Student Testimonials

Over the past seven years Clearwater Special Projects have received many testimonials from students; many of whom have gone on to work in the Close Protection Industry. This is a selection of some of those who are now qualified as a Professional Close Protection Operative:

A Selection Of Recent Comments From 2008

 

• Excellent course and value for money. With experienced licensed instrutors.
  Paul Poruba
   
  
• An excellent course for all levels of ability and experience. The curriculum was easy to follow and relevent to the industry.
  Matt Daly
   
• I have attended many training courses in my time but this course has delivered the best environment and accommodation I have ever received on any course.
  Chris R.
  
  
• I would highly recommend this course to anyone, a very high standard.
  Jamie Burnett
  
  
• The course administration was very organised throughout and very well planned. Very good value for money.
  Tara Burt
  
  
• Brilliant, its hard work and you have to put a lot in, but you learn a great deal.
  P C Martin
  
  
• Fantastic, well worth doing. The course is value for money because of the amount of different subjects that are taught to such a high standard.
  Phil Mertens
  
  
• Do the course, even if you don't want to work in the industry. Its well worth doing as it contains essential life skills.
  Tania Preston
  
  
• Awesome course, great teachers and a great set up.
  Elizabeth Bailey
  
  
• Very organised and timely. I would recommend it to anyone.
  Alan Thomson
  
  
• The course is quite intense, a lot to learn in a short period, but very achievable by anyone with a proper application of sense.
  Chris Rowe
   
  
  

  ---

   

A Selection Of Comments From 2005 - 2007

 

• I think the course is ideal for those who are limited on time i.e. working abroad, as it is straight to the point and no pointless exercises.
  Jason Oldale - 2007
  
  
• All of it was very well put together to make the course more enjoyable while learning. The course is value for money, as all subjects and the accommodation are above average. 
  Kevin Richens - 2007
  
  
• Training environment and accommodation are both excellent. Definitely worth doing if you are interested in CP.
  Barry Howard - 2007
  
  
• I have been a hostile environment CPO for 3 years; this course taught me my job in depth and helped me with the theory side of the job. Excellent course with dedicated instructors that help students and are very approachable.
  James Selby - 2007
  
  
• A big introduction to the CP World. I am now more confident I can provide a professional service when I am employed in the future. Professional, enjoyable and a good learning tool. I feel the price is fair when compared to other courses available.
  Alan Shrewsbury - 2007
  
  
• Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the course - the 2 weeks went past very quickly. The whole set was great and I'm glad I chose Clearwater over all the other providers out there.
  Michael Jones - 2007
  
  
• I found this course very enjoyable.
  Darren Fairhurst - 2007
  
  
• The course was full of new information as I have not worked this role before. I felt it was taught well and all information was confirmed after each session.
  Ian Latham - 2007
  
  
• I felt that the units were very educational, direct with instruction and detail. I found that all teaching and instruction were educational and informative, thus giving myself the confidence and knowledge to progress further into the Close Protection Operatives role.
  Michael Knight - 2007
  
  
• This experience was conducted professionally and realistically.
  Stephen Thompson - 2007
  
  
• It has been a highly enjoyable course, with the added bonus of classroom work being broken up with the practical work. It was very well instructed.
  Cole Hunter - 2007
  
  
• Excellent instruction throughout.
  John Morris - 2007
  
  
• The instructors presented all lessons very clearly; I understood and really enjoyed all units on the course. Also the presentation was very good and it was interesting to do the practical exercises.
  Petra Jurikova - 2007
  
  
• The instruction from the lecturers was to a high standard throughout the course.
  Bob Schooler - November 2006
  
  
• I have learnt a lot, it's really interesting.
  Hannah Lennon - October 2006
  
  
• This course was well presented and delivered.
  Keith Sample - October 2006
  
  
• The course was very helpful and especially the footwork and techniques that I learnt.
  Kevin Kavanagh - October 2006
  
  
• I have gained loads from the days I have been here. Knowledge I have gained from the lecturers, with their expertise in the business and their ability to let us know the rules and regulations of the procedures of being a good Close Protection operative.
  Andrew Reid - October 2006
  
  
• I felt the course instruction was well presented and clear.
  Jamie Anderson - October 2006
  
  
• A great level of information is given to the students, I thoroughly enjoyed this course.
  Robin Finn - August 2006
  
  
• I found the course very interesting, I have really enjoyed it.
  Scott Townsend - August 2006
  
  
• I found it a very good course. The instructors were confident and very well experienced.
  Martin Ward - August 2006
  
  
• Great course, I enjoyed the orders, process and delivery.
  Jon Tarff - July 2006
  
  
• This has been an excellent course, the training has been very good!
  Martin Carruthers - July 2006
  
  
• Great course and good instructors, who had obvious skills which they hoped to pass onto us.
  Chris Lister - July 2006
  
  
• I really enjoyed it and learned a lot about how to plan for an operation, it was very good!
  Chris McKenna - July 2006
  
  
• The course was good and beneficial and relevant to our industry. I'm so happy to have done this course!
  Troy Halden - June 2006
  
  
• Thank you for an enjoyable two weeks. I learnt a lot. I hope to be able to work with you in the future, many thanks.
  Andrew Clegg - May 2006
  
  
• I have attended lots of courses over the years staying in the usual bunk bed accommodation with one shower and toilet between ten men. But your course was so different we stayed in palaces, the accommodation was excellent I don't think anybody could ever produce a better place to stay. Once again I would like to thank you.
  Kyle Murray -  February 2006
  
  
• I am very proud in obtaining this certificate through the intensive course at Clearwater, may I also congratulate the professionalism in which the training was conducted and preparation of the students towards this.
  M I Mughal - February 2006
  
  
• An extremely professional outfit from conception to completion. Keeping the ‘enjoyment factor’ alive on such an intense course is not easy to do but Clearwater also managed this, in my opinion a very important measure.
  Jason Lee Purvis - December 2005
  
  
• An intense and extremely interesting course, instructors were knowledgeable on the subjects covered and easy to talk to. Very enjoyable, mentally challenging – thanks again to all!
  Mark Stevens - November 2005
  
  
• I found the course to be well presented and excellent value for money, the level of instruction throughout was excellent and I will recommend it to friends within the industry who still need to complete a Close Protection course.
  Ian Williams - December 2005
  
  
• I am very happy that I chose this course, I learnt a lot and I am sure that it will help me a lot in the future.
  Rafal Kaniewski - December 2005
  
  
• Thoroughly enjoyed the course throughout, I will certainly recommend anyone interested in a Close Protection career to Clearwater Special Projects in the first instance, thank you all very much.
  Ian Alexander - December 2006
  
  
• I found the training and instruction very professional and of great help to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the course – excellent.
  Nicholas Bryan - December 2005
  
  
  

  ---

Some Comments From Our Former Close Protection Course, 2001 - November 2005

Having had a week to recuperate, I would like now, to take the opportunity to thank all at Clearwater for an invaluable experience. Prior to the course, I was naïve enough to believe that through the media and especially movies I had good knowledge of what is involved in Close Protection. The course proved to be a real eye opener for me!" The lectures were concise yet informative: each topic well covered both theoretically and practically. The instructors were approachable and helpful, yet above all professional at all times. I learnt the importance of meticulous forward planning, awareness, alertness, concentration and co-operation with other Operatives. In short, my week spent at Clearwater was educational and informative and I am confident that this is a good platform from which I can further my career in Close Protection. Again, I would like to thank all at Clearwater for their knowledge, experience and extreme patience. I have no hesitations about recommending your course to all aspiring C.P.O.’s

Yours sincerely
Eze Chidoro Uwahem


The Course was a brilliant start in the Close Protection environment, excellent value for money with very factual lectures and practical exercises. I would recommend this course and company to anyone looking for a course or for a Close Protection operative, as professionalism shows through every time. After attending other Courses C.A.S.P. comes out head and shoulders above other companies.
Mr. Chris Rafferty


Just a quick informal letter to show my appreciation in fitting me in, my stay at Netley Hall was made very comfortable and the accommodation was excellent. The help you gave in getting people through the evaluations and the assistance you guys offered was commendable. The efficient manner in which you had the documentation prepared and the impression that nothing was too much trouble, gave me incentive to become a member of your Close Protection Federation. Once again, I thank you and hope we can always be colleagues and friends.
Gary McDonnell

Clearwater Associates stood out from the crowd of ‘Close Protection’ firms offering an informative and hands on approach to the industry rather than a James Bond course in America which provided no basis for the industry in the U.K., essential for beginners like myself. The introductory course is brilliant, ranging from lectures, to endurance training and a hands on Operations Day. The standard of training is high, you are assessed 9-5, and the trainers are some of the best in the field. Its is not a glamorous job, forget Kevin Costners ‘Bodyguard’ these are the professionals who prevent the shot ever being fired. The course gives an invaluable insight into the industry, giving support, knowledge and a new image to an age-old profession. The course by Clearwater is essential for beginners and will give you the chance to decide if this is the career you want. I look forward to the follow up courses, with a team that know their business.
Miss Aeryn Walken

For any female (or male for that matter) that is thinking of taking a CP course I would strongly recommend this one. I was quite apprehensive about attending a course alone but within minutes I was made to feel welcome and a part of a team by the instructors and fellow students. There is a lot of course work to go through but the instructors explained it in such a way that you could understand easily and you were never made to feel stupid for asking questions. I had a fantastic time and am looking forward to attending the advance course. A massive “thanks” to all the instructors – you really know your stuff!!
Samantha Rutt

An Excellent course, run well and by people who know their stuff. I recommend this course to anyone, whatever their background. I will certainly be doing more training with Clearwater Associates in the future. Thanks guys!
John Woosnam

I found the course extremely interesting, there is obviously a lot more to Close Protection that I first thought, I think the instructors were first class in their instruction and practical training abilities.
Andrew Mortimore

I was impressed with both the professionalism and the friendliness of all of the instructors on the course. I appreciated the honesty and found it to be the most interesting week I’ve had in a long time and has made me all the more eager to pursue this line of work.
Anthony Fordham

This week has given me a lot of information that I can use, I look forward to more training in the future.
Dennis Wallace

I found the course interesting and knowledgeable. It will equip me further in my career and really benefit me in many aspects.
Jonathan Hall

A very in-depth and interesting course for any one looking to step into the Close Protection industry. A very factual approach from the training team with some great memories, well recommended course.
Nick Howe

Eye opening and thorough, a must for anyone thinking of moving into civilian Close Protection from a Military background.
Lee Herkes

The course was of a professionally high standard, and students were made to fell welcomed and relaxed, yet during tests and role-play this was still judged strictly and fairly without favouritism.
John Lee Jeffrey
Managing Director,
Pro – Tect UK

Excellent course, very intense with a very comfortable atmosphere with good instruction.
Carl Wade

The course layout and instructors were excellent, everything I wanted to know and learn about were taught, I would recommend this course to anyone – hope to work with you soon.
Alan Dundas

I found that the course was very informative and that there were many things I needed to learn, even coming from a Police background the company put itself across as a professional one.
Bradley Gammond

Everything was explained really well, to my knowledge I couldn’t have asked for any better instructors and a big respect to them.
Paul Kerry

Excellent course, all aspects covered thoroughly and well explained, all questions and queries handled thoroughly. Staff very knowledgeable and very good teaching styles.
David Williams

A very enjoyable course that was well organised and presented. Instructors were very nice and approachable. An ideal first course.
Sarah Rolland

I would advise anyone thinking about becoming a Close Protection operative to consider this course as all instructors have very good knowledge and the course teaches you what you need to know!! Many thanks to the team it was an excellent week.
Simon Bakkor

The Close Protection training given by Clearwater Associates is unbelievable, I have never been taught like it before. Everyone was professional and helpful. I would recommend this course to anyone. I am looking forward to doing more training with Clearwater in the future, because I know I will gain so much.
Mark Price

From walking in, to leaving the course, I felt the staff were patient, professional and helpful towards not only me but also the rest of the class included. Many thanks.
Paul A Towse

A well presented course, very interesting and learnt a lot.
Craig Charles

I found course subjects very easy to assimilate; instruction was of a high standard, and look forward to further training with Clearwater.
Chris Price

A good course and a real eye opener with both theory and practical skills learnt. A great team building exercise. Excellent instructors who are very approachable and very willing to help and offer their advice when needed.
Marc Duberely

I found the course intense and interesting. It was run in a professional manner and was thoroughly enjoyable.
John Lafferty

It was a good experience, everything was provided, full training and some good advice.
Ashwell Chimbwanda

The training was very good, it was excellent, I would advise anyone to do the training.
Peter Allison

Keep up the good work guys. Looking forward to coming back and attending other courses to further my knowledge.
Brian Lock

I feel the training and instruction given on this course was informative and a great insight into the industry. I now feel ready to take on the role I was training for.
Gavin Jones

A very good course, now hopping to progress further in the Close Protection field, hope to come back soon for more training.
Rob Hurley

The course from start to finish was very well run with excellent instruction, the friendly attitude from the training staff made learning so much easier - recommended to others.
Andy Lister

I found the course instructors to be professional and well organised and this contributed to being a well structured and enjoyable course.
Sean Grinyer

For anyone considering Close Protection work I would recommend Clearwater. Instructors were very approachable, kind, courteous and information received has made me more aware.
Paul Monaghan

From start to finish, the course was well structured. The instructors were very professional and knowledge gained was excellent. Highly recommended to anyone choosing this type of career.
Miss Jamie-Lee Telford

I found it very interesting allowing myself to gain knowledge of all aspects of the Close Protection industry, giving me the confidence to hopefully gain employment in the CP industry.
William Stacy

This course has taught me some valuable life skills. Not only in security but in people management and team working.
Dan Mimran

I would like to recommend this Close Protection course run by Clearwater to anyone who needs Close Protection training, very knowledgeable and interesting.
Claon Stewart

The course and instructors were excellent. I have felt that I have learnt a good bit from this and it brushed up on my military skills also. Thank you for a good course.
Keith Meighan

I found the instructor’s and their knowledge excellent. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to start in the Close Protection Industry.
Karl Warburton