Diving in Cyprus

​Ex CRIMSON DIVER saw twelve members of the Regiment deploy to Cyprus to gain their initial PADI SCUBA diving qualification.  Despite Capt Padgett’s excellent work in initiating the trip, an FoE clash prevented the bulk of D Sqn attending which necessitated a crack team of A Sqn replacements: low on diving skill but high on enthusiasm.

​The course took place over 4 days and saw participants schooled in theory, confined water and finally open water dives.  Based in Dhekelia Garrison, the expedition was extremely well placed to conduct their final dive on the Zenobia wreck; a 178m RO-RO ferry sat on her portside in 42m of water off the coast of Larnanca, recently identified by The Times as one of the top 10 wreck diving sites in the world.  This allowed certification of all members of the trip as PADI Open Water divers which serves as a fantastic springboard to further qualifications in the future. 

​Aside from diving, Capt Gornall’s recent posting to Cyrpus allowed him to play tour guide and show the expedition members (what were in his head) interesting places in the evenings and at the weekend.  This allowed the trip to become one with the local culture through the medium of food in the Troodos Mountains, explore Nicosia as the only remaining divided capital city in the world and also meet with Brig Nick Orr as the resident Hawk and Chief of Staff, British Forces Cyprus. 
Ex CRIMSON DIVER was a truly excellent week away and ignited a passion within all members of the trip to pursue diving at the next possible opportunity.  Following the success of Ex UNDERWATER HAWK last year there is now a growing body of keen divers within the Regiment which will only serve to fuel an interest in AT and encourage further trips.