Canadian divers to take part in Tradewinds 16

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic will conduct diver training for Caribbean partner nations from May 30 to June 18, 2016, as part of Canada’s participation in Exercise Tradewinds 16.

Hosted by the Caribbean Military Maritime Training Centre and run in Discovery Bay, Jamaica, the training involves instruction of select components of the Canadian Armed Forces Ship’s Team Diver Course. More comprehensive diver training will take place later in the exercise.

During previous Exercise Tradewinds, a specific requirement for modern dive training was identified in order to maximize Caribbean nation diver participation in more complex underwater operations. This requirement included systematic individual and team diving skills.

Developed to support Jamaica’s regional diver training school, the training will consist of basic diving theory and practical skills, dive physics, various underwater search techniques, sea floor recovery, and deep dive procedures. Training in dive medicine will also be provided to Jamaican Defence Force Medical Officers in advance of Exercise Tradewinds 16.

“Canada’s participation in Exercise Tradewinds 16 will enable members of the Canadian Armed Forces to share their knowledge and contribute to the development of new maritime standards being adopted by the Jamaican Defence Force and other Caribbean nations in a collaborative training environment,” said Lieutenant-General Steve Bowes, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command.