Nurse Divers with the RCN

Naval history was made in the New Year of 1971 when Air Force Nursing Sisters Lt. Sheila Delaney (A)(W) and Lt. Grace Wiwcharuck (A)(W) were invited to participate in an unexpected and innovative training program.  Regional Surgeon Naval Captain Derek Kidd was searching for two nurses willing to join his specialist military team in the treatment of diving accident victims. To better understand the circumstances and treatment requirements for these individuals, Captain Kidd offered the opportunity to qualify as Ship’s Diving Officers. This was unique, as this was the first time women were permitted to participate in such training and certification.  This was in a day when the Navy was male-dominated, women were frowned upon on board ship, and definitely were not permitted to overnight.

The three-week Ship’s Diving Officer Course began with medical and psychological examinations, fitness and swimming training, and a graphic education in the realities of diving accidents – including a slide presentation of former victims. Each day began with a warm-up morning run, vigorous workout and harbour swim, often in the fog and rain.

Underwater training began with learning the physiology and techniques of diving, surface to water safety and communication signals using a shot line.  Initial dives were made using weighted boots and shot lines before progressing to flippers once the prerequisite skills were learned.  As an added challenge to those winter days, mitts were never to be worn – apparently we all needed a little toughening up!  Progression to free swimming, underwater searches and activities such as repairing the dreaded “Plumber’s Nightmare” filled cold winter days and crisp starlight nights.

Minor accidents and loss of focus reduced the number of class participants, but as this was an unprecedented opportunity for new roles for women, quitting was never an option. No exceptions or modifications were made to the training, and the Nursing Sisters were always treated with great respect and humor.

The biggest logistical issues were the first ever issue of wetsuits constructed for females (a source of embarrassment and smiles by all) and locating a separate shower/changing facility.  This included a classroom in Royal Roads Military Academy and a cleaning closet in a small munitions museum at the Fleet Diving Unit, Colwood.

This unequaled and memorable opportunity to fulfill a lifetime dream was another first step towards an expansion of women’s career opportunities within the Canadian Armed forces.