Before starting my Royal Navy Clearance Diver course at HMS Vernon, we were sent to HMS Ramhead, where life was far less exciting—mostly chipping rust and painting. It was all part of learning naval discipline and where I first met my good friend, Dave Running.Our diving course, SD17, began in September 1977. Our instructors were PO “Bagsy” Baker, one of the youngest Petty Officers in the branch, and the experienced Chief Quinn. They were tough men who demanded high standards but were outstanding instructors.Most of our training took place at Horsea Island, which is still used for Royal Navy diving training today. We quickly learned to expect the unexpected. Sometimes the bus would stop miles short of the training area, and we would be ordered out to run the rest of the way carrying our gear.We started by learning scuba diving and using the old Royal Navy “dry bag” dry suit, climbing in through the neck opening before sealing it with a metal clamp. Underneath, we wore two thick undersuits to keep out the cold. Early underwater training centred on the Jackstay, repeatedly swimming underwater along a guide wire while carrying out drills and surfacing only to recharge cylinders before going straight back in.The physical side of the course was relentless. There were diving board jumps, long swims across the lake, battle runs, telegraph pole runs, mud runs, and endless circuits. It was hard work—but I loved every minute of it.Then came Live-In Week, known by everyone as “the week of hell.” For seven days the training never stopped. Sleep was a luxury, and at any time—day or night—you could be woken by thunder flashes and instructors shouting for another evolution. There were full-equipment jumps into the water, lake swims, telegraph pole runs, mud runs, and constant physical and mental pressure.The instructors also played mind games, testing not just your fitness but your attitude, teamwork, and determination. By the end of the week, some lads asked to leave, while others were simply told they were finished. You could be the fittest man on the course, but if your attitude wasn’t right, you could be binned.We also trained alongside Royal Marines, SBS operators, and ships’ divers, adding to the atmosphere around Horsea Island. One of the biggest milestones was learning to use the CDBA (Clearance Diver’s Breathing Apparatus), the Royal Navy’s pure oxygen rebreather. It was a system that demanded total confidence and discipline.As the course progressed, we moved on to mixed-gas diving, underwater navigation, mine recognition, simulated night attacks, and the specialist skills that made the Clearance Diving Branch unique.Looking back, it was one of the toughest experiences of my life, but also one of the best. The training was designed to push you to your limits, build teamwork, and prove that when the pressure was on, you could rely completely on the man beside you.
