Demolition Missions

6-6 Change A U.S. Navy Diving Manual—Volume 2 UCT Arctic Operations Manual NAVFAC P-992 Design and Installation of Near- shore Ocean Cable Protection Systems FPO-5-78 For more information on ocean construction, commands should consult NAVFAC Ocean Facilities Program. 6-4.7 Demolition Missions. Diving opera- tions may include demolition duties to remove man-made structures such as barriers, sunken naval craft, and dam- aged piers. Demolition operations are conducted by blasting, freeing, flat- tening, or cutting with explosives. Divers may also be assigned to destroy natural formations, such as reefs, bars, and rock structures that interfere with transportation routes. All personnel involved in handling explosives shall be qualified in accordance with the OPNAVINST 8023.2 series. 6-4.8 Combat Swimmer Missions. Combat swimmers conduct reconnaissance and neutralization of enemy ships, shore-based installations, and personnel. Some missions may require an underwater approach to reach coastal installations unde- tected. Reconnaissance missions and raids may expose the combat swimmers to additional risk but may be necessary to advance broader warfare objectives. 6-4.9 Enclosed Space Diving. Divers are often required to work in enclosed or confined spaces. Using surface-supplied Underwater Breathing Apparatus (UBA) (MK 20 MOD 0, MK 21 MOD 1, or EXO BR MS), divers may enter submarine ballast tanks, mud tanks, or cofferdams, which may be in either a flooded or dry condition. Access to these spaces is normally restrictive, making it difficult for the diver to enter and exit. Enclosed space diving shall be supported by a surface- supplied air system. Refer to section 8-11.4 for more information on the hazards of enclosed space diving. 6-5 COLLECT AND ANALYZE DATA Information pertinent to the mission objective shall be collected, organized, and analyzed to determine what may affect successful accomplishment of the objec- tive. This process aids in: Figure 6-4. Underwater Construction Diving.