A Maltese Adventure Beneath the Waves
Introduction
This September, members of 75 Engineer Regiment traded their army boots for fins on a two-week scuba diving expedition in Malta. From wrecks and reefs to tunnels and swim throughs, the team pushed their limits underwater while achieving new BSAC qualifications and strengthening bonds above the surface. The Exped was supported by the Ulysses Trust this greatly enhanced the morale of the soldiers as this reduced the personal contribution to a manageable cost that they could afford.
The group brought together complete beginners, seasoned divers, and everyone in between, united by the chance to explore, learn, and progress. Malta’s stunning dive sites offered the perfect training ground, blending challenge, teamwork, and unforgettable underwater experiences.
Dive Sites Explored
Cirkewwa (Susie’s Pool, Tugboat Rozi, and Wreck P29): From shallow reefs and statues to deep wrecks, Cirkewwa tested both new and experienced divers. This was an excellent location situated near the ferry to Gozo and had everything we could wish for in a dive location.
Blue Grotto & Um El Faroud Wreck: A dramatic coastline with reefs, caves, and the wreck of a 110-metre Libyan tanker. This was more of an advanced site due to strong currents especially diving the wreck. However, the site has an abundance of sea life ranging from Flying Gurnards to octopus.
HMS Maori a shallow wreck near Valletta, great for beginners this was the first wreck dive for the newly certified divers giving them the chance to navigate and appreciate a World War two wreck.
Gozo’s Inland Sea & Blue Hole: Geological wonders with tunnels, corals, and colourful marine life an amazing opportunity to dive the world-famous site and explore the stunning underwater views of arches, swim throughs and even a chimney.
Statue of Christ & Imperial Eagle Wreck: An awe-inspiring statue standing in a natural amphitheatre, paired with one of Malta’s famous wrecks this was an opportunity for the qualified divers to dive to 40m the deepest dive depth allowed in joint services diving
Santa Marija Caves: Interconnected swim-throughs alive with fish a stunning boat dive that gave the Exped members the opportunity to dive of a large boat another tick in the box for the BSAC experience dives.
Anchor Bay (Popeye Village): A sheltered bay with large swim throughs, reefs, and a film set backdrop with music to keep us entertained whilst diving in waves.
Training and Achievements
The expedition was as much about growth as exploration. Several divers achieved major milestones, Spr’s Jamie Moss, Chris Kirkham and Cpl Cristan Massey became British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) Ocean Divers and Advanced Ocean Divers, gaining the ability to dive to 30m. A real Zero to hero achievement well done.
Spr Andy Gough crossed over from PADI Divemaster to BSAC Dive Leader, strengthening his leadership and planning skills. Pte Natasha Wright progressed towards Dive Leader, building on advanced skills in planning and rescue. Capt Freya Bowen transitioned from ACUC to BSAC Sports Diver, expanding her opportunities in the BSAC framework. Sgt Mark Rowe refreshed his Sports Diver training, rebuilding confidence for regular diving.
Beyond personal achievements, the expedition fostered teamwork and camaraderie. By alternating dive leadership, practicing safety drills, and supporting one another, the group built resilience both in and out of the water. This also enabled and challenged new instructors to teach actual students in an amazing underwater environment.
Conclusion
The Malta expedition proved a powerful catalyst for growth, enabling 75 Engineer Regiment divers to sharpen their skills, gain vital qualifications, and strengthen teamwork in a demanding environment. The combination of diverse dive sites, shared challenges, and mutual support not only expanded the regiment’s diving capability but also forged stronger bonds of resilience and camaraderie, lessons that will carry forward into both future expeditions and wider military duties.
Personal Quotes
Spr Moss new Advanced Open water certification
“All in all, the Exped so far has been an amazing experience and introduction into scuba diving, something I will continue to progress with and hope to achieve my Sports diver qualification in the near future when I return home”
Sgt Mark Rowe captured the anticipation of returning to the water after nearly three decades:
“Long awaited Dive Expedition. Yes really long — 29 years since my last dive! Would I remember what to do?”
Capt Freya Bowen, the Blue Grotto was a turning point:
“Day 2 was a real confidence boost… I was much more relaxed and able to absorb the next phase of sport diver skills.”
Spr Chris Kirkham, reflected on how far they’d come in just a few days:
“As someone who arrived on the trip with no diving qualifications, I was now pushing towards my Advanced Ocean Diver after completing Ocean Diver the day before.”
The expedition wasn’t just about skill drills, but also history and adventure. Exploring HMS Maori, the Um El Faroud wreck, and the Blue Hole on Gozo left lasting impressions. Cpl Massey summed it up:
“This was my first dive on the Um El Faroud, the largest wreck I’ve explored to date… a real reminder of the ship’s size.”
WO2 Dove closed the expedition with a sentiment that captured the spirit of the team:
“We planned the dive, we dived the plan. A great way to end the last dive of the Exped.”
