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As an ex RN Ships Diver, who qualified in 1965 I was surprised to find that there was very little reference to Royal Navy Ships Divers and Fleet Air Arm SAR Aircrew Divers on the Internet - so this website is an attempt to redress the balance.

Especially as I understand that Ships' Divers are sadly to disappear entirely from the Royal Navy in 2006, to be replaced by roving CD Teams that will accompany deployment groups. All Ships Diver training stopped as of 1st Oct 2005 with I understand the exception of the Submarine service which is keeping ships divers and they will continue to be trained.

SHIPS DIVERS

Officers and Ratings from all branches could apply. Members of the RN who volunteered as Ship's Divers underwent a one-day aptitude test, concentrating on swimming ability and suitability for diving.

Those selected went on a four-week course, which consisted of basic compressed air ( open-circuit ) diving. There was also extensive instruction (and practice) on searching ships bottoms for explosives, as well as instruction in working on ship's hulls, decompression chambers and maintenance of diving equipment.

On completion, the diver returned to his ship or shore establishment and to maintain their qualification (and get their diving pay) were required to dive for at least 120 minutes during each four month period.

AIRCREW DIVERS

Later in their careers some Ship's Divers undertake further training in order to qualify as Search and Rescue Helicopter crew. As well as general SAR duties they are also trained to jump from Helicopter's in order to rescue aircrew of fixed wing aircraft should it ditch on take off from an Aircraft Carrier.

Unfortunately I don't have enough material to produce a complete website, so I am desperately looking for interesting material ! ....

SO - You know what's coming next !

Yes - I need your help ! If you are a serving or ex Royal Navy Ships or Aircrew SAR Diver, and would like to contribute, please send me your Photos, Dit's or anything else you think may be of interest and hopefully we can build a website which record life as an RN Ships or Aircrew SAR Diver in the RN over the Years !

Thank you & I hope you will feel able to help.