Page 157 - AGC-Journal-2016

AGC JOURNAL 2016

Exercise

Tiger Shark 2016

By Major Sarah Welch

Between 2nd and 12th May Fraggle Rock leads and traverse the wreck spotting
2016, nine members of 160 large Brasses and Groupers on route. The
Zenobia sank during her maiden voyage
Provost Company eagerly As the week progressed, the demanding on the 7th June 1980 due to an on-board
qualification phase tested the endurance of
jetted off to the sunny all expedition members with early starts, system failure causing the ballast tanks
climates of Dhekelia, Cyprus theory lessons and practical lessons in to fill with water. Amongst other cargo,
she took with her 104 Articulated Lorries
surface marker buoys, line laying, dive
on a sub-aqua adventurous leading, boat handling, rescue ascents which further depth progression enabled
training expedition and dive management. The team’s efforts all divers to witness within the car
were duly rewarded in a strong pass of decks, as well as a buoyancy controlled
their Sports Diver Qualification, providing swim through the accommodation and
Aim the platform to progress to depth and well earned recline in the still present
commence diving on some of the most lifeboats.
popular wrecks in the area. Fraggle Rock
The aim of the exercise was to progress was first on the agenda, a laden barge Another Challenge
existing Ocean Divers to Sports Diver level which sank due to weather conditions. The
whilst exploring the aquatic dive features first boat dive enabled the group to take
synonymous to the local environment. in some beautiful scenery whilst testing A night dive off the Jetty further aided
In addition, the expedition sought to confidence through experiencing new entry skill development as expedition members
achieve depth progression to 35 metres in and exit methods, such as the backward roll became accustomed to the additional
order for divers to complete their Wreck dive entry. considerations and risk associated
Appreciation Skills Development Course with diving in limited visibility, such
and experience the eerie, challenging as separation and disorientation. This
and impressive penetration of the world The Zenobia opportunity also exposed the group to
famous Zenobia Ferry wreck. a variety of marine night life which
The expedition was now fully qualified had not been encountered previously,
Training and prepared to dive the hotly anticipated such as trumpet fish, starfish, eels and
crabs. A final day of diving provided an
Zenobia wreck. An early start was rewarded
by calm waters and excellent visibility opportunity for some fun Sports Dives on
The first few days were spent qualifying with all members able to comfortably the Zenobia and Alex, a fishing trawler
in Collective First Aid Training and depth progress and take in the magnitude that sunk during a storm in 2006.
undertaking a variety of water based of the wreck. Now confident and capable
rescue skills as well as refreshment in skills underwater explorers, the group separated
from the Ocean Diver syllabus, in order to into buddy pairs to conduct their own dive
demonstrate essential safety and survival
techniques underwater.

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