may conduct a RAID training program?

Answer 21

Only a renewed RAID professional (subject to standards for the individual program) may conduct a RAID training program, as detailed, through a renewed registered RAID DiveCentre.

Question 22

Who must personally observe and evaluate each student’s ability to perform and master each of the required skills for confined and open water training?

Answer 22

Unless otherwise stated in specific course standards a RAID renewed Instructor must personally observe and evaluate each student’s ability to perform and master each of the required skills for confined and open water training.

A RAID renewed Divemaster (Level 4 Diver) may personally review and repeat skills in confined water after the Instructor has approved mastery.

Question 23

Dive computers are to be used on what training dives?

Answer 23

Dive computers are to be used on all training dives with the exception of Open Water 20 Open Circuit or Try Dive, where for Open Water 20 it may be substituted for an underwater dive timing device and dive tables.

In the case of Try Dives the Instructor must have appropriate equipment.

Question 24

What is the maximum number of training dives that may be conducted per day for any student?

Answer 24

No more than 3 training dives may be conducted per day for any student.

Question 25

Do training dives need to be logged by students online?

Answer 25

All training dives must be logged by the student online.

Question 26

What is the pass mark (%) for the Chapter Quizzes, Quick Quizzes & Final Exams prior to any in water or practical training?

Answer 26

Chapter Quizzes, Quick Quizzes & final exams each require a pass mark of 80% prior to any in water or practical training. These are “open book” quizzes and exams.

Question 27

How many times can a student fail a Chapter Quiz before it is locked?

Answer 27

Should a student fail a Chapter Quiz 10 times the Dive Centre or Instructor will have to unlock the quiz and in doing so will be alerted to possible learning difficulties which should be addressed.

Question 28

What should be done in the event that access to the online system is unavailable to the Dive Centre?

Answer 28

In the event access to the online system is unavailable Dive Centres may revert to using paper sign off sheets previously downloaded from the ‘My Documents’. The online system sign-off must be completed within 7 days and prior to the student’s program expiring.

Question 29

What should Dive Centres with limited internet access and/or who have used the Dive Centre “BY PASS” certification be sure to do?

Answer 29

Dive Centres with limited internet access and/or who have used the Dive Centre “BY PASS” certification sign off functionality, must maintain a record of all paperwork including any relevant Quick Quizzes and Exam completed and signed by the student, the confined and/or open water skills signed off by the Instructor and student and be able to present them to RAID HQ at any time for 7 years from date of each certification.

Question 30

How is official confirmation shown by a diver to the RAID Dive Centre and/or RAID professional as to the validity of their certification/status?

Answer 30

Only online certification/status is valid.

Certification cards both electronic and hard copy may be issued as recognition of certification and not confirmation. Official certification is shown via the members online login through www.diveRAID. com by confirmation as shown by the relevant complete course(s).

Question 31

When may a Dive Centre withhold certification from a student?

Answer 31

Dive Centres may withhold certification for non-payment of practical course fees. Certifications may not be withheld for any form of personal dispute.

Question 32

A RAID Dive Centre must, when receiving a referred RAIDstudent:

Answer 32

Verify online that the course(s) purchased by the student will not expire before completion of the in-water skills or practical.

Ensure students complete all paperwork as a new student to that Dive Centre.

Assess the student’s progress by checking the online results of the training program and continue from the appropriate stage of training.

Keep a copy of all records and paperwork as required and specified in the RGDS.

Question 33

Whose choice is it & what should be consulted when making decisions for training sites?

Answer 33

It is at the Instructor’s discretion to approve an appropriate dive site offering suitable training conditions. The RAID Instructor should consult the Risk Management Schedule for the dive site when making training site decisions.

Question 34

When must the Instructor limit the number of students?

Answer 34

The Instructor must limit the number of students, where environmental conditions are less than ideal; for example but not limited to, surface conditions, water temperature, visibility and/or water movement.

Question 35

When appropriate, taking into regard but not limited to, unfavorable surface conditions, water movement and/or visibility, what additional aids to improve safety must the Instructor take?

Answer 35

When appropriate the Instructor must use additional aids to improve safety, for example; ascent/descent lines, surface support stations with adequate buoyancy to support a diver on the surface, and/or a qualified RAID certified assistant.

Question 36

What is the minimum depth skill evaluations are to be performed at?

Answer 36

Skill evaluations are to be performed at a minimum depth of 5metres / 16 feet, unless specified.

Question 37

What is the minimum depth and time Rebreather dives must be conducted at?

Answer 37

Rebreather dives must be conducted at a minimum depth of 5 metres / 16 feet for 30 minutes or longer.

Question 38

What is the minimum depth and time Open Circuit dives must be conducted at?

Answer 38

Open Circuit dives must be conducted at a minimum depth of 5 metres / 16 feet for 20 minutes or longer.

Question 39

What time of day is open water training conducted?

Answer 39

Open water training is conducted only in daylight hours, unless specified in the particular course outline.

Question 40

Whose responsibility is it to decide to cancel any open water training?

Answer 40

It is the Instructor’s responsibility to decide to cancel any open water training if environmental conditions, equipment problems, or a student’s or Instructor’s physical/mental condition make this necessary.

Question 41

What should should be displayed in a prominent position during open water dives/confined?

Answer 41

Display and fly, in a prominent position, the Diver Down Flag and any other legal requirement for the area or country.

Question 42

All training dives at confined or open water sites must include what?

Answer 42

A Dive Site Briefing (a new briefing must be given if any student is new to the site, significant changes have occurred or time has passed since they were last there).

Completion of the Dive Evaluation Check List each day or if the students are new to a site or conditions change between dives.

Question 43

When must a new Dive Site Briefing be given for training dives at confined or open water sites?

Answer 43

A new briefing must be given if any student is new to the site, significant changes have occurred or time has passed since they were last there.

Question 44

When must a Dive Evaluation Check List be given for training dives at confined or open water sites?

Answer 44

Completion of the Dive Evaluation Check List each day or if the students are new to a site or conditions change between dives.

Question 45

What check list must be completed and signed before an open water dive during Rebreather training?

Answer 45

An Equipment Assemble Check List must be completed and signed every time equipment is assembled (Rebreather training only).

Question 46

During training dives at confined or open water sites when must equipment assembly/disassembly be performed?

Answer 46

All training dives at confined or open water sites must include equipment assembly/disassembly (open circuit) after and/or between all ‘Confined’ and ‘Open Water’ dives.

Question 47

What is recommended to be completed during debriefing by the Instructor and student after each open water dive?

Answer 47

A Student Skill assessment form is recommended to be completed by the Instructor and student after
each open water dive (with the exception of “TryDives”).

Question 48

What is the best surface support for recreational divers?

Answer 48

The best surface support for recreational divers is an adult at the dive site who is able to render assistance in the event that a problem is identified.

Question 49

What surface supervision is suggested to be utilised for all training open water dives?

Answer 49

A full Risk Assessment with, but not limited to, dive plan and emergency plan, possible rescue equipment, should be at hand and the surface support person must be acquainted with the use of each item.

Question 50

What information must be available to provide back up for surface supervision?

Answer 50

A means of emergency communication with up to date contact information must be available to provide back up.

Question 51

What RAID Open Circuit Training course is a dive computer exempt from?

Answer 51

A dive computer is exempt for the OW20 with use of tables only. A dive computer is not mandatory for Try Dive.

Question 52

What equipment is not mandatory for the RAID Try Dive?

Answer 52

a snorkel, audible and visual signaling devices, under water timing device and dive computer are not mandatory for the RAID Try Dive.

Question 53

What is the required RAID professional Instructor/Divemaster Level 4) equipment in addition to student equipment?

Answer 53

• Computer (regardless of program/experience)
• Compass • Surface marker buoy (SMB)
• Reel or spool with adequate line length for the dive depth
• Suitable cutting device
• Medical oxygen and first aid provision at the dive site
• Anything else that would be expected or required according to the Risk Assessment and /or local laws and regulations

Question 54

When may a certified RAID Rebreather Instructor use a Rebreather in Open Circuit Open Water training?

Answer 54

A certified RAID Rebreather Instructor may use a Rebreather in Open Circuit Open Water training with open circuit bail out, for the following programs: Nitrox, Night and Limited Visibility, Boat Diver, Navigation, Photography, Basic Wreck and Shark Diver. The Instructor must be able to perform all instructional duties.

Question 55

When may a certified RAID and Open Circuit Instructor use Open Circuit equipment during Rebreather Open Water training?

Answer 55

A certified RAID Rebreather and Open Circuit Instructor may use Open Circuit equipment during Rebreather Open Water training, for the following programs: Nitrox, Night and Limited Visibility, Boat Diver, Navigation, Photography, Basic Wreck and Shark Diver. The Instructor must be able to perform all instructional duties.

Question 56

What are the RAID Instructor ratios for aged 12 to 14years in Confined Water (pool only) training for all Open Circuit levels including Try Dive?

Answer 56

• 4:1 aged 12 to 14-year old’s if no other participants
NOTE: 12 to 14-year-old persons may be included in these ratios, with no more than two 12 to 14-year old included in the group.

Question 57

What are the RAID Instructor ratios for aged 15 or older in Confined Water (pool only) training for all Open Circuit levels including Try Dive?

Answer 57

• 8:1 aged 15 or older with 1 Certified Assistant

Question 58

What are the RAID Divemaster ratios for aged 12 to 14years old in Try Dive only?

Answer 58

• 2:1 aged 12 to 14-year old’s if no other participants.
NOTE: 12 to 14-year-old persons may be included in these ratios, with no more than two 12 to 14-year old included in the group

Question 59

What are the RAID Divemaster ratios for aged 15 or older in Try Dive only?

Answer 59

• 4:1 aged 15 or older.

Question 60

What are the RAID Instructor ratios for aged 12 to 14years in Confined Water (open water) training for all Open Circuit levels including Try Dive?

Answer 60

• 4 Participants: 1 Instructor
• 6 Participants: 1 Instructor with 1 Certified Assistant
NOTE: 12 to 14-year-old persons may be included in these ratios, with no more than two 12 to 14-year old included in the group.

Question 61

What are the RAID Instructor ratios for aged 15 or older in Confined Water (open water) training for all Open Circuit levels including Try Dive?

Answer 61

Age 15 years and older Try Dive
▪ 4 Participants: 1 Instructor
▪ 6 Participants: 1 Instructor with 1 Certified Assistant All other courses.
▪ 8 Participants: 1 Instructor
▪ 10 Participants: 1 Instructor plus 1 Certified Assistant.

Question 62

What are the RAID Instructor only ratios for Confined Water (open water) conducted in water deeper than 12 metres / 39 feet, keeping in mind the participant and Instructors depth is limited to 5 meters / 15 feet with adequate control?

Answer 62

• 1:1
Any Try Dive, where “Confined Water” skills development is conducted in a “open water” environment, deeper than 12 metres / 39 feet, the Ratio is reduced to one to one.

Note: Any open water introduction with a 1:1 ratio shall remain a 1:1 ratio for the ‘Open Water” experience dive as part of the “Open Water” section of the Try Dive program. The depth limit may be extended to 12 meters / 40 feet.

Question 63

What are the RAID Instructor ratios for Open Water training for all Open Circuit levels including Try Dive?

Answer 63

Try Dive
▪ 4 Participants: 1 Instructor
▪ 6 Participants: 1 Instructor with 1 Certified Assistant All other courses.
▪ 8 Participants: 1 Instructor
▪ 10 Participants: 1 Instructor plus 1 Certified Assistant NOTE: 12 to 14-year-old persons may be included in these ratios, with no more than two 12 to 14-year old included in the group.

Question 64

What are the RAID Instructor ratios for Confined Water training for all Recreational Rebreather Core levels?

Answer 64

Age 15 years and older
• Unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise – see individual guides for this information.
Try Dives only:
• 2 Participants: 1 Instructor
All other courses:
• 6 Participants: 1 RAID Rebreather Specialty Instructor

Question 65

What are the RAID Instructor ratios for Open Water training for all Recreational Rebreather Core levels?

Answer 65

Age 15 years and older 
•	Unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise – see individual guides for this information Try Dive only: 
•	2 Participants: 1 Instructor 
All Other Courses: 
•	4 Participants: 1 Instructor

Question 66

When must ratios be adjusted from the RAID General Diving Standards?

Answer 66

Instructors must adjust ratios where local laws and regulations are different from these standards.

Reduce ratios when Risk Assessment deems it necessary and were a reasonable Instructor would consider safe practice to do so.

Question 67

Must a Refresher diver be included in Instructor ratios on a training program?

Answer 67

Any “Refresher” diver and/or certified diver under Instruction (on course) or under the Instructor’s supervision must be included in ratios.

Question 68

Must a certified diver be included in Instructor ratios on a training program?

Answer 68

Any certified divers that join non-certified divers on any training program count towards ratio for that program. Instructors are to stay within the Instructor to student ratio for the least qualified person in the group.

Question 69

When the water temperature is very cold, 6°C / 43°F or below, or when visibility is below 3 metres / 10 feet then the ratio should be reduced to a maximum of what for Rebreather training?

Answer 69

When the water temperature is very cold, 6°C / 43°F or below, or when visibility is below 3 metres / 10 feet then the ratio should be reduced to a maximum of:

o Rebreather training - 2 students to 1 Instructor or 3 students to 1 Instructor with a RAID assistant

Question 70

When the water temperature is very cold, 6°C / 43°F or below, or when visibility is below 3 metres / 10 feet then the ratio should be reduced to a maximum of what for Open Circuit training?

Answer 70

When the water temperature is very cold, 6°C / 43°F or below, or when visibility is below 3 metres / 10 feet then the ratio should be reduced to a maximum of:

o Open circuit training - 3 students to 1 Instructor or 4 students to 1 Instructor with a RAID assistant

Question 71

What is the RAID environmental protection philosophy?

Answer 71

RAID members should follow the philosophy that whilst on SCUBA they leave nothing and take only memories.

Question 72

If a RAID professional believes a violation to the Standards has occurred, what must they do?

Answer 72

If a RAID professional believes a violation to the Standards has occurred, they must submit a Quality Violation Report Form (available in My Documents) to RAID International HQ immediately. False reports will be treated seriously.

Question 73

If a RAID professional witnesses a diving accident or incident either in training or recreationally, what must they do?

Answer 73

If a RAID professional witnesses a diving accident or incident either in training or recreationally they must submit an Accident/Incident Report Form (available in My Documents) to RAID as soon as possible.

In addition, RAID professional members, must report any diving accident or incident involving themselves or their customers to the local authorities as required by local laws.

Question 74

Who should RAID professionals discuss incidents with they have witnessed?

Answer 74

The RAID professional should not discuss the incident with any other persons other than RAID International and or RAID International appointed insurers (unless authorised in writing) and or the local authorities.

Question 75

When may RAID monitor training for quality control?

Answer 75

RAID may monitor any training program at any time for quality control.

Question 76

When may Evaluation Questionnaires be sent to students?

Answer 76

Evaluation Questionnaires may be targeted or randomly sent to students asking about their training instruction and experience.

Question 77

What will happen if an Evaluation Questionnaire answers are not satisfactory or other reports are made raising concern?

Answer 77

If answers to these questionnaires are not satisfactory or other reports are made raising concern as to quality control, Quality Management will open an inquiry.

Question 78

If a professional member applies for a waiver to deviate from Standards (only in unusual training situations and only if it will not jeopardise the skills or safety of the students), who can use it and when does it expire?

Answer 78

Any waiver given is renewable annually, is specific to the member that applied for the waiver and the responsibility of the member to renew the waiver, not RAID International. Renewal of the specific waiver must be applied for by the member within 3 (three) calendar months prior to expiry.