A message from our Acting Chairman

Olly Alexander handing over the role of SODD to Martin Mackey on 12 May 2022

My favourite photo of Martin Mackey shows him in Command of HMS RAMSEY (now decommissioned pending transfer to the Ukrainian Navy) while conducting rafting practice on USS Swift (HSV 2) during Exercise COLD RESPONSE in Norway in early 2006

23 May 2022 - I am most grateful to Martin Mackey for this update.  Older members will notice that things have changed considerably since the Superintendent of Diving ran the entire RN diving empire.

"Hi Rob,

You’re already aware that Olly Alexander and I were conducting a handover of the Superintendent of Defence Diving (SODD) role, so I just wanted to let you know that I formally took over on Thursday 12 May 2022 in the SODD office.  Attached is a photo that marks the occasion.  The sharp eyed will notice that this is not the same office as previous incumbents have had.  Following a move out of Bridge Building on Horsea Island in 2021, SODD and the Defence Diving Standards Team (DDST) are now based in Fraser Building, Whale Island (previously HMS KING ALFRED).

 I’m truly delighted to have taken on the role, one that has made a significant contribution to diving and diving safety over many years.  I am the 23rd officer in the post, the first being Cdr W O Shelford (1945-1948).  The roles and responsibilities have changed over the years including its name which added Defence to the title in 2019.  Today the SODD is the head of the DDST which comprises RN, Army and Civil Service divers.  On the latter, we are about to bring onboard for the first time, two people who have extensive commercial and civilian diving experience but have no military background.

What do we do today?  The DDST has been appointed by Navy Command’s senior safety manager, on behalf of the First Sea Lord, to provide independent assurance, safety policy and advice to persons accountable for the compliance of all MOD diving activities with applicable health, safety and environmental protection statute law, Defence regulations and MOD requirements. The team works directly to the SODD who, as the diving safety arbiter, is responsible for the overarching diving safety policy, independent assurance and pan-Defence diving safety organisational learning for the MOD.

The job of SODD brings with it chairmanship of the Minewarfare and Clearance Diving Officers’ Association.  I’m excited about taking on that mantle and look forward very much to working with the committee on our efforts to meet its aim ‘to perpetuate the "Esprit de Corps" of Royal Naval and certain other Minewarfare and Clearance Diving Officers for their mutual benefit through the frequent exchange of information and regular meetings on both a formal and social basis’.  I’m really looking forward to attending the Vernon Monument dedication ceremony on 15 July at which I understand there will be a large number of past incumbents of this post.  And I’m already looking forward to the next MCDOA dinner.

Regards,

Martin

Commander M C Mackey MA CMgr FCMI Royal Navy
Superintendent of Defence Diving & Head Defence Diving Standards Team
Fraser Building
Whale Island
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO2 8ER