Last week the Republic of Fiji Navy completed a comprehensive training program on the Interspiro DP RS4 diving system.
This was part of their support and capacity building to ensure navy divers are fully certified with the use of the new and advanced dive equipment that was received in 2021.
According to the RFN, the training was made possible through a $1.7 million partnership between the US Military and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the RFN to conduct a range of dive operations such as marine salvage and recovery of submerged ordnance.
“The one-week training program with instructors from the US involved theory and mock training at RFNS Viti Navy training base and in water practical sessions at the Suva Olympic pool and Suva Harbour,” the RFN said.
“The phases of the training included diving supervisor set up of the complete system, coordinating dive operations and complete break down system.”
The training is part of several capacity building programs with Fiji Navy divers also attending advanced Navy dive training in the US every year.
Key features of the equipment is that its safety pressure ensures no freezing, has robust shockproof design with rubber cover, has up to four low pressure outputs to suit any specific need, swiveling outputs for improved ergonomics and can be used with a single cylinder or a cylinder pack.
Since the 1920s Interspiro has developed respiratory protection for non-breathable environments for fire and rescue, military, police, shipping and industry use.
Naval vessels are obliged to aid in salvage operations to prevent unnecessary loss to life and property.
They are also engaged in safely removing potentially unexploded ordnance.
