The 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1 CER) Combat Diver Preliminary from 08 - 13 Jun 26, brought together 13 highly motivated candidates competing for a limited number of positions. RPOU(W) supported this important milestone with a Diving Officer to achieve the instructor and student ratio. The training is monitored by the medic team to ensure safety. By the end of the demanding selection process only those who have demonstrated the physical, mental, and emotional resilience required for one of the Canadian Army’s most challenging qualifications.
The course began with the Diver Fitness Test, consisting of a 2.4 km run followed by maximum push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups. This test is not a one-time requirement. The selected candidates will be tested weekly followed by 1 mile swim in the wetsuit throughout the 12 weeks Combat Diver Course. Day 1 focused heavily on conditioning and ensuring candidates could meet the physical standard. With each Engineer unit allocated only four positions each year, 1 CER emphasis is more about assessing and preparing potential course candidates rather that putting the candidates against each other in competition.
The second day shifted focus to psychological resilience, particularly water phobia. Combat divers operate in the chilling cold water, and the dark confined spaces with zero visibility. Candidates were subjected to controlled stress scenarios to assess their ability to remain functional in uncomfortable situations. Managing fear is critical, as hesitation or panic underwater can compromise both individual safety and mission success. “We need thinking warriors who can follow simple instructions when they are wet, cold, and hungry,” said MCpl Brandon Milne, 1 CER Diving NCO. This phase emphasized decision-making under stress, an essential quality for combat divers operating in amphibious environments.
Day 3 introduced high-water entry drills, simulating insertion methods such as HALOCAST conducted with full equipment loads in the dark. By this stage, candidates were already physically exhausted. Several candidates withdrew after sustaining injuries or reaching their personal limits. Despite these challenges, remaining candidates were required to perform underwater tasks while following scripted instructions under time pressure. “Strict standards not only ensure a continuity of trusted combat diving competency, but they also reinforce safety by validating candidate preparedness before they are exposed to more challenging conditions, such as the Combat Diver course and combat operations” said Capt Jacques Peroca, RPOU(W) Requirement Officer Cold Lake. The training followed a crawl, walk, run progression to set candidates up for success. This standardized approach is reinforced by detailed metrics that are recorded and analyzed to ensure all candidates are assessed objectively, regardless of which year they complete their prelim.
The final phase of the course saw the dive team relocate to Camp Wright, where the true test began. Candidates were evaluated in open water, conducting surface swims and duck dives. These activities mirror the expectations at the Army Diving Centre (ADC), Canadian Force School of Military Engineer (CFSME) Gagetown, where candidates must perform reconnaissance patrol tasks during the green phase after they have completed their initial dive training with the Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) in Halifax.
Beyond physical and psychological demands, candidates were also tested academically. Technical knowledge from dive theory, to dive table were assessed through written exams. Given the compressed timeline, the volume of information was large. Candidates were issued the study materials, and those who arrived well-prepared consistently performed better. After a weeklong course, three officers and one NCM successfully completed the prelim and were placed under consideration for the 12-week Combat Diver Course with the ADC this fall. Lt Ben Marzano was named Top Student for the 1 CER Combat Diver Prelim 2026, an especially notable achievement given the strong officer representation. “I was glad that my peer group showed their potential and represented all the young officers recently posted to 1 CER. Regardless been selected or not, I believe that we all have became a better person by knowing our limits,” said Lt Ben Marzano.
Completion of the prelim does not guarantee a position on the Combat Diver Course. Candidate scores are compared against previous years’ results to ensure only the top performers across cycles are selected. Some will not pass the diver medical exam due to the high standard. Following this rigorous competition, two officers and two NCMs were ultimately selected to attend the 2026 Combat Diver Course. “Many of our qualified members go on to specialize further as Clearance Divers, SAR Techs, or within CANSOFCOM,” said Lt David Seo, 1 CER Dive Officer “This process prepares people for some of the hardest challenges of their careers. I was very proud to be a part of it.”
The Combat Diver Prelim is not just a test of physical ability, but a comprehensive assessment of character, discipline, and cognitive performance. Those who are selected now move on to one of the most demanding courses in the Canadian Army. When successful candidate Spr Morin-Barich was asked what motivated him to complete the 1 CER Combat Diver Prelim, he answered, “knowing that the enemy is training hard to kill me, Diver!” This is the mentality of a Canadian Army soldier who is strong, proud, and ready. Congratulations to all who completed the prelim, and best of luck to those continuing forward to be the “Sappers in the Arena.”