Published 18 Jan 2021

Five-year contract for the management, supply and provision of in-service support of diving equipment to the UK armed forces.

A £23.37M contract has been awarded to west-Lancashire based Northern Diver International to provide vital diving equipment to the UK Armed Forces.

Primarily delivering equipment to the Royal Navy and Army, the five-year contract enhances the UK’s diving capability by supplying diver’s apparel, specialist equipment and voice communication systems that can be used up to a depth of 30m underwater.

The contract will provide scuba sets, wet and dry dive suits, torches, knives, watches, floats and lines used by divers to conduct their role safely while deployed overseas or UK Homeland tasking.

Head Military Diving Capability Cell (MDCC), Captain Peter Laughton MBE RN, said: “This contract is excellent news for Defence and will ensure we continue to safely and effectively deliver our world-class military diving capability.”

Multiple requirements will be consolidated under one contract with a two-year extension option. Northern Diver International will manage the reliability, safety and availability of the equipment as well as leading equipment training and maintaining underwater tools.

Commenting on the award Northern Diver Managing Director Melanie Simm, said: “Northern Diver have invested heavily in R&D, staff training and infrastructure over the last three years in preparation for such an opportunity. We are pleased to have won the contract and very proud to supply the Royal Navy and we look forward building on our partnership further going forward.”

The contract provides a single source for Air Diving equipment and Diving Dress and Ancillaries that simplifies support to the UK Armed Forces. With the contract reviewing the reliability of the equipment alongside defect reporting it will be able to suggest equipment changes that will ultimately improve the equipment covered as well as looking at more cost-effective ways of managing the equipment.  The contract has supported engineering, technician, project management, Financial, Supply Chain Management and Admin jobs.

Andy Liddell, DE&S Salvage and Marine Operations Head, said: “I’m extremely proud of the collaborative way we work with our partners and clients. This contract supports British industry and manufacturing and delivers significant capability enhancements for the Royal Navy end users.”