Teen follows dream to bottom of the sea

Tim Sciascia, 18, tries to go diving for paua and crays at least once a week and has been accepted into the New Zealand Navy, where he hopes to succeed in his dream to become an elite diver. Photo / Warren Buckland

Becoming an elite Navy diver was plan A, B and C for Waipukurau's Tim Sciascia, so it's fortunate his application made the cut when many others didn't.

The 18-year-old was one step closer to becoming a Seaman Combat Specialist after receiving an acceptance phone call while working at Silver Fern Farms in Takapau three weeks ago.

His reaction was one of excitement, as all that study and hard work paid off. Part of the consideration process saw him undergo two fitness tests and two interviews.

While most people spent the summer relaxing, Mr Sciascia's holiday revolved around preparations for the basic training he faced later this month.

His current exercise regime included running, sit ups, press ups and the odd gym training session. In his spare time he could be found diving for paua, crayfish, spear fishing or surfing at Blackhead Beach.

A drop in attrition rates across the board meant a stronger defence force has emerged, making it very competitive to get in, with 6500 people trying each year and only 800 accepted. One of the barriers stopping applicants was physical fitness.

New Zealand's Navy saw the most dramatic decline, falling to 7.99 from 15.91 in June 2013 - the lowest rate in its modern history.

"It has been his plan A, B and C - we as parents assumed it would be easy to get in, but it's not and we are very proud," his mother Sharon Sciascia said.

Frontline numbers have boosted military capacity and successful re-enlistment has seen the military at its strongest since 2011 with just over 14,000 military personnel and civilian staff.

On January 18, Mr Sciascia will leave family in Central Hawke's Bay to train in Devonport, Auckland - a move that came with some few nerves and a long, uncertain road ahead.

Through speaking with qualified Navy divers, he realised the journey wasn't going to be an easy one, but the drive to succeed was strong.

"In the long run, that's where I want to end up," Mr Sciascia said.

"There are different courses you have to complete and a lot of people end up dropping out or failing.

"Our family friend Rob Hewitt was a navy diver. He was always talking about it; I think I was about year 8, I have had my eye on it since then."