Navy diver (United States Navy)

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Navy Diver (United States Navy) refers to the members of the United States Navy who are trained in underwater diving and salvage operations. Navy Divers are part of the Navy's Special Operations community, and they are involved in a wide range of missions, including underwater salvage, repair, and maintenance of ships and submarines, underwater construction, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). They are also trained in combat diving and can be deployed for military operations requiring their specialized skills.

Training and Qualification

To become a Navy Diver, candidates must first pass a rigorous physical screening test and diving medical examination. Following initial selection, they attend the Navy Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) in Panama City, Florida, where they undergo basic scuba diving training, followed by advanced training in various types of diving apparatus, underwater tools, and salvage techniques. The training also covers underwater cutting and welding, hydraulic tool operation, and chamber operations for decompression sickness treatment.

Types of Navy Divers

Navy Divers in the United States Navy are classified into several types, each with its specific roles and responsibilities:

• Second Class Diver (DV2): Performs basic diving and salvage work.
• First Class Diver (DV1): Takes on more advanced and technical diving operations.
• Master Diver (MDV): The highest enlisted diving position, responsible for supervising all diving operations and training within a command.
• Diving Medical Officer (DMO): A Navy Medical Corps officer trained in diving medicine.
• Diving Medical Technician (DMT): Provides medical support to diving operations and is trained in hyperbaric medicine.

Roles and Missions

Navy Divers are involved in a variety of missions that require their unique skills. These include:

• Salvage Operations: Recovering sunken aircraft, ships, and other equipment from the ocean floor.
• Underwater Repair and Maintenance: Performing repairs on ships and submarines while they are waterborne.
• Underwater Construction: Building and repairing underwater structures, such as piers and sea walls.
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal: Locating and disposing of underwater mines and other explosive devices.
• Combat Diving: Conducting covert operations, including reconnaissance and demolition missions in hostile environments.

Equipment

Navy Divers use a variety of equipment depending on the mission, including:

• Scuba Gear: For shallow water diving.
• Surface Supplied Diving Equipment: Provides air or mixed gas from the surface for deeper dives.
• Closed Circuit Rebreathers: For covert operations, minimizing bubbles and noise.
• Underwater Tools: Including hydraulic cutters, welding equipment, and explosive ordnance disposal tools.

Challenges and Risks

Navy Diving is a physically demanding and potentially hazardous occupation. Divers face risks such as decompression sickness, drowning, and underwater hazards. The training is designed to prepare divers to manage these risks effectively and to perform their duties safely under challenging conditions.

Conclusion

Navy Divers play a crucial role in the operational capability of the United States Navy. Their expertise in underwater operations supports the Navy's mission across a broad spectrum of military, salvage, and construction activities. The training and skills of Navy Divers enable them to tackle some of the most challenging and dangerous tasks in the maritime environment.