Standby diver warming garments now available

Leading Seaman Glen Straarup, Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific), tries out the Standby Diver Over Garment during a recertification course. Photo by Master Seaman Sara MacAleese

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The standby diver is an essential member of dive teams in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This individual must be fully dressed and ready to enter the water at immediate notice to assist, rescue, or recover a stricken diver.

It’s imperative the standby diver remain ready, focused and cognizant of the task at hand throughout the dive. Burdened by wearing a diving ensemble that is heavy and awkward when sitting on the surface, this diver waits virtually motionless, often in cold severe weather, sometimes for several hours.

The Standby Diver Over Garment provides environmental protection to the standby diver during CAF diving operations, whether they are on shore or afloat, improving their comfort, sustaining their focus, and maintaining a critical safety response.