Here's what happened on my acquaint, the structure could have changed by now but i'm sure the key parts are the same. Basically the PEDA breaks down like this (although the AFCO will give you all the information you need before you go, this should give a little more insight):
It's a fairly intense day, you get a superb breakfast from the cookhouse (I mean GALLEY!) and then you're off for a presentation which teaches you all about the job, the training, future prospects and life as a diver followed by a quick Q and A sesh - always worth asking a few questions as the PEDA is a rare opportunity to talk with the bods doing the job.
After the presentation you get into your PT kit, do a 1km squadded run as a warm up for your DPFT. You need to run 1.5 miles in under 10.30 (I think), but you should aim for under 9.30. Then off to the gym for pull-ups (Benchmark is 8 in a minute) dips (16 in a minute) and sit-ups (40? 45? per minute).
Next is the tour of the DDS. You get to visit the Fleet Diving Units and see what they do, have a look at the kit/photos and get a talk from the blokes. For me this was the best bit of the acquaint.
After lunch you get to see some training in action in the Paisley Tank and we saw some hard-hat diver training in the lake. The DS will then sit you down in a classroom and go through your DPFT scores to tell you what aspects of your fitness you need to improve on (if any). Then it's into the drybags for more phys!
You'll go and draw a drysuit, fins and other bits and bobs from the stores, stick it all on and then do a 1km run down to the end of the lake, at which point you will get into the lake and swim 1km back down. Once thats done, out you get and it's time for more fun.
Water jumps in drysuit and fins. You'll jump from the 3m board intially, and then from the 6m board. Then you'll do circuits where you jump from the 6m board, swim across the lake, get out, run back around the lake, jump from the 6m board again etc. etc.
Can't remember what came after that, but not long afterwards you are once more at the disposal of the gym queens for more running about, press-ups and other associated fun and games. As per the rest of the course, just give it maximum welly. After that you can get some scran and have a kip.
The following morning is simply breakfast, debrief and an individual assessment with a grading system whereby you will be informed of what you need to work on (if anything).
Tips in summary:
Always give your very best
Ask questions
Be prepared (Take a small bag with you, containing notepad and pen, water and PT kit)
Stay switched on
Show them that you are interested, if you are offered the opportunity to do something (try something on, mess about with any kit), go for it.
ENJOY IT!
Right, I need a beer now!
Hope that helps,
Andy
