EXERCISE ROEBUCK TIGER
5 – 18 AUGUST 2012
POST EXERCISE REPORT
Training Support Unit
Worthy Down
WINCHESTER
Hampshire
SO21 2RG
T 94271 2430 (01962 887430)
F 94271 2580 (01962 887580)
E Trg_Sp_Unit_HQ-ADJT@DCLPA-WD-MOD.UK
See Distribution List
TSU/HQ/3500
12 Sep 12
POST EXERCISE REPORT FOR EXERCISE ROEBUCK TIGER
05 – 18 AUGUST 2012
References:
A. AGAI Volume 1, Chapter 11
B. JSSADR - Joint Services Sub-Aqua Diving Regulations-dated 1 April 10
C. JSP 917 Adventurous Training, Vocational and Recreational Diving Manual dated Mar 12
D. British Sub Aqua Club Safe Diving Practices dated 2011
E. The Handbook of Naval Medical Standards
F. RAFSAA Brief for visiting Expeditions 2012
G. JSATFA, completed as at 14 May 12
INTRODUCTION
1.
Ex ROEBUCK TIGER was a Level 3, sub-aqua diving expedition to Ascension Island,
authorised at Reference G, led by Capt Grandison, organised iaw Reference A-D and took place
over the period 5 – 18 Aug 12. The expedition team consisted of 11 personnel from across the
Army. All diving was conducted in accordance with Ref B, C, D and F and did not exceed 30
metres.
2.
This was an Army Sub Aqua Diving Slot therefore the expedition was granted use of the
RAF Sub-Aqua Association (RAFS-AA) Expedition Centre and facilities at English Bay whilst
accommodated at Travellers Hill. Diving was conducted from both shore and boat and was
progressive. No diving incidents occurred.
EXPEDITION MEMBERS
3.
Ser
The participants on the expedition were as follows:
Number
(a)
1
(b)
560881
2
24530987
3
4
5
Name
(c)
Lt Grandison
WO1
McDonald
25145444 Cpl Marshall
527721
Lt Col Baines
W1043322 Sgt Longley
First Name
(d)
Hilary
Unit
Original
Dive Level
(f)
Dive Leader
(e)
TSU
DCLPA(WD)
HQ Inf
Adv
Instructor
ATR(W)
Dive Leader
DSPS(A)
Adv Diver
SCT, HQ
Dive Leader
Kenneth
David
Jeremy
Philippa
2
Remarks
(g)
Expedition
Leader
SADS
OWI, Instructor
Club Instr
6
7
8
9
10
25182894
547968
25145535
W0451015
24903116
Bdr Lehman
Maj Morgan
Bdr Neil
WO2 Gilmore
Sgt O’Kane
Russell
Christopher
Craig
Irene
Patrick
11
25070406
Sgt Musk
Paul
SIB (UK)
RMP
32 Regt RA
32 Regt RA
CGS Dept
39 Engr
Regt
Sports Diver
Sports Diver
Sports Diver
Ocean Diver
Ocean Diver
ADI
Ocean Diver
AIM
4.
The primary aim of the exped was to qualify the BSAC Ocean Divers to Sports Diver level
and provide progressive training for the others. The secondary aim was to develop leadership and
teamwork skills, whilst providing Service Personnel with a unique opportunity to participate in a
major overseas Adventure Training expedition that would enable them to experience more
challenging sub-aqua diving, and it is hoped they will go on to become expedition leaders of the
future.
EXPEDITION PLANNING
5.
Initially the expedition was aimed at Worthy Down personnel. There was a lack of interest
and the expedition was filled by personnel from across the Army from a variety of locations. This
made administration more difficult. The majority of the planning and administration was solely
completed by the Expedition Leader. In order to fully prepare for such a complex expedition a
number of tasks were identified and a timeline devised to assist in the planning. The tasks,
timeline and reflective comments, which may assist in the planning of future expeditions, can be
found at Annex A.
PREPARATORY TRAINING
6.
The expedition was open to all levels of divers. Non-divers, of which there were was one
participant, completed an Ocean Diver course at JSSADC Fort Bovisands, Plymouth. Personnel
who had not dived within 12 months of the expedition completed refresher dives.
7.
Should there not have been any qualified Boat Handlers amongst the participants then Boat
Handling training for selected individuals would have been a priority, fortunately there were 4
qualified individuals and so further training was not essential.
TRAVEL
8.
Flights. An RAF charter flight from RAF Brize Norton is the only way to fly to Ascension
Island, there is no alternative with the exception of the US military which is not practical. Flights
are Concessionary Non-Fare Paying (CNFP) and until early 2012 were free as the title suggests.
There is now a charge of £220 per person return, which is paid at RAF Brize Norton on departure.
It should be noted that on arriving at RAF Brize Norton to check-in, we were advised that although
the seats were reserved for the 11 participants they had not actually been confirmed and booked.
This can only be completed by Ascension Island Movements, therefore a phone call had to be
made to Operations in Ascension Island whilst at RAF Brize Norton to resolve the matter. Despite
the appropriate requests to make the flight booking and request for written confirmation of the
booked flight, neither had been completed. There was a 20 minute wait at check-in in order to
confirm the booked seats.
9.
Baggage. Extra baggage allowance is vital. Unfortunately the allowance is only 20kg hold
luggage and 9kg hand luggage. I requested additional allowance but was only permitted an
additional 5kg each. This is insufficient when all dive kit, less cylinders and weights had to be
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carried with us. This included large items such as laptops, teaching aids, Projector, Air Purity Test
Kit, GPS, VHF radios, Hand-held Depth Sounder and Satellite Phone. It should also be noted
requesting the additional baggage on the JSATFA paperwork in not enough and RAF Brize Norton
must be contacted personally and confirmation obtained.
10.
Insurance. As personnel were deemed On Duty, moved and accommodated by the
military and there was no civilian organisation involved, there was no requirement for further travel
insurance in addition to BSAC Membership cover. Participants were advised to ensure that they
had sufficient insurance which covered other off duty activities and kit loss/damage should an
incident occur. This was endorsed by HQ 145 Bde and RAFSAA.
ACCOMODATION – TRAVELLERS HILL
11.
Accommodation. All personnel were accommodated at Travellers Hill in Block 93 as the
accommodation at the Expedition Centre is no longer fit for purpose. The lockable rooms were of
a good size, basic, clean, sufficient, and could accommodate up to 4 persons with individual
lockers (personal padlocks required). The expedition was allocated one block. There are 6 rooms
to a block allowing 2 personnel to share. There was no air conditioning but there was netting on
the windows, electric floor fans and mosquito spray provided. Bedding was supplied, washing
machines were located in the neighbouring block and there was a washing line on the veranda for
drying items. The ablutions are communal with male/female use denoted by changing the sign on
the door. This was not always effective and females often had to wait for long periods in order for
the showers to be vacated. It should be noted that all electrical sockets are UK 3-pin.
12.
Messing. All personnel are catered for in the Combined Mess at Travellers Hill. The mess
is not Pay as You Dine (PAYD) and is of a very high standard. The quality of food was first rate as
were the choices of meals. The staff were friendly and very helpful, especially plating meals on
occasion when we were late back. The Expedition Leader liaised with the Catering Manager in
order to confirm packed lunch days and BBQ arrangements. An expedition may have as many
BBQs as desired, but anything over the basic meal cost has to be paid for. It should be noted that
only food, paper plates and cutlery are provided. Condiments, charcoal, firelighters, matches and
drinks must be purchased elsewhere. This can be done either at the NAAFI shop or the shop in
Georgetown. A BBQ stand and tools are located at the Expedition Centre. The fridges in the
Expedition Centre work but are not in the best condition, unclean and smelling. There is a sealable
cool container that was found to be useful for keeping the packed lunches out of reach of the mice.
13.
Facilities. Travellers Hill is a fully functioning camp with NAAFI bar and shop a short walk
away. The NAAFI is furnished with bar, pool table, TVs, juke box, indoor and outdoor seating, hot
food service in the evening, public telephone and internet wifi, both pay as you go.. The wifi
internet cards can be purchased by the hour, day or week. It is expensive at approximately £5 per
hour or £50 for the week. Telephone calls to the UK cost £1.18 per minute with £5 and £10 phone
cards available from the NAAFI shop. There is a gym and a pool on camp. The pool is only open
at the weekend due to qualified Life Guard shortage. It should be noted that there is no mobile
phone signal at all on the island for UK mobiles.
EXPEDITION CENTRE – ENGLISH BAY
14.
This could be a first rate facility, minutes from the boats and shore, with sufficient
accommodation and cooking facilities allowing an expedition to be self sufficient and negating the
need for the 20 minute journey to and from Travellers Hill. However the Centre has been
neglected, has fallen into a poor state and is infested with mice. Briefing boards and information
packs are in disarray, there is no inventory for equipment and other items in the Centre. The
outgoing expedition leave information for the next incoming expedition on a white board which
proved to be very useful. There are no personnel on the island who are actively responsible for the
Centre. It is desperately in need of maintenance. The RAF Movement WO issued us with the
keys, a folder which contained sparse information and a disc to brief ourselves on the boats. At no
time during the exped were we visited by the Island CoC, the only contact/liaison was initiated by
4
the Expedition Leader. The water supply at the Expedition Centre is metered and usage charged
to the exped, however the padlock and chain on the water tap which is supposed to prevent the
water being stolen by others was cut off by an unknown person. It was reported but although
advised that it would be replaced, it was not.
DIVING
15.
Diving. The diving was excellent providing more challenging and varied conditions than
that normally experienced. The water was considered warm but still warranted a summer wetsuit.
It was also advisable on some dives due to the volcanic rock, particularly night dives when the Sea
Urchins are out in force, to wear gloves. Booties were also required. Visibility is generally very
good. Currents and tides varied and swells on occasion were high. Scenery was dominated by
volcanic rock with some coral in its infancy and white sandy beds. Sea life is predominately
Conger and Moray Eels and an abundance of Black Durgeons and Trigger Fish. On occasion
there are more rewarding spectacles, Hump Back Whale, Dolphins, Manta Ray, Turtles and
sharks. We spotted all but the Manta. The detailed Dive Diary can be found at Annex B and the
Dive slates at Annex C.
16.
Qualifications. The following qualifications were achieved:
a.
Sports Diver x 2
b.
Dive Leader x 3
c.
Advanced Diver x 1
d.
The remainder completed Training Objectives at their level.
17.
SADS/Instructors. All diving was conducted and controlled by the SADS, WO1 Kenny
McDonald. It was preferred to have had two SADS on the expedition but a second could not be
found despite rigorous efforts. It did not affect the instruction as there were also Advanced
Divers/OWI on the expedition. However the SADS broke his leg on our mandated rest day whilst
sight seeing on Green Mountain, which restricted us in the remainder of the diving. Given the
constraint that the SADS could not get into the boat much of the diving was shore based in order to
ensure that diving remained as per regulations, supervised safely. Despite some of the dive sites
now being off limits it tested other skills such as teamwork and planning and the SADS
demonstrated that a safe, suitable contingency plan can ensure that diving can continue.
18.
Safety. All diving was conducted in accordance with the regulations as per references B, D
and F. There were no diving incidents.
FINANCE
19.
A complete breakdown of the Income/Expenditure can be found at Annex D. The
expedition was completed under budget due to a number of factors:
a.
The second civilian SADS pulled out of the expedition the week prior.
b.
The vehicle from the Obsidian Hotel was unavailable . No hire or fuel charge.
c.
Due to injury of the SADS shore diving was increased and fuel expenditure reduced.
d.
Strict control of water use at the Expedition Centre was observed.
e.
Funding requests of the majority of units and organisations were fruitful.
5
20.
It is disappointing that the RAF have recently started charging for what is supposed to be
concessionary flights when there is no alternative travel to Ascension Island from the UK. This may
affect future expeditions as sourcing funding is becoming increasingly difficult. In this instance
funding was successfully sourced which ensured that the expedition did not have to be cancelled.
I am aware that other expeditions this year have had to be cancelled as a result of this additional
cost.
21.
Given the large amount that is paid to both RAFSAA and the Ascension Island Welfare
Fund for use of equipment and facilities it is unclear as to the breakdown of this payment and how
the money is re-invested.
EQUIPMENT / VEHICLES
22.
Ascension Equipment. The equipment on Ascension Island is limited, much of the
equipment, such as personal dive equipment, Air Purity Test Kit, VHF Radio, O2 Analyser,
teaching aids and even spare O-rings amongst other items had to be brought out from Loan Pool
and borrowed from JSSADC Ft. Bovisands. The kit that is at the Expedition Centre is basic but
functional. There is no clear inventory list and it was noted that there were 4 more cylinders than
advised by the Equipment Officer. Due to the climate and salty sea air equipment needs to be
maintained, cleaned and serviced regularly. Personnel clean and layout the kit at the end of each
expedition but this is not sufficient as items are beginning to deteriorate. For example it was noted
that the outer skin of the boats are peeling off and needed blowing up on more than one occasion.
Loading and unloading kit from the boats is a bit of a test for which we received an initial brief. It is
surprising that there was no kit losses or injuries as it is not the most effective/safest process. The
Nitrox Compressor failed in the last 2 days of the expedition as a warning message appeared
advising that the filter required to be changed. There were no filters in the Expedition Centre for it
to be done on site. The Movement WO was advised but on returning to the UK it was found that
the message had not been passed on to the Equipment Officer. This may affect the following
expedition. Many expeditions also leave kit such as batteries and spares which is useful.
However there has been some unserviceable kit abandoned.
23.
Loan Pool Equipment – Bicester. The kit issued from Bicester was generally in excellent
condition. Much of it was new and still in its original packaging. On collection the condition of the
kit was checked and the regulators, computers and BCDs confirmed that they were all in working
order. Unfortunately the 2 large torches were not checked and it was found in Ascension that they
could only be opened in a vice and one would not charge at all. The return of kit went smoothly
with the exception of the fact that not all Regulator hours had been completed in the log books and
although mostly dry some of the wetsuits and booties were slightly damp on the inside. Bicester
will not accept return of any damp kit and therefore a second trip had to be made. Having said that
the staff at Bicester were very helpful.
24.
Safety Equipment. There were many items that had to be in place and checked in order to
commence diving as listed below. Less the O2 Cylinder all equipment had to be brought with the
expedition. It should be noted that a potential problem was narrowly avoided. Loan Pool stores
does not differentiate between the different types of Air Purity Tester with different NATO stock
numbers and we were issued with the wrong one. Additionally in the Ascension paperwork it only
mentions the FactAir F3000 which Loan Pool did not have. The Equipment Officer later advised
that the FactAir F2235 could be utilised. Loan Pool exchanged the Air Purity Tester but pointed
out they could only separately identify the Types of Air Purity Tester on direction from ATG(A).
Should the correct Air Purity Tester not have been taken to Ascension then we could not have
dived as the FactAir in the Expedition Centre is damaged and was found lying open on a table. It
should also be noted that a computer online test must be passed before an individual is authorised
in using the FactAir.
a.
Iridium Satellite Phone
b.
Air Purity Tester - FactAir F2235
6
c.
Handheld VHF Radio
d.
GPS
e.
O2 Kit (Ist Stage regulator and Demand Valve/Mask)
f.
Hand-held Depth Sounder
25. Vehicles. The climate in Ascension also severely affects the condition of the vehicles.
Deterioration is significantly increased in a shorter period of time. To that end, many of the
vehicles have been declared unserviceable by the visiting Master Driver and cannot be used. The
impact is that the only vehicle available to expeditions is the Welfare Landrover. A second vehicle
must be hired from the Obsidian Hotel. This increases the expedition expenditure as there is a
large hire car fee and fuel must be paid for. A booking was made on behalf of the expedition for an
Obsidian Landrover months in advance by Ascension Island but the week prior to the expedition it
was advised that the vehicle was unavailable. It was suggested that due to a change over of
clerical staff within Movements that the booking had not been confirmed. There would have been
only one vehicle allocated to the expedition had it not been for the MT personnel prioritising the
expedition above some visiting contractors. The MT Officer was extremely helpful which was
greatly appreciated. With only one vehicle it would have made transits between dive sites, the
Expedition Centre and other locations much more difficult as two runs would have to be made to
transit 11 personnel.
MEDICAL
26.
Fit to Dive. All medical certificates were checked by the Expedition Leader and SADS
prior to departure.
27.
Emergency Oxygen. The O2 kit that we were instructed to take was not required as it is
issued by the Medical Centre with the O2 Cylinder. One of the Marinox waterproof containers
leaked but there was a spare.
28.
Medical Centre. The Medical Centre was visited an a few occasions due to the SADS
WO1 McDonald breaking his leg and becoming an AEROMED passenger and another exped
member, Cpl Marshall, gaining an ear infection which prevented him from further diving. The
Medical Centre is only open during working hours therefore time must taken from the diving day to
visit the facility.
29.
Georgetown Hospital. The hospital was also visited on a number of occasions, more so
than the Medical Centre due to their capability and opening hours. This is a very small but efficient
facility. The doctor and nurses were exceptionally helpful and personable. Their medical
assistance was greatly appreciated with the broken leg and ear infection.
30.
AEROMED. Due to the WO1 McDonald unfortunately breaking his leg he became an
AEROMED patient. Luckily the next scheduled AEROMED was the same outbound flight we were
booked on allowing us all to return together. On completing the arrangements with the Medical
Centre it came to light that the CoC on the Falkland Islands was questioning the expedition duty
status and as a result whether we should be charged the cost of the AEROMED evacuation. It is
astounding that this should even be questioned as the expedition by definition of its title Exercise
ROEBUCK TIGER is an official LAND expedition and as per the regulations and Reference A we
MUST be defined as On Duty. The Movement WO on behalf of the expedition had to justify this by
quoting chapter and verse of the regulations to the COC. Despite this revelation, the AEROMED
team were excellent and WO1 McDonald was given first rate medical care and assistance on the
flight. A MOD F510, Army Accident Report Form was completed and passed to TSU DCLPA(WD)
SHE on return to be forwarded on to AINC.
7
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED / RECOMMENDATIONS
31.
The following items were difficulties encountered and suggested improvements in no
particular order:
a.
Flight Booking: This was not confirmed by Ascension Island Ops and caused a
delay at check-in. It is suggested the flights be booked directly from the Appendix to the
JSATFA rather than from separate e-mails to the Movements Officers. It is also suggested
that more thorough cross checks are conducted and confirmation sent to the Expedition
Leader earlier than 48 hrs prior to departure.
b.
Flight charge: It is suggested that charging for concessionary flights to Ascension
Island is inappropriate.
c.
Baggage Allowance: The allowance of 20kg hold and 9kg cabin is insufficient for
expeditions who must take a large amount of heavy equipment, including safety equipment. I
recommend that all diving expeditions be permitted 30kg hold allowance and 9kg cabin per
person automatically without an additional request needing to be submitted.
d.
Expedition Centre / Equipment: This facility is brimming with potential but is
deteriorating and will soon be not fit for purpose at all. I strongly recommend that a TriService solution be found that will enable an injection of finance, and manpower be allocated
to the running and up-keep of the centre. The centre could facilitate other types of AT, from
low level walking to sea kayaking. As the Exped Centre is used almost constantly between
March and November it is suggested that with a team or manager be appointed in Acension
to manage the centre accordingly. It is also suggested that all dive equipment, including
personal dive kit to safety equipment and spares should be held for personnel on site
negating the need to apply for Loan Pool stores. There are a number of improvements that
would enhance the facility, such as floating pontoon from the shore of English Bay which
would allow the safe loading and unloading of the boats with kit which would also prolong the
life of the floppy boat (grey one) as it is being slowly damaged by the rock wall. I suggest the
former Belize BFATC, although now closed, could provide the basic template for reenergising the Ascension Expedition Centre. With BFATC on St Georges Caye in Belize now
closed it is even more important to ensure the continued existence of Ascension Island
Expedition Centre.
e.
Loan Pool Returns: If any item for return is remotely damp it will not be accepted.
The expedition member responsible for kit should check every individual item prior to making
the journey to Bicester.
f.
MT: Understanding that there is little that can be done to stop vehicles being
affected by the climate a solution to the general MT shortage is not evident. However, it is
important to the smooth running of the expedition that two vehicles are available from MT.
Having to hire a vehicle further increases the cost of the expedition in addition to the CNFP
fee and jeopardises the success of the expedition. Collection of the vehicles was delayed as
they had not been POL properly. It is recommended that vehicles should be cross checked
before an expedition arrives to sign for them.
g.
RAFSAA Ascension Island Information and Direction: The web site is
potentially a useful tool but much of the information is out of date and scattered across
different links. I suggest that a review be conducted and one simple clear instruction be
produced. Pre-expedition administration was made significantly more complicated than
necessary compared to my previous experiences organising and leading an expedition. It is
understood that Ascension Island is lacking in manpower and personnel have a number of
responsibilities. However communication from Ascension was lacking and could be improved
8
by having a dedicated POC who would have as a detailed task the responsibility of managing
the in-island AT resources and the Liaison between the island and visiting AT Exped Leader.
h.
Air Purity Test Equipment: Due to the confusion obtaining the correct test
equipment from Loan Pool Stores it is suggested that the NATO Stock Numbers are
amended to reflect different types; from the FactAir 3000 to the FactAir 2235 and other types
available.
SUMMARY
32.
Ex ROEBUCK TIGER was a thoroughly enjoyable yet challenging expedition. Challenging
diving and challenging from an organisational perspective as everything is done by the participants
unlike on a package deal. All participants benefited greatly, both in terms of improving
adventurous training skills and promoting team work whilst furthering their dive experience and
ability.
33.
The expedition was deemed a complete success, achieving the aim. The diving was safe
and progressive which tested capabilities. It was very satisfying to see individuals progress. Some
have even demonstrated that they have the potential to go on and become instructors and others
to go on and organise their own expeditions.
34.
Ascension Island is without doubt an excellent and unique location to dive, offering divers a
range of dive sites with an array of marine life and historical wrecks that will not disappoint. The
Expedition Centre is falling into disarray yet has substantial potential for Forces personnel; Subaqua diving and other AT activities alike such as walking and Sea Kayaking. Such AT activities
develop important leadership and teamwork skills required of military personnel. To that end, I
suggest that it is vital to invest time, manning and money into the facility and equipment before it is
too late.
(original signed)
H J Grandison
Capt
Expedition Leader
Annexes:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Preparatory Tasks
Expedition Diary.
Dive Slate.
Income and Expenditure.
Expedition Photographs (disc/hard copy only – large file)
Distribution:
CO TSU DCLPA(WD)
ATG(A)
SO2 AT Sp Comd
SO2 STRAT PLANS JFAC
AGC Association
RSIGNALS Association
DCLPA(WD) TSU RATO
Expedition Members
9