CHAPTER 6 — Operational Planning
Change A 6-29
Fleet Ocean Tug (T-ATF). T-ATFs are operated by the Military Sealift Com-
mand. Civilian crews are augmented with military communications and diving
detachments. In addition to towing, these large ocean-going tugs serve as sal-
vage and diving platforms.
Diving Tender (YDT). These vessels are used to support shallow-water diving
operations. Additionally, a wide variety of Standard Navy Dive Boats
(SNDB), LCM-8, LCM-6, 50-foot work boats, and other yard craft have been
fitted with surface-supplied dive systems.
6-8.3.2
Small Craft. Scuba operations are normally conducted from small craft. These can
range in size and style from an inflatable rubber raft with an outboard engine to a
small landing craft. If divers are operating from a large ship or diving float, a small
boat must be ready as a rescue craft in the event a surfacing diver is in trouble
some distance from the support site. A small boat used by scuba divers must be
able to slip its moorings quickly and move to a diver needing assistance.
6-9
SELECT AND ASSEMBLE THE DIVING TEAM
When planning diving assignments and matching the qualifications and experi-
ence of diving personnel to specific requirements of the operation, a thorough
knowledge of the duties, responsibilities and relationships of the various members
of the diving team is essential. The diving team may include the Diving Officer,
Master Diver, Diving Supervisor, Diving Medical Officer, divers qualified in
various techniques and equipment, support personnel (tenders—qualified divers if
possible), recorder, and medical personnel, as indicated by the type of operation
(Figure 6-15). Other members of the ship’s company, when properly instructed,
provide support in varying degrees in such roles as boat crew, winch operators,
and line handlers.
6-9.1
Manning Levels. The size of the diving team may vary with the operation,
depending upon the type of equipment being used, the number of divers needed to
complete the mission, and the depth. Other factors, such as weather, planned
length of the mission, the nature of the objective, and the availability of various
resources will also influence the size of the team. The minimum number of
personnel required on station for each particular type of diving equipment is
provided in Figure 6-16. The minimum levels shall be maintained; levels should
be increased as necessary to meet anticipated operational conditions and
situations.
6-9.2
Commanding Officer. The ultimate responsibility for the safe and successful
conduct of all diving operations rests with the Commanding Officer. The
Commanding Officer’s responsibilities for diving operations are defined and
specific authority is confirmed by the provisions of U.S. Navy Regulations and
other fleet, force, or command regulations. To ensure diving operations are effi-
ciently conducted, the Commanding Officer delegates appropriate authority to
selected members of the command who, with subordinate personnel, make up the
diving team.
