Lindsey trained to complete underwater searches, swimming a variety of search patterns, occasionally through dark clouds of sediment whilst trying to keep depth constant. With limited visibility a common occurrence for an inshore diver, the experience will prove valuable.

Trainees also undertook a decompression chamber exercise, with a ‘dry’ dive to 50m preparing divers to be able to maintain control when faced with the inebriated sensation of nitrogen narcosis. Safety was paramount, and students were trained to be vigilant, performing the appropriate rescue procedure when the instructor told another trainee to ‘go unconscious’.

Students progressed to ‘surface supplied’ and learned to use instruments such as a pressure jet underwater, as well as air lifting and undertaking pile surveys. Realistic operations on board the dive vessel ‘Sleat’ allowed the trainees to carry out their own dive operations under supervision.

Back in the classroom, the focus was on professional skills such as report writing and risk assessment. The training was quickly put to good use as Lindsey began her career in underwater engineering with an underwater canal inspection at Abergavenny in South Wales.

There are only a small number of women entering the UK diving industry but Lindsey was able to say, ‘I’m proud to be one of these recruits, although I’m sure the number of women in the industry is sure to increase in the future.’