The aim of Dragon Dive 2023 was to take twelve regular and reserve service personnel from various Army units to participate in a diving expedition to enhance their skills and knowledge in a more challenging environment. We also wanted to qualify newly qualified divers to their next level of diving to become British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) Sports Divers, being able to dive in various conditions down to a maximum depth of 40 metres.
All expedition members were already diving qualified at either Ocean Diver, Sports Diver, Dive Leader, Advanced Diver, or Instructor/Supervisors. Some of them previously having completed their Ocean and Sports Diver courses at Stoney Cove in Leicestershire.
Day 1
As our flight was at 0630 from Gatwick airport, all the Exped members met the night before at the Travelodge to get acquainted, get excited, and discuss what to expect for the following days ahead. For many of the Exped this was their first taste of military expeditions and the excitement and trepidation showed throughout the group with everyone slowly getting to know one and other.
Day 2 – 6
Having completed the initial phase of the Exped and all arriving in Malta, the second phase was to complete our mandatory training before any diving took place. This included Oxygen administration and Basic Life Support, all of which is essential before any diving serials took place. As soon as we had all completed the first aid training we were in to the Sports Diver training for the four soldiers that required it. Most of the diving during this phase was conducted at Cirkewwa Point on the northern point of Malta next to the ferry port to Gozo. This area provided us all the depths and conditions required to complete the required qualification dives. Upon completion of the Sports Diver course the depth progression and challenge of deeper diving took place, and more interesting sights were to follow with wreck diving in some excellent (but cold) conditions.
Day 7 – 11
Having conducted a mandatory day’s rest after the first 5 days of diving we then moved on to the depth progression for all and some amazing wreck diving in Malta/Gozo and Comino. Some wrecks we managed to visit were the MV Um El Faroud the largest wreck around Malta which was sunk in 1998 as an artificial reef but broke in two during storms in 2006. The imperial Eagle which sits at 40m, allowing all to get their 40m dives completed as part of their depth progression. The visibility on the eagle was not great and dive time restricted due to depth. We moved on to the Patrol Boat, which was in comparison in crystal clear waters and sat at a depth of 20m. The highlight of the second week’s diving had to be the MV Karwhela. An early start ensued as we had to catch the ferry to Gozo to get to the dive site of the Karwhela. We had a short surface swim over to a shot line where we descended to 40m to get to this amazing wreck. The wreck is at 40m which meant there was not a lot of time available, but everyone got to go inside and explore this wreck, and some amazing photo opportunities followed. This was one that we will all remember and want to dive again at some point. With the diving coming to an end a slightly less challenging and shallower dive for the final day saw us in Valletta on the Y271 Lighter, which was sunk in 1942 during a German raid and has remained in the same position ever since. An interesting dive but due it being in the harbour the visibility was not great, but a great way to finish diving in Malta.
Day 12
As with all Expeditions this one had to come to an end and the long and laborious task of cleaning, kit checks, and packing had to be done prior to out departure on the evening of the 1st June. This at least allowed us time to dry out as much kit as possible before it had to be handed back to Loan Pool in Bicester up on our return. Our flight was delayed on the way back which saw us getting into Gatwick at 0600 on the 2nd June and some very tired onward journeys to various points in the UK.
Ex DRAGON DIVE 2023 was an extremely successful diving expedition that took 12 service personnel from various units, that had never met, or dived together, and thrust them into a more challenging environment. Everyone involved threw themselves in to the training and the diving, relishing the challenge. The Exped proved both enjoyable and progressively challenging, resulting in a significantly improved ability in all participants throughout the week for all levels of diver. The value of adventure training extends well beyond the diving skills learned, with a noticeable difference in confidence, teamwork, and drive for individuals to push themselves out of their comfort zones. This will go a long way to enhancing everyone’s operational capability going forward in their own areas of expertise.
‘Army personnel have for many years benefited from attending Adventurous Training. This has often only been possible due to the generosity of Army Sports Lottery and Ulysses Trust grants. Having recently participated in the challenging Exped Dragon Dive 23 in Malta, I can stand testament to the positive outcomes that result from different units of the Army and Army Reserve working together building esprit de corps and enduring professional relationships. These Expeditions would not be possible without the help we receive. Thankyou.’
SSgt Darren Paterson DSCU (Reservist)
A huge thankyou needs to go to certain individuals without whom this diving expedition would not have gone ahead, or gone so smoothly. Capt Paul Paterson the Diving Officer, Supervisor, and Instructor whose help in the planning and running was invaluable. Capt Sadie Paterson, Instructor who took most of the lessons for the Sports Divers and always kept everyone smiling throughout. SSgt George Scott Supervisor and Instructor whose enthusiasm and ability to entertain cannot be underestimated.
Externally the Expedition would not have been possible without support and generous contributions from various organisations, these organisations are: The Army Sports Lottery, Army Adventurous Training Group (AATG) and the Ulysses Trust. These contributions go a long way to develop leaders and resilience within the Army.
