Page 34 - QARANC Spring 2024

34 The Gazette QARANC Association
The wonders of the magnificent deep blue!
Members of 19 Squadron and 16 Medical Regiment deployed on EX ALIQUAM SERPENT in Malta to complete their ocean diver qualification under the instruction of Dive Deep Blue.
This expedition saw 11 service personnel complete six theory modules in the UK in ocean diver introduction, adapting to the underwater world, the body and the effects of diving, dive planning, what happens if something goes wrong, and four days of intense training once in Malta.
The training saw one day of pool sessions and three days of ocean sessions where we learned to set up and use dive equipment, control buoyancy and underwater movements, understand scuba diving safety skills which involved gaining an understanding of time, depth, and gas consumption. We also learned about such things as SEEDS (safety, equipment, exercise, discipline and signals) and BARE (Bouyancy controls, air equipment, release catches, essential equipment) and buddy-buddy checks which are mandatory prior to diving.
The first two dives at Paradise Bay took us to depths of 7m and then 10m where the safety skills were honed and mastered, recovery skills conducted and perfected and familiarising buoyance control and rotational movements. This allowed us to feel comfortable in the ocean and with the equipment.
Our third dive took place at Right Arch which took us to depths of up to 15m which entailed diving through caves, exploring the reef and appreciating the wildlife in the deep blue. The final dive at The Arch took us to depths of up to 20m tunnelling through cave systems, bubble bridges and allowed us to sweep the ocean floor for marine life. At depths of up to 20m, the rocky reefs teemed with vibrant fish, sessile life clung to the rocks, starfish lay buried and rested, octopus camouflage against its chosen home – the wonders of the magnificent deep blue.
This expedition ensured we were able to push ourselves out of our comfort zones, push past our fears and experience a place of calm beauty. It was just the beginning for our team. Scuba diving is a diverse sport with endless opportunities and our qualification means we are qualified worldwide as divers, so we can dive buddied with another ocean diver under the supervision of a dive manager.
With a thirst for more the students can now progress to further courses of Advanced Ocean Diver, Sports Diver and further skill development courses. The ocean awaits...
Sgt Katie Linney,
16 Medical Regiment