Port inspection divers train at Exercise Ardent Defender

Photo by Cpl Boudrias

Lt(N) Éliane Trahan, Public Affairs Officer ~

Eleven Port Inspection Divers from various Naval Reserve Divisions across Canada recently participated in Exercise Ardent Defender, held Oct. 1 to 19 at the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre, Meaford, ON.

This was a joint, multinational and inter-agency annual exercise hosted by the Canadian Armed Forces that tested joint Counter Explosive Threat capabilities.

Reservist divers were involved in underwater searches, inspections and surveys to detect explosive devices. They worked jointly with Clearance Divers from the Experimental Diving Unit Group in Toronto. Although it was an exercise, divers found unexploded ordnance from decades past in an isolated area; the Clearance Divers safely detonated them.

Compared to last year’s participation, Port Inspection Divers doubled in numbers.

“We are thrilled to see the participation climb, it allows us to be one team and work together, Port Inspection Divers and Clearance Divers,” said Petty Officer Second Class Dan Larche, Clearance Diver supervisor.

Port Inspection Divers usually serve part-time with their home unit for scheduled evenings and weekends, although they may also serve in full-time positions at some units for fixed terms, depending on the type of work that they do.

They are called to do tasks to ensure the maritime security of the nation. They often work with naval port security teams to provide underwater skill sets in support of the sovereignty and safety of Canada’s numerous ports, harbours and waterways, and may also be deployed outside Canada for operations or exercises.