Allied Forces Conduct Explosive Demolition Training off Vancouver Island Coast
International exercise, Exercise Roguish Buoy, strengthens underwater demolition capabilities and interoperability among NATO allies.
Greater Victoria, British Columbia – In a display of coordinated military prowess, divers from Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Latvia, the Netherlands, and other allied nations are currently engaged in Exercise Roguish Buoy off the shores of Metchosin, British Columbia. The training, which commenced on January 28, 2026, focuses on underwater demolition techniques and has been a recurring event since 1979. This marks the third consecutive year the exercise has taken place in the Greater Victoria region.
The drills, centered around Whirly Bay, provide a crucial opportunity for international forces to refine their skills and foster collaboration. According to a participant, the training involves setting explosive charges on underwater obstacles and utilizing a “ring main” – the detonating cord – to initiate controlled demolitions. Safety is paramount, with all personnel accounted for and secured in bunkers prior to any blasts.
“It’s been excellent; we’ve been trading a lot of knowledge between different countries… it’s really good cross training,” a participant noted. “We’re learning from them, and they’re learning from us, and so far, it’s been really good.”
Exercise Roguish Buoy is the Canadian Army’s primary collective training exercise specifically designed to prepare dive teams for operational deployments and maintain the high standards required for underwater tasks. For some, like Corporal Alex Robinson of the 2 Combat Engineers Regiment in Petawawa, this year’s exercise represents a first-time experience.
The importance of this specialized skillset extends beyond routine training. As one senior official explained, the ability to clear waterways using explosives is vital in deployment scenarios where technical removal methods are unavailable. “If you cannot get your boat somewhere, if you cannot build a bridge, the fight cannot go on. So the task we have is one of the most important tasks. We make sure the rest of the army keeps rolling.”
A lead diver from the Dutch military, Sergeant First Class Huub Eikanboom, emphasized the value of the collaborative environment. “This is a great exercise for us to improve ourselves,” he stated. “We are connected to a Canadian team, and the best part for us is that we can train together and learn from each other.”
Residents in the vicinity of Albert Head can expect to see flashing lights and hear the sounds of demolition through February 12. Shoreline restrictions are in place near Whirl Bay and Bentinck Island on January 26, 28, 31, and February 2. Military personnel are employing underwater bubble curtains and conducting marine monitoring to minimize the impact of the exercises on local wildlife.
The use of these mitigation techniques underscores the commitment to responsible training practices. Demolition, according to Eikenboom, is a fundamental diving task with far-reaching implications for overall military operations.
The exercise serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of international cooperation and the dedication of allied forces to maintaining readiness and ensuring operational success.
