Staffordshire and West Midlands Army Cadet Force (North Sector) conducted an overseas sub aqua diving expedition, Malta Splash, in May 2025 with 8 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and 14 cadets (15-17yrs). The expedition primarily took place in the St Paul’s Bay area of Malta with travel to different venues to complete the diving.
Aim: The aim of the expedition was to provide cadets and CFAVs with the opportunity to develop their confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills through adventurous training, while achieving the internationally recognised PADI Open Water Diver Qualification. This was accomplished through a swim test and try dive in UK swimming pools, followed by a structured five-day programme consisting of four training dives and four guided gives in open water.
Scuba Diving Centre: Our training was conducted through Dive Deep Blue Malta which is used extensively as a military commercial diving centre by JSAT. As a PADI 5-Star and BSAC Centre of Excellence, it caters to all levels of diving and they have an in-depth knowledge of providing military expeditions. Known for its safety, personal service, and knowledgeable instructors, the centre provides high-quality gear, on-site facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps divers coming back.
Confined Water Training: To be able to partake In the PADI Open Water Course, a thorough understanding of the kit and equipment is needed. On the first day, the participants had their scuba gear fitted and issued and were also shown how to assemble and use the equipment safely. The participants were then introduced to the skills that they would need to dive safely in open water and practiced these skills under the expert supervision of their instructors finishing the day with a debrief on their progress.
Dives: After confidence was built in the swimming pool and new skills were on the way to becoming second nature, the expedition took to open water. Our first training dive took place at Qawra Point where the participants entered the water from the shore via a ladder. The maximum depth we reached was 5.7m and they demonstrated skills including a snorkel / regulator exchange, removed and replaced weight belts and also practised what we would do in the event of a diver becoming fatigued. Training Dive 2 also took place at Qawra Point which saw some depth progression and a continuation skills development. Training dive 3 and 4 took place at the X127 water carrier wreck from WW2 which lies just outside of the grand harbour in Valletta. The dives were 14-16m deep and, even though visibility wasn’t as clear as the previous day, it ended well with training to stay calm in different situations. After all 4 training dives were complete, the participants were able to experience a further 4 guided dives to consolidate training and build experience. The first 2 guided dives took place at HMS Maori where the expedition got to explore the outside of the shipwreck and highlights included turning the tap that was still intact in the ship’s bathroom. The 2 following dives took place at Blue Grotto where there was clear blue water with great visibility at 18m. The sea life throughout the dives was exceptional and groups got to see octopi, cuttlefish and even a mini seahorse.
Cultural Visit: On our last day in Malta, we explored Fort St Elmo in Valletta, followed by the watching of the ceremonial gun salute at the saluting battery over the grand harbour. The fortress defended Malta during the Great Siege of 1565 and, through exploring the National War Museum, the group discovered relics retrieved from wrecks seen during the dives. As the group looked out onto the Great Harbour, it was a great chance to reflect and celebrate the week. Watching the sea and learning about Malta’s rich history tied together the end of this incredible experience.
Feeding: The cadets were split down into teams that they would be cooking in. All of the cadets cooked their own meals under the supervision of the Welfare Support CFAVs. They followed menu cards and used the ingredients provided to put together meals each evening – very welcome after a long day’s diving. All of the meals turned out fantastically with the cadets putting a spin on some of the menu items, such as quesadillas and chilli con carne. These skills will transfer to their personal life as they will be able to cook healthy meals at home.
Quotes from cadets and CFAVs:
“Planning for this expedition started when I took post as county adventurous training officer early in 2024 and was the first overseas adventure training exped the county had been able to deliver since 2017 due to the covid pandemic. Scuba diving has always been a passion of mine having trained as a PADI instructor based on catching the diving bug whilst taking part on a unit AT package way back in 2005 in Cyprus as a young solider and the chance to see our cadets and adult instructors learn how to dive whilst developing leadership and problem-solving skills has been so rewarding. I would like to personally thank the trust for providing funding to this expedition and ensuring that personal contributions were affordable to the participants of which most would have never been able to take part in such a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Sergeant Major BW (County AT Officer)
“Throughout my tine in Malta, I had experienced many wonderful things and I saw so much wildlife that I wouldn’t have even imagined possible. Over the week away, my skills as not only a diver but as a person developed far more than I had expected. Through learning new things in a new environment with people I had not known before, I found a confidence that I didn’t have before. The group of people, both adults and cadets I was with were amazing and we could always find something to be laughing and smiling about, with not a single moment being dull.”
Cadet Lance Corporal TW (Perton Detachment)
“My time in Malta was unique by means of developing new skills, overcoming fears and improving confidence. One of the biggest challenges was making new friends. I truly enjoyed my time with all the team, cadets and the Dive Centre. Without the expertise of Deep Dive Blue and the donations made to the expedition, Expedition Malta Splash wouldn’t have been possible. So thank you all.”
Company Sergeant Major (C Company) DR
“When I first heard about the Malta Splash trip, I immediately knew I wanted to take part and when I had discovered that I had gained a place I was both excited and nervous. Before going on this trip, I had very little knowledge about diving and the skills required, so I was naturally feeling slightly apprehensive. However, after participating in the try dive my mind was put at ease as I found it to be a thrilling skill and was eager to learn more plus, the cadets and adults already started to bond and come together. We had to put our trust and confidence in each other whilst in Malta, this was due to the nature of the sport diving and after we have finished our day. We all cooked together and looked after each other after we had finished our dives. Diving in the spots such as Valletta was an incredible and such an unforgettable experience. The cadets also got a chance to explore the area we were staying in. Also, during downtime, we had the opportunity to go out of our apartments and go into the square/ markets around the premises we went into the shops and food areas. This was an amazing experience as we all had so much fun with each other and saw amazing sights. Plus, the cadets an adult volunteers dressed up nicely to attend a lovely evening meal. This is where we shared our experiences with each other and laughed until the very end. We all showed great resilience, pride, confidence, nerves, happiness and trust within one another. Everyone had to work together all the time and helped each other; this could be with food packages to helping put scuba diving gear on. I had the best time here with my friends and adult volunteers and I recommend to everyone to go on an amazing expedition like this one. I have not stopped talking about my experiences and not stopped showing my photographs as I have been so grateful, fortunate and happy to have been on this trip. I have also not lost contact with the friends I made on this trip and have not stopped laughing with them either. The adult volunteers supported everyone with their needs and helped me when I had struggled with my ears in the water; they also allowed us to go out and go into the pool with their supervision. I cannot express this enough that I recommend going on this journey you will make memories and skills for a lifetime, push yourself and go for it!”
Cadet Corporal OG (Stafford Detachment):
