The expedition was broken down into two diving routes over the two weeks. The northern and the southern routes of the Red Sea offered the opportunity to dive some of the most highly rated dive sites in the world, including the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm and the Elphinstone reef. The northern route presented the chance to dive numerous reefs and wrecks whilst the southern route was more technically demanding with depth progression and stronger currents being the key focus.

Advancement in diving qualifications was of high priority, with all Officer Cadets striving for a new challenge. A total of 16 cadets achieved the BSAC Sports Diver qualification, 7 cadets became Dive Leaders and 1 cadet achieving the Advanced Diver qualification.

During the first week the Dive Leaders undertook a marine archaeological survey of the SS Thistlegorm, measuring the starboard tank wagon near ‘Hold 1’, assessing movement due to negative impact of mooring lines and diving. Air bubbles released from SCUBA equipment has been affecting the structure of the wreck, vastly increasing corrosion underwater due to oxidation. Measurements taken will be added to a database being compiled by the Nautical Archaeological Society and the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association.

The expedition was a great opportunity for the officer cadets involved to progress in the sport of diving, but it also developed other characteristics, which will be useful in the future. The expedition was organised entirely by the expedition leader, OCdt Hannah Ussher, while the group facilitated the execution of everyday tasks and decisions. Ex Hammerhead EMU was a challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable expedition with Officer Cadets honing new skills in diving, developing their leadership and teamwork abilities.

OCdt Sarah Jones and OCdt Alex Jackson