Rob V's Thoughts On His trip so Far

The first day of the Depth Therapy package involved basic diving training and skills. To begin with we met the instructors that are to be taking us through the diving ventures over the 9 days. We began with an introduction to the equipment and the usual safety points that goes with them and then suited up and entered the training pool. We concentrated mainly on swimming around the bottom of the pool and then

moved onto different mask and breathing exercises. In all we were in the pool about an hour doing the various drills and preparing for the open water. On the evening of day one we went to the Moose Lodge for a steak dinner and we were also graced with the presence of Col. George Adrian from the USAF.

We all

sat around telling our various stories over a few drinks and a good evening was enjoyed by all.

Day two involved getting out in the ocean to a place called Molasses and getting used to the d

ifferent depths and again doing the regulator and mask drills. The visibility down there was amazing and for me personally it was like being on a different planet. I have never really had an interest in diving but after my experiences on this trip it is definitely something i will be continuing to pursue. My main problem down there, so I have been told anyway, is that I use the air to fast and have now been nicknamed “Air Pig”. When the diving finished for the day we had a few hours to relax before we went to the Elks Lodge for some food and drinks and a bit of a sing song on the karaoke in the bar. Again we all enjoyed ourselves immensely and again after a few drinks the guys start to open up about their various experiences. I find it

amazing the hospitality and gratitude we receive as soldiers of the US and UK and the pride these people have for us is breathtaking. It really is something to write home about.

On the third day we went to Snappers Ledge but and we got to use the Pegasus Thruster which is a very cool hands free propellor system. But again “Air Pig” took over and I did not last very long down there which was disappointing because I missed out on seeing the Sharks and Sting Rays and the hunting out and killing of a Lion Fish. I jumped back in the water with my snorkel so I could still watch the other divers below me and what they wer

e doing. So far this trip has been excellent and the benefits I have taken from this is amazing.

NEW PATRON FOR DEPTHERAY

On the Eve of the latest trip we are pleased to announce the Patronage of Mr Mark Hamilton.

Mr. Hamilton has been a long time supporter of Fraser and has agreed to join Deptherapy, we are all very please about this and Mr. Hamilton will bring a wide range of skills and knowledge.

Mark Hamilton

Profile

With 35 years experience in security, safety and crowd management, Mark has

acquired a

considerable range of knowledge and industry experience from his involvement in events throughout

the world and has developed a unique understanding of spectator and audience needs. His career

began in 1973 working for the leisure company Mecca before operating freelance for a number of

event organisers and venues. In 1980 Mark founded Rock Steady, which was the UK’s most

successful event security company when it was acquired by G4S Security Services in March 2008.

In addition to being the current Managing Director of G4S Events, Mark is Chair of the Policy Board

and Head of the International Centre for Crowd Management Security Studies at Bucks New

University, where he is also a lecturer. Internationally, Mark also lectures at the European Academy

for Venue Management and holds a Trustee position with the IAAM Academy for Venue Safety and

Security based in the USA.

He has for the past 20 years held the post of Security Director with MPL Communications Ltd, which is

the publishing and live music business owned by Sir Paul McCartney.

Mark holds a UK Close Protection License; is a High Constable of the Port of Leith, Scotland and a

police officer with the City of Gretna, Louisiana, U.S.A.

Whilst Mark takes overall strategic responsibility for the events portfolio, he also maintains a tactical

and operational interest in the following:

Key Contracts

 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships

 T in the Park Festival

 2012 - Olympic Bid

 Labour Party Conferences

 Conservative Party Conferences

 Defence Systems Exhibition International

 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix

 R & A Open Golf Championships

Training and Education

 Buckinghamshire New University – Masters Degree in Leadership and Management (Distinction)

 Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College – Foundation Degree in Crowd Safety

Management (Outstanding Student Award)

 Level 5 qualification in Delivering Work Based Learning in Adult Education

 Lecturer in Crowd Safety Management; Event Security; Risk and Threat Assessment; Emergency

Planning and Leadership and Management

 City and Guilds accredited instructor in Physical Intervention and Conflict Management Skills