BACKGROUND

Introduction.  EXERCISE CATALINA QUEST is a DCSA diving expedition to the Maldives.  It is expected to have 16 participants from all three services, and ranging in rank from Colonel to Senior Aircraftsman.  This Expedition is a follow-up to the extremely successful EXERCISE POSEIDON FEENUN 04 and 05 expeditions.

Expedition Aims.  The main aims of the expedition are;

Wreck Survey The main aim of the expedition is to locate the Catalina flying boat or identify which type of seaplane is located off the old RAF seaplane base at Kelaa in the North of the Maldives. 

Reef Survey Assist in a Reef Survey studying the effects of the recent Earthquake and Tsunami with the Maldivian Marine Research Department; our efforts are being overseen by The Director of the Ministry of the Environment, Mr Zuhair.

Supplementary Aims.  There are several supplementary expedition aims;  

To continuing the work carried out by the previous Expeditions mounted in 2004 and 2005 under the “Poseidon Feenun” banner on behalf of Earth-Dive, Shark-Ray Trust and the RGS. 

To carry out Diver Training and Advancement to a certified level and achieve further diving and instructional qualification.

To Conduct Team Building.

To Develop Personal and Interpersonal Skills.

Promote British Service Adventurous Training.

Charity event in aid of SSAFA.  (Financial donation aim of £2,000.00). The expedition will conduct a challenge dive for Charity in aid of SSAFA.  All expedition members will attempt to complete a circumnavigation of Hittado Island on a single tank of air.