Central Fund support empowers new Sub-Aqua training

On 8 December, a group of seven RAF Sub-Aqua enthusiasts fearlessly embraced the icy waters to train four junior diver trainees. Braving the chilly 10-degree conditions, the trainees were bolstered by new dive kits, made possible by support from the Central Fund.

The successful grant allowed finances to be strategically allocated to purchase essential kit such as masks, gloves, and hoods, providing the trainees with protection against the biting cold. Immediately tested in the frigid waters, the new equipment earned praise for its quality, surpassing the standards set by the club’s previous gear.

The impact of the support extends beyond the immediate training session, with the new equipment expected to play a significant role in sustaining military sports diving. Acknowledging the financial constraints faced by tier 4 sports like theirs, the team at Sub-Aqua emphasised the critical need for external support, especially for junior ranks facing the inherent costliness of scuba diving.

Sergeant Conner Packham said: “I just wanted to take the time to thank you for your generous donation towards our club. Sports diving in the military sits in a precarious situation. Being a tier 4 sport means we are the lowest in the pecking order for funding, but scuba diving is actually an extremely expensive sport to purchase kit, especially for junior ranks.

Many clubs have had to close their doors in recent years but thanks to generous charities like The Central Fund we are able to offer diving to more members of Brize Norton station, offer diving later into the winter season and afford our trainees better equipment in general.”