Halifax, Nova Scotia
Mr. Stanley F. “Fred” Watts is a Veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy who served as both a non-commissioned and a commissioned officer, between 1954 and 1993 in the RCN and RCN(R). He trained as a Radio Controller, a Gunner and as a Clearance Diver, eventually becoming a diving instructor and team leader participating in expeditions around the globe, including several Arctic expeditions. Upon retirement from the Forces, Mr. Watts’ work with Dalhousie University in the 1990s included the development of a scientific diving program that is employed to this day. He helped to formulate the national code for scientific diving and has served with committees of the Canadian Standards Association to create commercial diving regulations in Canada. He also played an active role in establishing the Canadian Association for Underwater Science.
In 1981, Mr. Watts co-founded the Canadian Naval Divers Association and served as its first president. Members of the Canadian Naval Divers Association are all military-trained divers, either currently serving or retired Veterans. The Association’s mandate is to bring its membership together and to provide information, social opportunities and a place for mutual support. Through this organization, where military divers are able to share their stories with each other and find support, Mr. Watts has contributed in an exemplary manner to the care and well-being of Veterans.