Podcasts about clearance diver

Ashley Semmens is a former Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver who served for 18 years, specialising in explosive ordnance disposal. He has deployed multiple times, including to Afghanistan, and participated in Australia's military withdrawal in 2021. After surviving trauma from an IED attack, a sniper incident, and a horrific shark attack aftermath in Sydney Harbour, Ashley was medically discharged due to PTSD. Now, he's preparing to swim the English Channel — not just any swim, but on his back, using fins. It's a fundraising mission for the Navy Clearance Diver Trust and a deeply personal journey into fear, resilience, and purpose. In this episode, Ash opens up about overcoming fear of the water, losing close mates, post-service mental health, and how he's turning pain into a platform for support and recovery. Key Moments 00:00 – Ben and Tim intro the episode and Ash's unique goal: finning across the English Channel 01:14 – Comparison to Sam Penny's Channel swim (Season 1, Episode 27) 01:40 – Ash's clearance diving background and fear of water after trauma 02:45 – Military and Afghanistan service; PTSD and recovery journey 04:00 – Ash joins the conversation, starts with early life and growing up in Adelaide 06:00 – Competitive swimming as a teen; early struggles and successes 07:45 – 2003: Racing against Grant Hackett at Nationals 09:18 – Backstroke vs freestyle debate; Ash's short course gold medal (with caveats) 10:00 – Natural transition to the Navy from competitive sport 11:01 – Joining as a direct entry diver and diver vs boatswain's mate decision 12:01 – Clearance Diver selection process explained — 10 days of being wet, sandy, and psychologically tested 14:07 – What Ash learned about focus, fatigue, and resilience during selection 15:00 – 2009 shark attack incident: Ash explains what happened to Paul de Gelder 17:34 – Ash's role in the aftermath: trauma from cleaning the boat, psychological impact 18:29 – Lingering fear of large bodies of water, even lakes 20:00 – Later incident at Jervis Bay: panic before dive leads to difficult team moment 21:12 – Realisation of responsibility and shame around not seeking help 22:30 – Stigma and lack of psychological support during service 23:45 – What clearance divers do: diving, EOD, underwater repair, and land-based ops 25:16 – How Ash ended up doing EOD work in Afghanistan despite being too junior 27:22 – Becoming the most junior sailor to deploy for combat operations in Afghanistan 28:46 – Motivation to deploy: “It's like a footballer wanting to play a grand final” 29:00 – Getting targeted by an IED during deployment 31:30   About the Bushmaster 34:42   Pressure builds up 39:30   PTSD, cracks, symptoms and care 44:00   ‘More to live for' – side story 49:10   Medical discharge… and there are no protective factors in the military uniform 51:00   Role identity fusion 54:30   Finning the channel- breaking it down     External Links Navy Clearance Diver Trust Paul de Gelder – Shark Attack Survivor & Advocate S1E27 – Sam Penny swims the English Channel Contact Us www.unforgiving60.com Email: debrief@unforgiving60.com Instagram & Twitter: @Unforgiving60   Music With thanks to: The Externals – available on Spotify

On this week's podcast, I speak with Ashley Semmens. Ashley spent 18 years in the Australian Navy, enlisting in 2005 into the direct entry program as a Clearance Diver. Ashley deployed multiple times, which included Op Resolute Border Security, OP Manitou, a human remains recovery in Tongan deep waters, and two deployments to Afghanistan on OP Slipper providing Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Reconnaissance to the Infantry combat team whilst on patrol in Afghanistan and during the withdrawal of Afghanistan in 2021.  In 2022, he was medically discharged at the rank of Chief Petty Officer, now he volunteers his time to the Clearance DiverTrust. Clearance Divers (CDs) are the Australian Defence Forces' specialist divers. CD tasks include specialist diving missions to depths of 54 metres, surface and underwater demolitions, and the rendering safe and disposal of conventional explosive ordnance and improvised explosive devices. Ash is about to take on his toughest challenge yet, he has set his sights on becoming the first person to swim the English Channel — in a peculiar backwards manner. To achieve the record, Ashley will need to swim on his back for more than 15 hours, not in a traditional backstroke, but dolphin kicking while facing the sky, with minimal use of his arms. He said preparing for the 34.2-kilometre swim was as much mental as physical. The kicking is effectively how I would work in my previous profession, he said. But as a clearance diver, I will be taking mental resilience into the swim. The channel swim is set for June 2025 and aims to raise money for the Navy Clearance Divers Trust. Good luck, Ash, you got this! This is a raw story owning all your faults and redemption! To donate to the cause, see the link below https://ncdt.org.au/donations/sponsor-ash-in-a-world-first-finning-across-the-english- channel/ Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Ashley Semmens Editor: Kyle Watkins

Send us a textOn today's Zero Limits Podcast I chat with John Armfield Clearance Diver from the Royal Australian Navy.John enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy in 2003 and served just over 20 years predominantly as a Clearance Diver. During his service John deployed on multiple operations including Operation Slipper with 5/7 RAR as part of the Explosive Ordinates Disposal team with army engineers.Further to John's story, his brother Andrew joined the Australian army in 2001 deploying to East Timor as an infantryman and then later service transfer to the Royal Australian Airforce. In 2011 Andrew's mental health had declined and he committed suicide and where this story goes south is John only found out about the existence of an internal report into his brother's death 10 years after the traumatic event. John presented to the Royal Commission about serious failures he encountered in the ADF's treatment of his brother and spoke about a hostile culture as he grappled with the circumstances of Andrew's death. www.3zeroscoffee.com.auInstargram @3zeroscoffee Discount Code 3ZLimits Website - www.zerolimitspodcast.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/zero.limits.podcast/?hl=enHost - Matty Morris www.instagram.com/matty.m.morrisSponsorsGatorz Australia - www.gatorzaustralia.com15% Discount Code - ZERO15(former/current military & first responders 20% discount to order please email orders@gatorzaustralia.com.auGetSome Jocko Fuel - www.getsome.com.au10 % Discount Code - ZEROLIMITS

On today's Zero Limits Podcast I chat with John Armfield Clearance Diver from the Royal Australian Navy.John enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy in 2003 and served just over 20 years predominantly as a Clearance Diver. During his service John deployed on multiple operations including Operation Slipper with 5/7 RAR as part of the Explosive Ordinates Disposal team with army engineers.Further to John's story, his brother Andrew joined the Australian army in 2001 deploying to East Timor as an infantryman and then later service transfer to the Royal Australian Airforce. In 2011 Andrew's mental health had declined and he committed suicide and where this story goes south is John only found out about the existence of an internal report into his brother's death 10 years after the traumatic event. John presented to the Royal Commission about serious failures he encountered in the ADF's treatment of his brother and spoke about a hostile culture as he grappled with the circumstances of Andrew's death.

Danny Morin is a 38 year old Clearance Diver with the Canadian Navy who was born in Quebec and now lives in Toronto. Accustomed to striving for high levels of fitness as part of his military training, he became curious back in 2016 to see if he could meet the standard for the Canadian Armed Forces National 5k Running competition in Ottawa. He debuted with an 18:20 5k at Around the Bay and since then has gone all-in on his running goals. November of this year even marks his one year anniversary of giving up alcohol in order to squeeze every last second out of running performance. Danny now holds personal bests of 15:45 (5k), 33:14 (10k), 1:12:24 (½ marathon), 2:45 (marathon). On October 29th 2023, Danny was one of four male and four female athletes who represented the Canadian military on the CISM International team at the first World Military Half Marathon Championships in Lucerne, Switzerland. They competed against 39 militaries from around the world and toed the start line with Olympic level athletes. In this conversation we learn all about these military events, which aim to promote friendship through sport, including Danny's 1:12:50 half marathon performance at the Swiss City Half Marathon. Be sure to listen to the very end to hear an exciting goal that Danny has his sights set on over the next several years.Resources we discussed in this episode:Learn more about CISM: https://www.milsport.oneOur interview with Mike Mueller (CISM team  manager)Our interview with Michael Bergeron (CISM running coach + world record-holding joggler)Connect with Danny:Instagram: @dannyshallrunConnect with Carolyn & Kim:Email us with guest ideas: inspiredsolescast@gmail.comInspired Soles InstagramKim's InstagramKim's FacebookCarolyn's InstagramCarolyn's FacebookCarolyn's websiteWe love hearing from you! Connect with us on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to inspiredsolescast@gmail.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe or leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

On today's Zero Limits Podcast I chat with Ashley Semmens former Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver.Ashley spent 18 years in the Australian navy enlisting in 2005 into the direct entry program as a Clearance Diver. Ashley deployed multiple times which included Op Resolute Border Security,  OP Manitou, a human remains recovery in Tongan deep waters and two deployments to Afghanistan on OP Slipper providing Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Reconnaissance to the Infantry combat team whilst on patrol in Afghanistan and during the withdrawal of Afghanistan in 2021.  In 2022 he was medically discharged at the rank of Chief Petty Officer in which now he volunteers his time to the Clearance Diver Trust.Clearance Divers (CDs) are the Australian Defence Forces' specialist divers. CD tasks include specialist diving missions to depths of 54 metres, surface and underwater demolitions, and the rendering safe and disposal of conventional explosive ordnance and improvised explosive devices.Let's GO!Support the show - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=9LG48GC49TW38Website - www.zerolimitspodcast.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/zero.limits.podcast/?hl=en

Alex Lloyd interviews navy veterans Rebecca and Ashley Semmens. Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. Rebecca Semmens served in the Royal Australian Navy for 18 years, and was medically discharged in 2020 at the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Bec was a medic, and deployed to Timor and Afghanistan. Her husband, Ashley Semmens, was a Clearance Diver, also serving in the navy for 18 years. Ash had multiple deployments, including to Afghanistan. He was a Clearance Diver, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal expert and was in Kabul during the evacuation as the Taliban retook the country in 2021. He medically discharged in 2022 as a Chief Petty Officer. Bec and Ash spoke jointly with Alex Lloyd at the Gaythorne RSL in Brisbane. Episodes referenced at the end of the podcast include: #17 Dave Stafford Finney #25 Paul de Gelder #64 Jodi Farmer To see photos related to today's interview, visit our website - www.lifeonthelinepodcast.com - or follow us on social media: @lifeonthelinepodcast on Facebook and Instagram, @LOTLpod on Twitter and 'Thistle Productions' on LinkedIn.

In this episode of The Leadership Lounge, we Dive Deep: From Competitive Swimmer to Navy Diver with Rob Hinton. The average body is 60% water, in the case of Rob, this is unsubstantiated - as he has been swimming competitively since age 4. On a rugby trip to South Africa, he found his love of diving and started his diving career there in 1999. Always one for a challenge, Rob entered the Royal Navy as a direct entry Clearance Diver candidate. Of the 29 candidates on his Aptitude only 3 passed, Rob being one of them, thankfully. Rob then went on to have a successful career, carrying out mine clearance and bomb disposal on sea and land. Serving in: Fleet Diving Unit 2, HMS Inverness and Northern Diving Group. After the Royal Navy, Rob dived commercially for 14 years working in oil & gas all over the world. Along with being a founder of Hold Fast, Rob was an assistant instructor for military rebreather courses - working across the continents. Apparently, Rob has a sense of humour! Social media links - Website - www.holdfastchallenge.com Instagram - @hold_fast_elite FaceBook - Hold Fast Challenge YouTube - @holdfastchallenge3690 LinkedIn - @Hold Fast Elite Twitter - @EliteHold ----- Website: https://www.tdlfuture.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tdl-... Instagram: tdl_future Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform - new episodes are released every Wednesday!

https://www.facebook.com/brunoredemption Bruno was injured, sought help, got better, and continues to heal. He is now travelling across the country to share his story of healing as inspiration for others to walk the healing path as well. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tango-romeo/message

On this Zero Limits Podcast episode we chat to Sam Peters former Navy Clearance Diver and TAG East operator. Growing up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Sam had his sights set on paying rugby league professionally and being accepted into the junior development program at the age of 16  for the Warringah Manly Sea Eagles rugby league team. However few years later after a chat with a trainer about his future plans and meeting a sailor on a PT tafe course it drew interests in him joining the Australian Defence Force. Sam enlisted into the Navy and had his sights on becoming a Clearance Diver in which he successfully completed training. After a stint in the teams he also successfully completed training to join the Tactical Assault Group East the counter terrorism company located the 2 Commando Regiment in Sydney. Since discharging the ADF same has continued working for a government agency protecting the interests of the Australia's integrity. Let's Go!!!!

S1 Claire Bortolotti worked as a paramedic before joining the Canadian Armed Forces as a Medical Technician. Looking for more action and excitement, she completed a very difficult selection followed by a year long course to become a Clearance Diver in the Royal Canadian Navy. She has also competed internationally as a swimmer representing Canada at the World Military Games. ---------- instagram.com/shootlikeagirlpodcast/ shootlikeagirlpodcast@gmail.com

This is a huge opportunity for all, please like and share with everyone you know! July 7th 2021, must RSVP by July 6thAre you a CAF member interested in hearing about Clearance Diver, SAR Tech, CANSOFCOM, CACI, Postal Clerk, Close Protection Operator, Flight Engineer, or AES Op Employment Opportunities? We are holding an online information session for those opportunities. To RSVP for the event;FILL OUT BY JULY 6TH 2021:https://forms.office.com/r/CxBa8Lh0VBIf you have any problems with registering for this event please e-mail CANSOFCOMRecruiting.RecrutementCOMFOSCAN@forces.gc.ca and someone will respond within 24 hoursSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thesartake)

A Clearance Diver in the Australian Navy, in 2009 Paul de Gelder was working in Sydney Harbour when he was attacked by a bull shark (the first attack inside the Harbour in 60 years). Paul lost his right hand in the attack and his right leg was amputated a week later. What’s remarkable about Paul is not that he was attacked. What’s remarkable is what he’s done since then. Not only has he returned to the open water, but he also confronted his fear and dived with bull sharks and even learnt to feed them by hand. He’s also become an advocate for the protection of sharks and has hosted documentaries for the Discovery Channel during Shark Week. In this conversation, we discuss his troubled childhood, what he gained when he joined the Army, his decision to become a Clearance Diver despite a “massive” fear of sharks and how he was able to overcome his fear to get back in the water. Get the full show notes for the episode here. — Visit the Sparta Chicks Radio website here  Follow Sparta Chicks Radio on Facebook: facebook.com/SpartaChicks  Follow Paul on Instagram: @PauldeGelder

Dan speaks with two of the founders from The Mill Gym about risk, risk management, strategic planning and leadership in business and life. Some great takeaways for everyone from two guys that make risk mitigation and management their lives.Find Dan on LInkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljackson2/Nick here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-caldwell-5a114730/The Mill Gym here:https://themillgym.com/https://www.instagram.com/themillgym/https://www.facebook.com/theMillgym

Host and founder of The Veterans Project, Tim K., speaks with Paul de Gelder who served as an Australian Army Paratrooper as well as a Naval Clearance Diver. Since being attacked in the Sydney Bay by a 9-foot bull shark and losing two limbs, Paul has dedicated himself to inspiring others. He has served as the host of various Discovery Channel Shark Week documentaries, spoken to multi-million dollar corporations, and spent time advocating for conservation efforts enacted to save the various shark populations around the world. This podcast is sponsored by OP Veteran. Check out opveteran.org to learn more about Vet Fest 2019.

Paul de Gelder a native Australian, turned his life around at the age of 20. Following his turbulent years as an out of control teenager he joined the military. First as an elite Army Paratrooper and 5 years later became a highly skilled Clearance Diver with the Australian Navy. No amount of elite training could have prepared him for what he would encounter during a seemingly routine counterterrorism training exercise. Moments after plunging into the harbor, Paul feels a massive hit at the back of his leg. Turning to investigate, he finds himself looking directly into the eyes of a 600 pound Bull Shark whose razor-sharp teeth are partially embedded into his arm and leg. Suddenly the unthinkable happens, the shark bites down. In this raw and emotional interview, Paul shares his incredible story, how he fought through excruciating physical and mental pain, and proves that one man’s ability to Improvise, Adapt and Overcome is so much more than just a mantra, it is Paul’s life story.

Damien Mander had a military career with the Australian Royal Navy as a Clearance Diver and Special Operations sniper. In 2009, he completely cashed in and became the founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation in Africa. He was in DC recently to raise funds for his organization, and was able to give Commander Divine some time to talk about his work in Africa and how he is developing leaders amongst Rangers in several African countries. Learn how Damien recruits largely from the female population for his rangers lately for stronger connections to the communities affected by poaching How his anti-poaching efforts came from going to Africa first, and gaining understanding later It's important to include the communities in his efforts, rather than just "declaring war" on both poaching and the communities Listen to this episode for a fascinating conversation about courage, leadership and the importance of preserving the eco-system.

Damien Mander had a military career with the Australian Royal Navy as a Clearance Diver and Special Operations sniper. In 2009, he completely cashed in and became the founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation in Africa. He was in DC recently to raise funds for his organization, and was able to give Commander Divine some time to talk about his work in Africa and how he is developing leaders amongst Rangers in several African countries. Learn how Damien recruits largely from the female population for his rangers lately for stronger connections to the communities affected by poaching How his anti-poaching efforts came from going to Africa first, and gaining understanding later It’s important to include the communities in his efforts, rather than just “declaring war” on both poaching and the communities Listen to this episode for a fascinating conversation about courage, leadership and the importance of preserving the eco-system.

A Clearance Diver in the Australian Navy, in 2009 Paul was working in Sydney Harbour when he was attacked by a bull shark (the first attack inside the Harbour in 60 years). Paul lost his right hand in the attack and his right leg was amputated a week later. What’s remarkable about Paul is not that he was attacked. What’s remarkable is what he has done since then. Not only has he returned to the open water, he confronted his fear and dived with bull sharks and even learnt to feed them by hand. He’s also become an advocate for the protection of sharks and has hosted documentaries for the Discovery Channel during Shark Week. In this conversation, we discuss his troubled childhood, what he gained when he joined the Army, his decision to become a Clearance Diver despite a “massive” fear of sharks and how he was able to overcome his fear to get back in the water. Get the full show notes for the episode here. — Visit the Sparta Chicks Radio website hereFollow Sparta Chicks on Facebook: facebook.com/SpartaChicksFollow Paul on Instagram: instagram.com/pauldegelder  

GRP 102- On for this week’s podcast is Australian Navy Clearance Diver Paul De Gelder. Paul served in the Australian Army as a Paratrooper before transferring into the Navy to serve in the elite Navy Clearance Diver teams. While working on a counter terrorism exercise in Australia Paul was attacked by a Bull shark. The shark nearly killed him ripping off his wrist and tearing through a large portion of his right leg which was eventually amputated. Being in a really dark space Paul was struggling with basic task and overwhelming pain as a result of his injuries. We talked about what this recovery process was like and the value of the human spirit. He was able to become an instructor at the Clearance Diver school, but wasn’t allowed back into the teams. Paul now does documentary film work, and television shows with Discovery. We talked about mindset and how to overcome adversity. Powerful. 0:00-Intro 7:00- Paul’s life pre military. Australian Army Paratrooper. 11:07-East Timor. An eye opening experience. 16:41- Australian Navy Clearance Diver 29:10-The shark attack that was nearly fatal. Paul lost his wrist and right leg after a Bullshark bit him during a counter terrorism exercise. Recovery, phantom pains, mindset, dealing with adversity. You can find Paul on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/PaulDeGelder Follow my co-host and my pages on social media. Links below. Global Recon: www.Globalrecon.net https://www.instagram.com/igrecon https://www.instagram.com/blackopsmatter www.twitter.com/igrecon https://www.facebook.com/GlobalReconPodcast/ HP Lefler: https://www.instagram.com/4runner.freyja Chantel Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/mission_critical https://www.instagram.com/altern8rv Music provided by Carson Aune: "A soldiers Best Friend" http://www.carsonaune.com