An Cosantóir

| 33 Since 1991 the concept of delivery of this adventure and confidence training was expanded. To ensure the DF was benefitting and getting the maximum return for the significant investment A diver's technical kit by various directors of training, transport, and ordnance over the years the focus of the group was expanded to include the delivery of support to training institutions and units that had water-based aspects to their exercises or training programmes. The ADG set about qualifying its members to a nationally recognised standard via its approved syllabi of training and expanded the pool of qualified and properly equipped personnel available to support the demands of the rapidly evolving unit training of today's Defence Forces. An education programme was also identified for the divers and the ADG now has one of the highest numbers of diving instructors and diving instructor assessors nationally, with skill-sets ranging from diver medic to mixed-gas blender instructors and cox'n instructors, amongst others. The group has also seen a significant growth in technical diving aspect. Members have dived on well-known wrecks such as the Lusitania (92m off Cork), the Laurentic (70m+ off Malin Head) as well as the Aud, made famous by Roger Casement's exploits in 1916. To ensure the skills and drills remain at the highest possible levels the group encourages members to remain abreast of modern developments. Trips to more challenging areas, ranging from the Galapagos to Scapa Flow and Antarctica, have been undertaken by ADG members, at no cost to the group, to improve on and further develop the necessary competencies. Members also volunteer for RNLI and community search-and-recovery units in their own time. Training with these groups is also beneficial in improving skills. The ADG is also a registered powerboat school and can conduct and award powerboat licences under the Irish Sailing Association's powerboat training scheme. This has facilitated the training of safety boat coxes for units who regularly employ rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), such as the Air Corps, who provide safety cover during pilot training. This licence is similar to that awarded to members of An Garda Síochána, Customs and certain RNLI grades. The group's cox'n instructors undergo and annual external validation process to ensure our standards are maintained and reports sent to DJ7. With dedicated military diving in the Defence Forces nearing its 40th year, it has developed from a small group of dedicated individuals with little equipment to a well equipped, versatile team of qualified personnel available to enhance the training and development experiences of today's Defence Forces. Members of the Air Corps on a CFT Coxswains Cse, run by the ADG in May 2013. Pictured at Scapa Flow 1988 (L/R): Comdt Pat Sweeney, Comdt Ray Quinn, Lt Col William Nott and Cpl Pat King preparing to dive on a German WWI naval wreck. Photo: Lt Col W. Nott A trainee diver carrying out the basic CPR drills - a requirement of every qualified diver. Comdt Mark Brownen presents Cpl Pat King with an www.military.ie the defencehis retirement from the DF "Old Divers Helmet" on forces magazine and the ADG.

• Cover