NAVAL DIVER TRAINING RIGOROUS AND SAFE: GOVERNMENT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE FOR DEFENCE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS

When he enlisted for National Service, he was a non-swimmer. Today, Corporal (CPL) Muhd Syahmi Bin Sahmad is not only a proficient swimmer, he is a member of the elite Naval Diving Unit.

Soldiers from the Naval Diving Unit (NDU) are experts when it comes to underwater operations. Describing his training, CPL Syahmi said: "I was never afraid because my instructors and other safety divers were always close by."

"Through the progressive training, I gained confidence in the water," said the 21-year-old. He said it took him about three months to learn to swim.

He was one of the soldiers whom members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA) met during their visit to the NDU on 20 Jan.

Speaking after the visit, GPC-DFA Chairman Mr Vikram Nair said: "I think what is particularly special about this group (of soldiers) is their very high motivation levels. They not only stand up to the training but also fight very hard to pass the course (to become trained naval divers)."

During the visit, which was hosted by Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, members of GPC-DFA and its resource panel were briefed on the NDU's capabilities. They also saw the on-site Naval Hyperbaric Centre, where NDU divers can be treated for diving injuries.

Said Mr Nair: "We were heartened to note that there are strong measures to ensure that training remains rigorous but also safe."

For example, during high-intensity training sessions, the NDU bumps up the number of instructors to supervise the trainees. During the most physically intense sessions, the trainee-instructor ratio is 3 to 1.

GPC-DFA members also saw the NDU's training drills, such as drown-proofing training, where trainees have to complete a series of underwater drills with their hands and feet tied.

"It's tough and challenging (to become a naval diver) but that's how we get the best from the best," said Mr Nair.

Said GPC-DFA member, Mr Cedric Foo: "What stands out for me is how they operate as a team and emphasise teamwork in all that they do.

"We constantly need to balance training realism and safety, and I think the NDU has struck that balance well.