Cambridge University Air Squadron
Exercise Aquatic Endeavour
8 APR – 15 APR 2013
GOZO, MALTA
Post Expedition Report
AIRHQ/68/2012
1
Contents
EXPEDITION LEADERS REPORT ..................................................................... Page 3
DIVING OFFICERS REPORT ............................................................................. Page A - 1
TRAINING OFFICERS REPORT ........................................................................ Page B - 1
ITINERARY......................................................................................................... Page C - 1
MAP .................................................................................................................... Page C - 3
DIVE STATS ....................................................................................................... Page D - 1
FINANCIAL STATEMENT ................................................................................... Page E – 1
NOMINAL ROLL ................................................................................................. Page E - 2
2
26 APR 13
CUAS/350/1/1/FD
See Distribution
EXPEDITION LEADERS REPORT:
References:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
FD AT HQ 22 Expedition Approval – AIRHQ/68/2012
JSP 917
BSAC Safe Diving Practices
AP 3342
JSP 800 Defence Movements and Transport Regulations
JSP 456 Joint Service Catering Manual
MFA Diplomatic Clearance dated 29 JAN 13.
1. INTRODUCTION
A total of 16 personal from Cambridge University Air Squadron, RAF Boscombe Down and
a Civilian diving instructor and SADS from RAF Lossiemouth Sub-Aqua club participated in
a RAF multi unit sub aqua expedition to Gozo, Malta during the period 8 APR – 15 APR
2013. The dive training was conducted over a five day period from 9 APR to 13 APR 2013,
the first three days consisted of a number of shore based dives, before progressing onto
boat diving on the final two days.
The Nickname for this event was Exercise Aquatic Endeavour, it was organised and run in
accordance with references A to G.
2. AIM
The aim of the expedition was to provide dive training, focusing on ab initio dive trainees.
This training would progress personal through the diver grades and promote team work,
leadership, and esprit de corps through adventurous training. By qualifying as Ocean
Divers, personal are taking their first step into the world of sub aqua diving and have
completed a recognised British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) qualification. In addition to the
ocean diver qualifications, further aims included: Furthering the dive experience of two
already qualified BSAC Ocean Divers; converting a PADI Rescue Diver to a BSAC Sports
Diver; and completing BSAC Dive Leader for 1 BSAC Sports Diver.
3. THE EXPEDITION
The expedition was conceived in November 2012 and planning began in December. The
timescale for applications, diplomatic clearances, funding and flight booking proved
sufficient. Gozo was chosen as a dive destination because as a small island, you can
guarantee suitable diving conditions whatever the direction and strength of the weather.
3
Shore-diving was available island wide and this would reduce costs when compared to a
week’s boat diving. A full expedition itinerary is available at annex C.
4. PERSONNEL
Places on EX AQUATIC ENDEAVOUR were opened up to all members of CUAS. With
priority going to those students in their first years and those who had not previously been
on an overseas AT expedition. Instruction and supervision was undertaken by the Training
Officer - C/T Jones, the Diving Officer - Mr Istance and the Expedition Leader - Sqn Ldr
Kane.
5. TRANSPORT
The only method of transport from the UK to Gozo is via flights to Valetta, Malta, transfers
and a ferry to Gozo. Several options were available but the group booking with Easyjet
proved to be the cheapest option.
We were met at Luca airport by a pre-arranged minibus transfer from the airport to the
ferry terminal. This was included in the ScubaKings package price. We were met at Mgarr
Ferry Terminal, Gozo by Richard King, the owner of ScubaKings, Gozo. Richard gave us
four hire vehicles, despite prior email correspondence only those over 25 were permitted
to drive them for insurance reasons. After reconfirming the requirement for a vehicle
insured for over 21 year olds a similar vehicle was hired from a different hire company that
enabled it to be driven by a student on the expedition.
6. ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD
The expedition was booked as a package with ScubaKings to include the use of the dive
centre facilities, diving cylinders, air fills, weights, first aid kits, oxygen kit, accommodation
and vehicles. By booking as a package savings of over 50% were made over booking
separately, although authority will have been gained through your travel cell to do this.
The expedition was accommodated in the Horizon apartment complex in Marsalforn,
approximately one mile from the dive centre. The expedition had the use of four furnished
self-catering apartments. Each of which had their own bathrooms and small kitchen.
Although basic, the accommodation was ideal to meet the aims of the expedition, enabling
members to prepare group meals for both lunches and evening meals.
Food was purchased through the issue of CILOR and groceries purchased from a
selection of local vendors and supermarkets. Each apartment elected to cook in their
groups, with timetabled periods for dinner and breakfast in the itinerary. The EURO 5.83
per person per day was sufficient to ensure everyone was fed to a reasonable standard.
7. FINANCE
A full breakdown of income and expenditure is at Annex D. In addition to the RAFAT
branch provided EX-AQUATIC ENDEAVOUR also benefitted from grants from the
Trenchard Memorial fund and the Ulysses Trust.
4
8. MEDICAL
Prior to the expedition all personnel were required to have a medical declaration
completed and signed by their GP. Personnel were then medically assessed at RAF
Wyton and issued with a leaflet 12-03. BSAC self declaration medicals were also
completed as was the expedition fitness to undertake AT form. Comms were established
with the DDMO, both before deploying, upon arrival on Gozo and at the end of diving
operations.
There were no medical or diving incidents during this expedition.
9. DIVING OPERATIONS
Diving operations were conducted in accordance with JSP 917 and the BSAC safe diving
practices. There were no diving incidents during the Expedition. A full resume of diving
operations can be found in the Diving Offers report at Annex A-1.
10. EQUIPMENT
Due to restrictions on aircraft baggage weight minimal spares were taken, although 50kgs
of excess baggage were booked in advance to facilitate the carriage of large volumes of
essential training and safety equipment along with the mandated documentation. Spare
regulators and a tool kit were also packed. The majority of the technical diving equipment
was loaned from the Pathfinders Dive Club, RAF Wyton. Wetsuits, size small BCDs and
wetsuit boots were provided from the AT store at Bicester. C/T Jones provided the Fact
Air test set from Boscombe Down sub-aqua club.
Despite care being taken loading and unloading the vehicles, a number of minor
unserviceabilities became apparent over the week. These included 2 broken mask straps,
5 mouthpieces, 1 high pressure hose and 2 fin straps and sundries. These issues may
well be apportioned to the infrequent use the equipment gets in the UK. Scuba Kings were
very helpful providing spares where needed and no diving time was lost due to
unserviceable equipment. Indicative of their customer service, the centre lent equipment
as replacements at a much reduced rate to the expedition. There are a choice of shops in
Marsalforn from which to hire or buy essential replacement equipment if required.
Joint Service Regulations require a Fact Air test set to be taken on the expedition and an
air test carried out before diving. The expedition leader had already undertaken the online
training and secured a test kit from Bicester for the duration of the expedition. The air was
tested at the beginning of the expedition and was passed fit to dive on the first test.
Although air testing has the potential to upset dive centre operators, Scubakings is used tt
the requirement and appreciate the extra test of their compressor output.
11. TRAINING
The primary aim of the expedition was to deliver distributed training in the form of British
Sub Aqua Club Ocean Diver, Sports Diver and Dive Leader courses, with the secondary
aims of introducing participants to more adventurous diving though wreck and cavern
diving. All aims were met and the Training Officers Report can be found at Annex B.
5
12. DIVE CENTRE CONTACT DETAILS
Scuba Kings is one of many dive centres on both Gozo and Malta who offer competitive
dive packages. Mr King is very customer orientated and he and his staff will give help and
advice freely, along with excellent briefs on local dive sites should you need them.
His contact details are: http://www.divemalta-gozo.com
13. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The expedition would not have been possible without the support, help and guidance of
many individuals and organisations. I would like to thank the following:
Travel Cell RAF Cranwell
WO UAS FD
WO 22Gp AT
British High Commission Malta
RAF Trenchard Memorial Awards Fund Committee
Ulysses Trust
Instructors of RAF Halton sub-aqua club
14. CONCLUSION
The aims of the expedition were to deliver distributed training, completing BSAC diver
training courses and to introduce adventurous diving through wreck and cavern diving. At
the end of the week the expedition had qualified 8 Ocean Divers, 1 sports diver and 1 Dive
Leader. All divers had also carried out wreck and cavern dives: therefore the expedition
had fulfilled all its aims and could most definitely be classed as a success. Moreover,
many divers had dived outside their current sphere of experience and had dived deeper
than they had previously, therefore adding greatly to their credibility as divers and
providing experience on which to draw on in the future. The experienced gained by some
of the more qualified divers in terms of dive management and marshalling practice under
guidance should not be underestimated.
The members of the expedition displayed sound teamwork from the start, which developed
noticeably during the event and helped each other through the more demanding dives. By
the end of each week, the Sports Divers and more experienced Ocean Divers were
briefing and leading the more inexperienced Ocean Divers under the careful watch of the
instructors.
6
Mundane, yet essential, logistical tasks such as kit washing, food shopping, cooking and
washing up were undertaken with a cheerful demeanour - the organisation of which was all
undertaken by the students. This attitude ensured the expedition was a resounding
success. The Students were also empowered with the financial aspects of the expedition
and considerably developed their understanding of the need for thorough financial
accounting.
The organisation of this kind of overseas expedition is not in itself difficult - the key is to
begin the planning in good time. This leaves time for the approval process, which can be
slow due to the volume of JSATFAs submitted through 22 Gp, and early approval and
booking of flights keeps the expenditure down.
The Joint Service training centres can provide diving courses but an expedition provides
much more than dive training - it requires all members to work as a team towards a
common goal, taking ownership of the tasks required. The expedition is an ideal vehicle
through which to provide leadership opportunities, personal development and teamwork
skills; all attributes the RAF seek to promote.
XXXX
Expedition Leader
Annexes
Annex A: Diving Officers Report.
Annex B: Training Officers Report.
Annex C: Itinerary.
Annex D: Diving Statistics.
Annex E: Financial Report.
Distribution:
7
Information:
British High Commission, Malta*
RAF Sports Board*
22 Gp – WO (AT)*
HQ 3 FTS – Wg Cdr UAS*
HQ 3 FTS – SO2 FD*
HQ 3 FTS – WO FD*
RAFSAA – Chairman*
RAFSAA – Vice Chairman
RAFSAA – Expeditions Officer*
Internal:
Information:
Stn Cdr*
P.Ed.O*
CUAS THQ for filing
Expedition members*
8
Annex A to
CUAS/350/1/1/FD
Dated 26 APR 13
Diving Officers Report
Diving operations were undertaken iaw JSP 917 and BSAC safe diving practices. With
such a large group of students, some at different levels of ability, this made the logistics
and planning of each serial a challenge given the limitations of 3 SADS/instructors.
However, it was achievable within the regulations and made for some fairly long days for
all.
The first 3 days were spent shore diving at various locations:
DAY 1 – Mgarr-Ix-Xini – a sheltered site in a 50m wide gully, beach at the head and a
gently sloping sand seabed which eventually reached 15m depth at 150m from the beach.
This location was ideal for skills and drills, covering all aspects of the Ocean Diver course
and performing a safety check on the qualified Ocean Divers and Sports divers. The
location is also ideal to enable Sports and Ocean Divers to dive together under shore
supervision as there is negligible chance of getting lost. In all, 7 serials were undertaken
on day 1 to break the back of the drills and reinforce techniques taught in the pool before
departure.
DAY 2 – Blue Hole / Inland Sea. Due to the impressive performance of the students on
day 1, and the fact that the weather was perfect, day 2 saw all students dive the Inland
Sea first, followed by the Blue Hole. Before the beginners dived, the Sports and Dive
leader students undertook a separate dive from the inland sea, to gain some depth
experience (30m). During the rest of the day all students extended their depths and
undertook both giant stride and wade-in entries. These dives focussed on buoyancy
control, and appreciation of the underwater environment, with skills and drills reinforced at
the end.
DAY 3 – Xlendi – A wide bay, with a large rock swim through. Again focussing on
buoyancy, students experienced a 10 m swim through (open to atmosphere at all times),
before circling the headland and returning to the start point, via an underwater pinnacle. A
scenic dive to begin with, followed by drills including AS ascents and mini-CBLs. The
second dives of the day in the same location saw full CBLs from 6m to the surface,
reinforcing the syllabus rescue skills, which was the seabed depth by the egress ladders.
DAY 4 - Boat Diving. The expedition boarded the 'Heylampuki' at Mgarr harbour. The boat
is a dedicated dive vessel, capable of carrying 20 divers, with a large kitting up area, an
enclosed cabin away from the elements and a sun deck above. Day 4 would see the
groups first wreck dive, the P-31. The P-31 is a Maltese Minesweeper, purposely prepared
and sunk as a dive attraction. The wreck is at a maximum depth of 19m and was dived in 2
waves. The dive involved a shot descent (although the wreck is visible from the boat!), a
swim around the outside of the vessel followed by some minor penetration through
specially prepared diver friendly holes cut into the structure. The end of the dive saw a
9
return up the shot with a 6m stop for all, and mid-water SMB deployment practice for those
qualified above Ocean Diver. The second dive of the day was in the Comino Cave system.
Large caves allowing the groups to swim through the headlands after feeding the local
fish, before returning to the boat. After the completion of the safety stop, students that had
not had the chance to complete the CBL from 6m to the surface did so.
DAY 5 - Boat Diving. 2 waves of a 2 and a 3, made up of the Sports Divers and above
dived the wreck of the Rozi, off the Maltese coast, in 35m. After a long surface interval, the
2 larger waves dived the headland around the Maltese port, again reaching 20m and
taking advantage of some of the shorter swim throughs in the rock. The second dive was a
Lantern Point, Comino. An unspectacular reef initially, the groups then descended down a
large chimney, requiring bouyancy control and disciplined spacing. The chimney came out
at 18m and led to a steep wall dive. Again, bouyancy was paramount, as the groups
followed the wall at 20m, despite the wall falling away to below 35m. Half way through the
dive, the groups turned and ascended back up the chimney to surface near the boat after
a safety stop and a revision of any outstanding training requirements. This was a long day,
with an early start to enable 6 waves of diving to be completed.
DAY 6 - The Ocean Diver training had been completed and students took the day to clean
and dry their equipment. 5 divers, in two waves, had another early start and shore dived
the wreck of the MV Karwela. Depth progression to 35m was completed for the Sports
Diver and 40m for the Dive Leader. This dive also presented the opportunity to undertake
decompression planning (although deco was not entered), and SMB deployment from
depth. Upon completion of the dives, the DDMO was contacted and briefed that diving
operations had ceased.
During the expedition, 190 dives were undertaken in all with a time underwater of 97 hours
and 24 minutes. 8 students completed their Ocean Diver training, 1 converted from PADI
10
to BSAC, 1 completed their Dive Leader training and 2 gained valuable experience while
working towards Sports Diver and Dive Leader qualifications. 1 student did not complete
the course due to issues with equalising, despite much effort.
11
Annex B to
CUAS/350/1/1/FD
TRAINING OFFICERS REPORT
The theory training began 3 months before deploying to Gozo. Theory lessons were
undertaken by XXXX at RAF Wyton and RAF Halton. Each student joined the British subaqua club and were enrolled in the Ocean Diver training course, for which they were
issued the relevant training materials.
The theory syllabus was delivered over 3 days, interspersed with practical instruction in
equipment assembly and maintenance. Initial pool and sheltered water training took place
at RAF Halton. XXXX was assisted by YYYY and instructors from RAF Halton sub-aqua
club.
After a theory refresher while deployed, all Ocean Divers undertook, and passed, the
BSAC theory exam while in Gozo.
The practical open water lessons were delivered in their entirety on the expedition. Gozo is
ideal for Ocean Diver training with its small geographic size, predictably good weather and
large choice of shallow, sheltered sites. The syllabus progressed as per the BSAC
guidance and, with the exception of one student, all students had qualified as Ocean
Divers by the 4th day of Gozo diving.
Although a huge amount of time and effort went into the detailed itinerary as demanded by
the RAFSAA, inevitably the site selection differed to that planned. This should come as no
surprise as a daily, dynamic, risk assessment was conducted before each dive. When
some sites were unsuitable due to weather or environmental issues, the small size of
Gozo coupled with local knowledge, enabled alternative suitable sites to be utilised.
In sum, all training objectives were met, both diving and non-diving, and the aims of the
expedition were completed.
12
Annex C to
CUAS/350/1/1/FD
Dated 26 APR 13
ITINERARY
07 APR
08 APR
09 APR
10 APR
11 APR
12 APR
13 APR
14 APR
15 APR
1400 Meet at RAF Wyton to sort out equipment and complete remaining theory
lessons
0130 Depart RAF Wyton via MT to Gatwick Airport
0630 Depart Gatwick on EZY 8823
1050 Arrive at Luqa Airport, Malta
1115 Depart Luqa for Cirkewwa Ferry port
1230 Depart Cirkewwa by ferry
1300 Arrive Mgarr (Gozo) and collect vehicles
1400 Take-over accommodation
1530 Organise equipment in Scubakings dive centre
1700 Shopping/domestics
1930 Expedition dive brief
0800 Dive centre - Air purity test, assemble kit and load vehicles
0845 Shakedown dive for 2 X SADS and 1 DL
1030 Mgar-Ix-Xini Ocean Diver training
1700 RTB Dive centre - return kit
1930 Theory lessons
0800 Dive centre - kit load
0930 Dwejra (Inland Sea / Blue Hole) Ocean Diver training dives
1700 RTB Dive centre
2000 Theory examination
0800 Dive centre - kit load
0900 Xlendi - Ocean Diver training dives
1700 Dive centre - return kit
0730 Dive centre - load kit for boat diving
0900 Mgarr port to board MV Heylampuki
1000 Wreck dive P29
1400 Comino Caves dive
1630 Mgarr harbour
1715 Dive centre
0730 Dive centre - load kit for boat diving
0830 Mgarr port to board MV Heylampuki
0915 Wreck dive Rozi
1115 Cirkewwa reef dive
1530 Lighthouse point dive
1715 Mgarr harbour
1745 Dive centre
0800 Dive centre for 3 x SADS, 1 SD, 1 DL
0900 Wreck dive - MV Karwella
1115 Dive centre (All)
1120 Dive centre kit clean, disassembly, dry
1300 Staff Ride Island tour
1800 Expedition dive debrief
0600 Depart accommodation
0700 Ferry to Malta
13
0800 Transfers to airport
1115 Depart Luqa on EZY 8824
1430 Arrive Gatwick
1730 Arrive RAF Wyton and return dive equipment to store
1830 Expedition disperses
14
MAPS
15
Annex D to
CUAS/350/1/1/FD
Dated 26 APR 13
EXPEDITION DIVE STATISTICS
Diver 3
Diver 4
Diver 5
Diver 6
Diver 7
Diver 8
Diver 9
Diver 10
Diver 11
Diver 12
Diver 13
Diver 14
Diver 15
Diver 16
24
45
32
37
24
32
13
415
45
31
43
40
37
26
32
13
470
51
6
45
32
37
24
33
15
458
33
43
40
37
26
33
13
458
51
29
45
32
37
24
33
13
459
4
28
34
42
51
42
36
30
33
25
50
9
32
30
30
34
42
25
30
28
33
50
45
34
42
37
29
13-Apr-13
29
33
12-Apr-13
Total
Minutes
Diver 2
No. of Dives
24
14-Apr-13
Diver 1
11-Apr-13
9-Apr-13
10-Apr-13
The expedition dive statistics and timings are as follows:
42
31
30
30
42
31
30
33
45
50
29
45
40
37
10
382
42
4
-
-
25
25
6
-
-
-
5
102
42
36
30
34
50
45
29
45
40
37
10
388
42
36
30
34
50
45
29
45
32
37
10
380
42
36
30
34
42
51
31
43
32
37
10
378
9
37
28
33
42
51
31
43
40
37
10
351
9
32
28
34
50
45
29
45
32
37
10
341
9
33
28
33
42
51
31
43
40
37
10
347
9
32
28
33
42
51
31
43
40
37
10
346
9
32
28
34
16
-
33
43
40
37
9
272
9
32
30
33
50
-
29
45
32
37
9
297
During the expedition, 190 dives were undertaken in all with a time underwater of 97
hours and 24 minutes.
16
Annex E to
CUAS/350/1/1/FD
Dated 26 APR 13
FINANCIAL REPORT
Command Serial No: AIRHQ/68/2012 Expedition Nickname: AQUATIC ENDEAVOUR
Stations: Cambridge University Air Squadron
File Reference: CUAS/350/1/1/FD
Location: Gozo Island, Malta
Dates: 8-15 Apr 2013
Income
Contributor
Expenditure
Amount
Item
Amount
Trenchard Fund
£1016.40 Flights
Ulysses Trust
£1000.00 Accommodation
RAFAT
£2448.00 Dive centre, hire vehicles, air fills
Personal Contribution
£1128.00 Insurance
£318.00
Air Warrants
£2608.00 Dive Boat Charter
£761.90
Fuel
Ferry tickets
Dive eqpt repairs/spares/hire
£59.05
£111.11
£52.26
Bank charges
£40.00
Medication
£4.42
Logbooks
£88.14
UK Medical
£60.00
£5056.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS
£8200.40 TOTAL PAYMENTS
Rank:
£130.95
Miscellaneous – cleaning
materials, taxi, toilet roll etc
TOTAL PUBLIC RECEIPTS
Name:
£2128.57
£18.00
£3144.40
Signature:
£1820
Water
TOTAL NON-PUBLIC
RECEIPTS
Date: 26 Apr 13
£2608.00
17
£8200.40