Allied Forces Conduct Demolition Training at Exercise Roguish Buoy

On a chilly January day, the shores of Whirly Bay in Metchosin, Canada, witnessed the collaborative efforts of Canadian Army divers and their German counterparts as they participated in Exercise Roguish Buoy. This annual training exercise, which has been ongoing since 1979, facilitates joint operations among divers from Canada, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Germany, and the Netherlands.

This year marks the third consecutive occasion that Exercise Roguish Buoy has taken place in Greater Victoria. For Cpl. Alex Robinson, a member of the 2 Combat Engineers Regiment based in Petawawa, the event represents a significant milestone as it is his first time participating. The training primarily focuses on demolition techniques, a crucial skill for military operations.

During the exercise, divers set four charges on underwater obstacles in the bay after preparing the explosives on shore. Cpl. Robinson elaborated on the procedure, explaining that the team attaches an explosive chord, known as a “ring main,” to the charges. Safety protocols are paramount; all team members must be accounted for and secured in a bunker before detonations occur. “These skills are essential for deployment situations, particularly when working with allies who require clear waterways,” Robinson stated.

The exercise serves as the Canadian Army’s sole collective training event aimed at enhancing the capabilities of dive teams to execute underwater tasks effectively. It also provides necessary recertification to maintain the rigorous standards expected of military divers.

For the lead Dutch diver, Sgt. first class Huub Eikanboom, this experience is equally valuable. He remarked, “This exercise allows us to improve ourselves. Working alongside a Canadian team offers us the chance to train together and learn from each other.”

As training continues near Albert Head through to February 12, local residents may notice flashing lights and the sounds of controlled demolitions. The exercise requires certain restrictions along the shoreline near Whirly Bay and Bentinck Island on specific dates: January 26, 28, 31, and February 2.

To mitigate the environmental impact of the explosions, underwater bubble curtains are employed to limit shockwaves, along with marine monitoring throughout the training period. According to Eikanboom, demolition tasks are vital for military operations. “If you cannot get your boat somewhere or build a bridge, the fight cannot go on. Our role ensures that the rest of the army can proceed,” he emphasized.

This collaborative training not only enhances the operational readiness of the involved forces but also fosters a spirit of camaraderie and shared knowledge among international military personnel.