Members of the Submarine Service have qualified as Ocean and Sports Divers during the first week of Ex Manoel Island, a diving expedition in Malta supported by HMS Oardacious Fund (via RNRMC) and the RN Sports Lottery.
The expedition takes its name from Manoel Island in Malta’ Marsamxett s Harbour, which played a significant role in the Royal Navy’s history during the Second World War. The island served as a strategic naval base for the legendary 10th Submarine Flotilla, famously known as “The Fighting 10th.”
Building on that historic connection, Ex Manoel Island has brought members of today’s Submarine Service together to develop diving skills, build resilience and experience the underwater environment around Malta.
For a young Engineering Technician (ET), the expedition marked her first Adventurous Training (AT) experience.
“The experience was amazing and a welcome release from a demanding work schedule. The activity required resilience and risk understanding, which will serve to improve my work attributes.”
The Petty Officer Medical Assistant (POMA), highlighted the variety of diving experiences on offer, including exploring wrecks with strong links to Malta’s wartime history.
“Key highlights included diving the P29 wreck, along with World War Two wrecks including HMS Maori. Some of the course lessons required underwater navigation along with rescue skills – key skills I hadn’t previously practised.”
The expedition leader expressed his appreciation for the financial support that has helped make the AT training opportunity possible.
“I’m extremely grateful to Oardacious fund (via RNRMC). Without their financial support, we would not have been able to deliver Ex Manoel Island.”
The expedition also provides an opportunity to strengthen teamwork, confidence and practical skills away from the normal working environment, while making use of Malta’s rich maritime heritage and diverse underwater sites.
With Week One successfully completed, Week Two will commence with further diver training. With a more experienced group taking part, the team will also have the opportunity to venture further afield and explore some of Malta’s more challenging and remote dive sites.
Targeted adventurous training interventions have been shown to positively influence retention intent, morale, and unit cohesion, particularly when delivered as high-quality, professionally relevant opportunities. This expedition directly addresses these factors by providing meaningful respite without disengagement from military ethos or risk ownership.
Participants, drawn from a mix of junior ranks and officers across the Submarine Service (Devonport to Clyde), will achieve a nationally recognised BSAC diving qualification. The attainment of a transferable, externally accredited qualification increases perceived organisational investment in individuals, a recognised driver in improving retention intention, particularly amongst junior ranks and technically skilled personnel.
By combining professional development, adventurous training and the chance to strengthen bonds across the Submarine Service, Ex Manoel Island provides a unique opportunity for personnel to build resilience, confidence and capability, while connecting with a location that holds a special place in Royal Navy history.
Find out more about how grants can support adventurous training, unit activities and projects that benefit serving personnel and their families: https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/apply-grant
