Bognor Regis Navy diver completes specialist training

Able Seaman Diver David Pearce, 23, who lives in the town has just completed specialist clearance diver training at the Defence Diving School (DDS) in Portsmouth.

David received his certificate and diving log from guest of honour Commodore Paddy McAlpine, the deputy flag officer sea training and the most senior diver in the Royal Navy.

Commodore McAlpine said “You have to earn your place in this branch, you have to work very hard. There is no harder, more physically demanding course in the Royal Navy.

“The equipment they will be using is fantastic as is the training they have been given. They should be very proud of what they have achieved.”

David joined the navy at the Portsmouth careers office in June 2010, he is originally from Horncastle and his mother Susanne now lives in Sweden.

Before joining up David was a self-employed labourer.

In his free time he enjoys running, climbing and music.

Of his achievement he said: “It was the toughest but most rewarding six months to date.”

During the graduation event the newly qualified divers put on a ‘real life’ display for their visiting families and friends, with the piece-de-resistance being the discovery of an unexploded device in the diving lake which they subsequently recovered and destroyed, much to the delight of the crowd.