Royal Australian Navy clearance diver Able Seaman Humphrey Macleod submerges during a training activity in support of Queensland Police for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Photo by Corporal Kyle Genner.

Clearance divers go down for games security

05/04/201805/04/2018 Posted by Brian Hartigan 5460 Views 0 Comments Commonwealth Games

Navy clearance divers assisted the Queensland Police Service with security in the lead-up to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games – and are continuing to do so during the games until 15 April.

CAPTION: Royal Australian Navy clearance diver Able Seaman Humphrey Macleod submerges during a training activity in support of Queensland Police for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Photo by Corporal Kyle Genner.

Around 30 Navy personnel including divers, logistics and support staff, communication specialists and sailors as well as a small command element will be located in the Gold Coast for the duration of the games.

The clearance diving team will be providing sub-surface searches of key locations on the Gold Coast to ensure the extensive waterway system is secure for athletes and members of the public.

An explosive-ordnance-disposal (EOD) team is also on call to respond should QPS identify any suspicious items below the waterline.

The Navy component is just one aspect of Australian Defence Force support to the Commonwealth Games, which includes more than 1000 personnel from all three services.

Army engineers and MRH90 Taipan multi-role helicopters, RAAF F/A-18 Hornets and support staff are also supporting QPS as they provide security for the largest sporting event in Queensland’s history.

ADF’s support to the Commonwealth Games is part of the whole-of-government operation to secure the games, which also includes Australian Boarder Force and Australian Federal Police.