Divex Military Diving Equipment
The phrase "military diving" is a generic term that encompasses a diverse range of disciplines: saturation diving, submarine rescue, mine disposal, and special forces combat swimming, to name a few. Each discipline is a profession in its own right that requires mission-specific life support systems and ancillary equipment. Using commercial diving experience gained in the North Sea, during the early 1990s Divex expanded into military diving. Today, Divex is the largest supplier of diving equipment to the UK Ministry of Defence and has extensive experience of supplying equipment to military diving organizations worldwide, including the US. The company has a reputation for innovative solutions across the complete range of military diving disciplines. The broad diving experience within Divex has resulted in the cross-fertilization of ideas between military diving disciplines that has resulted in a number of products.

Type A and Type B Recompression Chambers: Known in the UK Royal Navy as the "Rolls Royce" of recompression chambers, the Type A is the hyperbaric system found throughout the various UK military diving team locations, including military hospitals. The Type B is the transportable version of Type A and provides the UK Royal Navy with its submarine rescue hyperbaric support facility. The system is designed to treat submariners who have either escaped or been rescued from a submarine accident. A number of systems were deployed in support of the Kursk rescue effort.

Stealth Electronic Mixed-Gas Rebreathers: Stealth is an advanced military electronic mixed gas rebreather used by a number of NATO navies, including the UK Royal Navy, UK Royal Marine Commandos, Federal German Navy, and Italian Navy. It is available in two versions. The Stealth EOD is a completely non-magnetic version used by mine disposal divers who need life support systems that have very little magnetic and acoustic signatures in order not to alert the mine to the presence of the diver. Stealth SF is used by special forces that require a mixed-gas system to enable the diver to descend below the safe depth of oxygen, typically when conducting covert submarine lockout or swimmer delivery vehicle operations.

Enclosed Space Diving System: To reduce the time and costs associated with fleet submarines being in dry dock, Divex developed the Enclosed Space Diving System (ESDS). The multiple-redundancy surface-supplied system is based upon a cave diver rig that enables engineering divers to enter from below surface the very small access hatches between the submarine outer casing and the pressure hull. Using the ESDS, divers can safely conduct engineering tasks that would otherwise require the vessel to be dry docked.

Enclosed Mine Lift Bag: It is often impossible to dispose of ordnance where it is found. It therefore must be moved to a safe situation. As an example, every year several hundred items of live WWII ordnance are either washed up or found by fishermen around the coast of the UK. In a joint project with UK lift bag manufacturer, JW Automarine, Divex supplies the UK Royal Navy and a number of other NATO countries with the Enclosed Mine Lift Bag. This enables ordnance to be lifted at a controlled rate of ascent. Once at the surface the lift bag is fully inflated, enabling the ordnance to be towed to an alternative area. When required, the system can lower the ordnance to the seabed at a controlled descent rate, enabling it to be disposed of. The system is fully automatic; once secured to the ordnance and initiated no further action is required of the diver.

Shadow Rebreather: The Shadow is an extreme endurance closed-circuit oxygen rebreather specifically designed for the modern day mission requirements of the special forces combat swimmer. The Shadow provides a 100 percent increase in duration, without an increase in size or weight. It is also non-magnetic to NATO STANAG Class A specifications, enabling use in shallow EOD applications.

Dirty Harry: Although not a military specific system, the most successful use of this system has been by the military. Divex's Dirty Harry is a surface-supplied return line exhaust contaminated water life support system based on the proven UltraJewel gas reclaim helmet. The diver's exhaled gas is drawn back to the surface and "dumped." As a result, the diver's respiratory system is completely isolated. The Japanese Defence Force used it to dispose of WWII mustard gas bombs found in a lake that had become popular with tourists.

Visit www.divex.co.uk.

Deep Ocean Engineering
In reaction to recent worldwide occurrences of terrorism and war, the US military has heightened its security activities by several orders of magnitude. Unlike earlier conflicts, these new threats are acknowledged to be global in nature, and therefore require global responses. For economic, political, and practical reasons (not to mention human safety), it is impossible to adequately respond to these threats with military personnel alone. Rather, advanced remote sensing, reporting, and response technologies are required to supplement the efforts of our military forces.

In the underwater arena, security activities include in-port monitoring, ship tracking, inspection, intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures (MCM), and research and development (R&D) of systems with improved capabilities and performance. Since 1985, Deep Ocean Engineering (DOE) has been a supplier of products and services to US military and supporting federal law-enforcement agencies, including the Navy, Army, Coast Guard, and FBI. DOE's products include the Phantom ROV and associated tools and accessories. These vehicles are being used in a wide variety of challenging military applications.

The US Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) MU7 in San Diego uses its fleet of Phantom ROVs, which includes XTL and HD2 models, to assist its divers in locating and identifying submerged mine-like targets. The ROV locates and homes on the target using obstacle avoidance sonar, and inspects it using a high-resolution color zoom video camera. Parallel lasers projecting into the video image provide safe stand-off distance and scaling information.

The EOD Tech Center in Indian Head purchased two Phantom HVS4 systems to evaluate man-portable ROVs in mine countermeasure operations. DOE's Phantom ROVs were also used by the Naval Coastal Systems Center (NCSC) at Panama City, Florida, to evaluate the use of ROVs in airborne mine countermeasure applications. These vehicles are used in US government-funded R&D programs charged with improving MCM capabilities of ROVs.

The Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NFESC) in Port Hueneme, Calif., has used its Phantom DHD2+2 in a wide variety of applications, both in R&D projects and field work to 1,970-foot (600m) depths. One highly successful program involved the ROV being used to deploy fiber optic cable on the ocean floor, then finding and recovering it for maintenance and repair. This kind of technology will be a valuable component of the Navy's ability to increase its remote sensing and monitoring network.

San Diego's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR) has used Phantom ROVs in several R&D programs associated with harbor security, including swimmer detection and intervention. A Phantom SS4, fitted with an electronically scanning multibeam sonar, was effective in a SPAWAR demonstration that evaluated the use of ROVs to detect and intercept scuba divers attempting to enter restricted areas on high-speed sleds.

Dana Lynn at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Carderock Division, uses his Phantom ROVs for military ship hull inspection. Lynn's fleet includes a 300, S4, and the latest acquisition, an open-frame PIII-S2. In addition to a color video camera, the systems carry ultrasonic metal and paint thickness sensors, as well as a high-precision tracking system. The ROVs have conducted inspections of the Navy's destroyers and aircraft carriers, as well as being used in general-purpose ROV operations. Last year, NSWCC's PIII-S2 ROV system was commissioned by the US Naval Historical Center to document sunken World War II ships off the Normandy coast in France.

Deep Ocean Engineering ROVs are also used for investigative research, including the search and recovery of evidence such as discarded weapons, aircraft crashed at sea, and human remains. The FBI's Phantom HD2+2 was put to work recovering several bodies from New Melones Reservoir in Tuolumne County, Calif., alleged to be victims of an organized crime ring.

The US Coast Guard, in cooperation with California's Office of Spill Prevention and Response, recently used a Phantom HD2+2 to help confirm the source of oil being deposited on northern California beaches. The ROV was used to collect oil samples from the SS Jacob Luckenbach, which sank off the San Mateo County coast almost 50 years ago. Scientists then used high-tech "fingerprinting" to match the samples with the beach oil.

The US Naval Intelligence Agency also owns a Phantom S2 ROV system. Most of its investigative applications, however, are classified.

As many as 20 foreign military organizations use DOE ROVs for diverse applications. Phantom ROVs frequently are used by Sweden's Navy and Coast Guard, which together own 14 HD2s and three XTLs. Spain's Guardia Civil also uses the Phantom for general underwater observation and object recovery. The Canadian Defense Fleet Diving Units and Hellenic Air Force both have used their Phantom ROVs to investigate or recover spent weapons and downed aircraft.

Her Majesty's Customs and Excise (UK) and the Egyptian Border Guard both have acquired fleets of Phantom ROVs for detection and retrieval of contraband being smuggled underwater by ships and divers. Shortly after acquiring their first Phantom 300, HM Customs officials found 25kg of cocaine (worth $9 million street value) in a tube clamped to the hull of a ship in Southampton, and 40kg of cannabis (worth $290,000) beneath a ship at Newport, Gwent. The navies of Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand operate DOE Phantom S2s and S4s in MCM and general operations. The Brazil Navy has installed a Phantom Ultimate ROV onboard the NSS Felinto Perry as one of its key tools for submarine rescue.

With current events as they are, the military market has challenging new requirements that exceed the capabilities of off-the-shelf technology. Toward this end, DOE's Special Projects Group is involved in several military-related R&D programs. One is the US Navy's Submarine Payloads and Sensors program, which investigates how unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) of the future might be used to dramatically change the roles and capabilities of its SSNs.

In summary, DOE is committed to serving the military market in four ways. Its broad range of commercial off-the-shelf products provide robust, field-proven performance, and offer low cost of ownership with easy maintenance and repair, even by technicians with little training. DOE's 20 years of directly related experience allows it to provide complete turnkey system solutions that include responsible selection and top-quality integration of third-party components. For those especially challenging military applications, DOE's experienced engineering team is called into action to provide innovative solutions that maximize technology transfer in order to generate robust and advanced new capabilities while minimizing development risk, lead-time, and cost.

And finally, DOE is dedicated to follow-up service and support of its products through comprehensive factory and field training, stocking of critical spare parts, and ongoing technological improvements and upgrades that are available to every DOE customer.

Hydro-Lek
Hydro-Lek recently delivered one of two manipulator upgrades for the Royal Swedish Navy Mantis systems. These one-man subs are used for salvage work and have provided many years of service.

Hydro-Lek was initially approached last year to provide arms and tooling in a system refit. This order developed into a complete manipulator and propulsion system, incorporating a purpose-built skid fitted under the sub. Hydro-Lek asked Seaeye Marine to provide the propulsion package.

The Mantis can act as either a one-man operation, or as an ROV. The big advantage, which the navy recognized, was the ability for the pilot to control the sub while a surface operator controlled the manipulator arms. This makes the versatile system, in effect, either two men in a one-man sub, or a full ROV control system without the pilot.

Hydro-Lek has also received an order for four dual arm systems from Bennex and Argus Remote Systems of Norway. these will be fitted to ROVs being built for the Swedish Navy.

Hydro-Lek manipulator arms are used by military military organizations around the world. The Russian Navy had seven Gauntlet arms fitted to its Seaeye Tigers ROV systems. The company has more than 100 manipulator systems in service throughout the world, including those used by the USA and Canadian navies. Visit www.hydro-lek.com.

Phoenix International
Phoenix International recently located and recovered a US Army MH-47E Chinook helicopter from 1,300-foot (394m) in the Bohol Sea. The twin-rotor Chinook crashed five miles off the coast of Apo Island in the southern Philippines while participating in a joint exercise with Philippine forces.

The Phoenix search team initially identified the wreck site on March 23 using a pinger locator system (PLS-20) to listen for the acoustic beacon onboard the downed helicopter. A digital sidescan sonar search system (SWISS) was then used to pinpoint the location and map the entire debris field.

Phoenix then deployed the US Navy's Deep Drone ROV system over a seven-day period to recover all major components of the MH-47E. Investigators are examining the components to determine the cause of the crash. The Deep Drone ROV and Phoenix recovery team were deployed on Van Oord's 249-foot construction vessel, M/V Jan Steen.

The US Navy, through the Naval Sea Systems Command's Office of the Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) developed and maintains a national capability to search, locate, and recover objects of interest lost in water depths to 20,000 feet (6,000m). In addition to meeting the Navy's search and recovery needs, SUPSALV offers its assistance in support of accident investigations on behalf of the Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, NASA, FAA, and NTSB, as well as foreign governments and agencies requesting such underwater search and recovery expertise.

Phoenix is the SUPSALV prime contractor responsible for maintaining, modifying, upgrading, and operating the Navy-owned sonar, ROV, and heavy lift equipment required to plan and conduct underwater search and recovery operations on a worldwide basis. Phoenix provides manned and unmanned marine services to an international customer base from facilities in Landover, Maryland, and Morgan City, Louisiana.

Diving Unlimited International
Diving Unlimited International (DUI) has been working with the US and friendly foreign militaries for almost 40 years. DUI has developed many new products to help make the very specialized tasks these agencies perform easier.

In many instances, products were developed because a certain agency had a particular challenge with their existing equipment and DUI was able to help improve the situation. An example of this symbiotic relationship was the development of the hot water suit. The US Navy wanted to keep divers in extremely cold water for long periods of time. A wetsuit was not suitable for this application and drysuit technology was minimal at that time. Through trial and error a suit was developed that would envelop the diver in warm water, allowing them to stay down for extended periods of time. Hot water heaters were developed in support of the hot water suits and the emergence of that technology helped revolutionize saturation diving.

The evolution of the hot water suits lead to the emergence of another new product - DUI's patented CF200 material. DUI learned during the hot water suit process that divers preferred wearing the older hot water suits more than newer ones because they were thinner and more flexible, a direct result of extended use. The company learned that, by compressing the neoprene at a certain pressure, at a certain temperature, and for a certain length of time, a structural change occurred in the material making the suit thinner and more comfortable. Thus, the CF200 material was born. This material has established a workhorse reputation and DUI has been making CF200 drysuits out of crushed neoprene for commercial and sport divers ever since.

The company is also highly regarded among military agencies for manufacturing top quality waterproof bags. Like its drysuits, DUI's waterproof bags are immersion proof and function-oriented. Working closely with individual operators, the bags are designed for specific equipment ranging from weapons to gas masks to radios and communication equipment to outboard motors. They are used in submarine lockouts, boat transits, and surface swims. They have even been used in the desert to keep sand out of valuable and indispensable equipment.

Working closely with its military customers, DUI is able to integrate any special requirements they may have. The company relies on their input to help design the best possible product. Special requirements can range from requiring "quiet" material, to viewing windows in the waterproof bag so the item inside can be seen without opening the bag, to a waterproof rifle bag built with an integrated glove so that the weapon inside can be shot through without opening up the bag. While DUI could only come up with ideas like these in its wildest dreams, it is an everyday consideration for military customers and the world they operate in. The people at DUI approach it this way: One day their lives could depend on this product, so they want the satisfaction of knowing that they provided the best possible product for their job.

DUI equipment is used by special forces operators worldwide, including US Navy SEAL's, US Army Special Forces, and US Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers.

JW Fishers
With our nation in a state of high alert, each tool that military and law enforcement agencies can use for maintaining public safety has become more critical than ever. One of the most effective weapons in the underwater war on terrorism and crime is the metal detector, used for evidence and weapons recovery operations.

JW Fishers' Pulse 8X underwater metal detector fits the bill. For years law enforcement divers worldwide have counted on Fishers metal detectors. They are used by military units for mine detection, by customs services in their search for weapons and drugs, and even by the US Secret Service and FBI. The spokesman for one FBI dive team that has several Fisher Pulse 8X detectors says, "We rely greatly on our detectors and they perform tremendously for us. They remain our bread and butter for underwater search and recovery operations. We used them on a job in April and located a gun in about 10 inches of mud."

The underwater metal detectors can also be used for pre-emptive operations. The Japanese National Police Office, which has purchased a number of 8X units, used them to search underwater sites before representatives from eight nations convened for a summit meeting in Okinawa.

The variety of tasks these detectors can accomplish are numerous. In addition to weapons recovery, the Pulse 8X is routinely used to search for sunk vehicles and lost vessels. Visit www.jwfishers.com.

Scorpion Oceanics
Scorpion Oceanics Limited has supplied connectors for a number of military applications in recent months. Scorpion is the largest distributors of Framatome Connectors International (FCI) underwater electrical connectors, including the M series (formerly Jupiter) dry mateable range and the 8810 series (formerly Souriau) underwater mateable range. Scorpion Oceanics also represents Birns, whose range of high pin density, miniature metal-shelled connectors is available with up to 229 contacts.

Scorpion Oceanics regularly supplies military agencies with cable harnesses with polyethylene moldings. The company recently supplied over 600 cable assemblies incorporating 8810 series connectors for use on submarine sonar arrays. Connectors with polyethylene overmoldings are also supplied for other high integrity systems, including acoustic ranges and hydrophone glands.

Connectors used on tow cables for sonar systems and torpedo decoys are often supplied, many with mechanical terminations capable of withstanding high tensile loads. A number of these cable systems have included fiber optics, with connectors having either hybrid electro/optical or the optics "broken out" onto dedicated optical connectors.

Diverse systems such as diver communications and ROVs use many forms of connectors. In most cases they are overmolded to cables with polyurethane material. Scorpion recently received an order for the supply of titanium connectors to be used on military stealth diving equipment. Many of the world's largest diving contractors use the original design of M series connectors as they are field installable, easy to use, and extremely reliable. Police diving units around the UK also use these connectors extensively for search and rescue purposes as the connectors do not require overmolding and can easily be refitted if the cable is damaged. To complement the range, FCI recently introduced an overmold version, with an increased depth rating to 10,000 feet (3,000m).

Range cables (acoustic, magnetic, degaussing, etc.) are often terminated with M series connectors due to their wide range of contacts suitable for signal, high voltage, and high current. Connectors for torpedo umbilical connections and pressure-balanced versions for through-hull penetrators are often supplied with battery compartment connections.

Connectors are supplied for use on "intelligent" mines and in several applications on torpedos. Other applications include towed noise generators for surface ships which are fitted with FCI connectors, as are underwater telephone systems.

The demand for smaller, lighter, and stronger connectors is increasing, as is the requirement for optical fiber contacts to provide greater data rates. Applications involving the towing of cables are always striving to operate at higher speeds, which results in the need for smaller diameter cables and connectors. Operating at greater ranges or depths often means increasing voltages or power but again customers insist that cable and connector dimensions must not increase.

Klein Navigation and Conley Associates
After successful sea trials of a Raytheon Integrated Navigation System (INS) aboard the USAV James A. Loux, the US Army has awarded a contract to Klein Navigation and Conley Associates for a similar system to be installed aboard the USAV General Brehon Somervell. Sea trials went flawlessly aboard the USAV James A. Loux, according to CW4 Mike Wichtman. "The Raytheon Integrated Navigation System held us to within one meter of our intended track line throughout the trip and even through the turns. We were extremely impressed with the performance and accuracy of this system."

The Raytheon Integrated Navigation System provided by Klein Navigation and Conley Associates consists of the Raytheon IMO approved dual MK2 Electronic Chart Display and Information System, complete with multiple Electronic Chart Navigation data bases including C-Map and NIMA and Ethernet interface for network exchange of route and ENC information. Also included was a Raytheon Digital Autopilot system with dual track control, and Raytheon Steering control to improve the vessel's maneuvering capabilities.

The new contract has been expanded to also include dual Mk2 Raytheon ARPA Radar Systems, the Nautoconning system for centralized sensor management and maneuvering displays, the Nauto Alarm management system, dual DGPS systems, and the Wind Speed and Direction system. By leveraging Raytheon's commercial off-the-shelf equipment, the system aboard the James A. Loux was designed, supplied, installed, tested, and sea trialed within a six-week period after contract award.

Klein Navigation, a division of Klein Associates, is the exclusive US distributor for Raytheon Marine GmbH (RMG). The company's High Seas product line includes IMO-compliant ARPA Radar Systems, Electronic Charting Display & Information Systems, Gyrocompass Systems, Autopilot Systems, Steering Systems, Global Maritime Distress Safety Systems, Integrated Navigation Systems, and Integrated Bridge Systems. RMG's products are used by navies and commercial shipping companies worldwide.

McMillan Design's Sea Catch
Since September 11, the increase in coastal security has focused attention on the US Coast Guard (USCG) and its ability to fortify US waters. Key players in this effort are the Coast Guard's 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boats built by Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, Louisiana. These vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a stern launch and recovery system that uses an aluminum-hulled inboard diesel-powered RIB. With the ability to safely and efficiently launch a fully-crewed RIB in up to sea state 4 while the vessel is under way, the system is a significant improvement over a much slower crane launch and recovery method employed on earlier vessels.

A key element in rigging the stern launch is a dependable quick-release that safely secures and releases the launch under load. For the past several months, the Sea Catch Toggle Release TR5, manufactured by McMillan Design of Gig Harbor, Washington, has been requested by the USCG. The Sea Catch Toggle Release has been installed on at least a dozen vessels, including the USCG Osprey of Port Townsend, Washington.

The Sea Catch TR5 will ultimately be fitted on most of the 50 nearly identical 87-foot Coast Patrol Boats being built by Bollinger for the Coast Guard. During the launch and recovery operation, the RIB is driven up the stern ramp, captured, and winched forward with a cable and hook. The Sea Catch TR5 is then secured to the RIB in preparation for the next launching.

With the importance of safety and efficiency in any Coast Guard operation, several features make the Sea Catch the ideal device for any stern launch system. No springs or leveraging is required in its innovative design. Instead it uses a simple toggle linkage principle found in vice-grip pliers to maintain locking security and allow low friction releasing. Another feature is the use of a hitch pin to further secure the device and prevent inadvertent release. Its rugged, lightweight design, and multi-directional lanyard releasing allows ease in handling and versatility in releasing operations. The Sea Catch is made of heat-treated aerospace-grade stainless steel plate.

The Sea Catch is designed for the safe release of a line or object under load. McMillan Design offers Sea Catch models ranging from .65 to 600 tons. Visit www.seacatch.com.

OceanWorks International
OceanWorks International is a leading supplier of military diving, salvage, and submarine rescue equipment to many of the world's navies. Primary products supplied by OceanWorks to the military market include Atmospheric Diving Systems (ADS), Submarine Rescue Systems, and Emergency Life Support Stores (ELSS) systems.

OceanWorks has developed a comprehensive range of submarine rescue products for its international military clients, and can offer a complete submarine rescue system solution that is tailored to the customer's specific mission requirements and program objectives. A key requirement in any submarine rescue mission is to put diving assets on the scene as soon as possible after the sub becomes disabled, and to rapidly perform all possible rescue scene assessment and preparation prior to the arrival of the rescue vehicle. Several leading navies of the world have selected an ADS system from OceanWorks, either the Hardsuit 1200 or the Hardsuit 2000, to perform these rapid assessment and scene preparation tasks.

Within the past year, OceanWorks has supplied or upgraded Hardsuit 1200 systems and LARS for the French and Italian navies. In addition, the company is supplying eight Hardsuit 1200s and four handling systems to the Russian Navy.

OceanWorks has also been working closely with the US Navy in the design, fabrication, test, and certification of the Hardsuit 2000 ADS. Designed to meet rigid certification requirements under the Navy's Deep Submergence Certification program, the Hardsuit 2000 will perform the "rapid underwater assessment" mission for the US Navy's next-generation sub rescue system, known as the Submarine Rescue, Diving and Recompression System (SRDRS). One suit has been delivered to the Navy, and three additional suits are currently in the process of final testing and certification.

Another element of a submarine rescue mission is to re-supply the disabled submarine with emergency life support stores (ELSS) to extend the submarine's life support envelope until a rescue mission can be mobilized and conducted. OceanWorks has been involved in the development of ELSS pod-posting systems with both the Canadian and US navies, and is currently developing ELSS with other navies as well.

Modern submarine rescue vehicles fall into two categories. The Remotely Operated Rescue Vehicle (RORV) is tethered and functions much like an ROV. The Submersible Rescue Vehicle (SRV) is an untethered manned submersible. OceanWorks offers both RORV and SRV solutions to the international marketplace, and is currently the prime contractor for the design and build of the US Navy's Pressurized Rescue Module (PRMS), another element of the Navy's SRDRS. This system will be rated to a depth of 2,000 feet (600m), and will rescue up to 16 crew members in one rescue sortie.

A key feature offered by OceanWorks submarine rescue vehicles is the Articulated Mating Skirt. Developed in 1995 for the Royal Australian Navy's Remora submarine rescue system, OceanWorks' patented Articulated Conduit design is a proven solution for the safe and efficient underwater mating of a submarine rescue vehicle and a disabled submarine. The mating skirt design allows the vehicle (RORV or SRV) to be flown in a normal horizontal attitude while accommodating mating to the disabled submarine at deck angles up to 60 degrees and varying angles of attack into the current. OceanWorks' Transfer Skirt is field proven and has successfully mated at over 1,640 feet (500m).

OceanWorks recently participated in submarine rescue studies and engineering analyses in support of NATO and other military clients, and has supported a number of international submarine rescue exercises, including Pacific Reach, Black Carillon, and Sorbet Royale. The company also offers other components integral to a submarine rescue system, including "Transfer Under Pressure" capability, as well as a submarine decompression and ventilation system.

In order to support the stringent testing and certification requirements of manned submersibles and submarine rescue systems, OceanWorks has developed unique capabilities in test and certification. OceanWorks' ISO-9001 registered quality system easily supports man-rated certification under a number of national and international certification standards, including Lloyds, DNV, ABS, the US Navy's Deep Submergence Certification program, and the US Navy's Diving and Manned Hyperbaric Systems Program. OceanWorks has also developed and commissioned a hyperbaric test chamber that accommodates manned ADS testing to depths of 4,500 feet (1,365m).

Divelink Communications
Communicating underwater is becoming increasingly important to the commercial diving industry, but nowhere is it a higher priority than in military applications, where efficiency is paramount and field applications make ever greater demands on divers and their equipment. The only completely hands-free system of wireless underwater communication on the market, Divelink has captured the attention of commercial, military, and scuba divers around the world. The voice-activated technology was originally developed in Finland for Nokia, the world's largest cellular phone company. When Nokia sold their diving division in 1991, developer Mark Stone brought the technology to Canada and founded Divelink International Technologies in Victoria, British Columbia.

Now used by divers in over 60 countries, Divelink's custom chip technology includes a voice recognition chip that is activated only by sounds within the human vocal range. Because the system isn't triggered by bubble or ambient noise, no adjustments are necessary during the dive, leaving the diver absolutely hands-free and unhindered by bulky equipment or push-button menus.

The microphone, the only waterproof one on the market, can be repeatedly flooded and withstand pressure differentials of over 200 feet (61m). The system attaches to any mask and can be fully integrated into an existing dive system. Additionally, the system is equipped with an emergency distress signal which alerts other divers and surface personnel when a diver is in trouble.

The compact, highly portable and durable design attracted the attention of the US Navy SEALs. They were looking for a communications system to help guide the SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) into the Dry Deck Shelter which is located on the back of a submarine and houses the SDV, a smaller sub. Because there is no visual contact with the shelter, all navigation is performed blind and the risk of damaging equipment is high.

To solve this unique and expensive problem, Divelink designed a system that can work as an intercom system or as an underwater wireless communications system. When the system is plugged in it acts as an intercom. When the system is unplugged sensors in the plug alert the computer and the system switches to wireless mode. The next phase includes incorporating the Divelink system into the submarines for onboard communications.

Aggressive research and development has resulted in customized technology designed for the military market's specific needs. Adjustable output levels allow for a "whisper mode." Used for short range communications, this mode helps guard against transmission interception during military missions. The system also has multiple frequencies for true isolated channels.

The topside unit is the only one on the market that can be flooded and pressurized to 300 feet (90m) and has been tested and approved by NAVSEA. The connectors are US Navy-approved as well, meeting the highest standards for marine equipment. Additionally, Divelink is a NATO-approved supplier.

To meet the constantly changing needs of the industry, Divelink works closely with commercial and military dive teams around the world to incorporate requested innovations. This has led to design improvements and modifications such as hip-mounted or rebreather-mounted designs and push-to-talk options. The system range has expanded from 1,000 to 4,500 feet, the design is more ergonomic and easier to use. The Divelink system starts at $759 and can be fully customized to meet individual dive team specifications.

NiteRider Dive Lights
The Singapore Navy recently placed an order with NiteRider Technical Lighting Systems for 150 BlackWater 600 dive lights. To say that the order was confidential would be an understatement.

"All they would tell us is that they will be using the lights for counter-terrorism and other special operations," says Tom Carrol, President of Dive Lights International, exclusive licensee of NiteRider dive lights. "They found us through our distributor in Singapore, and said they like the powerful beam and hands-free operation."

The NiteRider BlackWater 600 is the company's most robust and durable single-beam system. It features a 15-watt lighthead that is powered by a rechargeable, six volt, industrial grade, NiCad battery. The system boasts a two-hour-and-20-minute burn time, and carries a system weight of 1.8 pounds (1/2 pound negative). The BlackWater 600 can be hand-held or mounted. Suggested retail is $399.95.

Experimental Vessel Goes from US Navy to Army
HSV-X1 Joint Venture, the 315-foot Wave Piercing Sealift Catamaran on charter to the US military from Bollinger/Incat USA, has entered the next stage of her experimental program by transferring from the US Navy to the US Army.

The partnership of component commands from the US Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Special Operations Command, and Coast Guard are together exploring the operational implications and opportunities of new marine technologies that are bringing higher speeds, longer ranges, and increased payload capacities to surface vessels.

Few realize that the fourth largest "navy" in the world is actually operated by the US Army, which proudly proclaims its motto: Sail Army. This could quickly be replaced with Sail Army - Fast. The 7th Transport Group is the Army's "navy," and is one of the most-deployed units in the Army, typically being one of the first to arrive in a theater.

Administrative control of HSV-X1 vessel was transferred to the US Army at Rota Naval Air Station, Spain, on March 20, following an exercise, Battle Griffin, off Norway alongside NATO forces. While Joint Venture's new crew acquainted themselves with their new charge, HSV-X1 underwent minor modifications to enhance the craft's capabilities and provide additional versatility in a logistical role. The Army crew brings to Joint Venture a wealth of experience, with the three senior officers alone clocking an impressive 53 years service between them.

HSV-X1 is under the command of CW4 William R. Davis, who spoke of Joint Venture's mission to provide logistical support within theater. The vessel will be tested and evaluated in "intra-theater lift requirements" for the next generation of the Army logistics watercraft, which will eventually replace the Army's Logistics Support Vessel. Davis's goal is to support and lead his crew into a new age of cutting-edge technology through lessons learned aboard Joint Venture.

A Chief Warrant Officer 4, based out of the 7th Transport Group 24th Battalion, Fort Eustis, Virginia, William Davis has been in the Army Watercraft Transportation Corps for 18 years. He was a Lead Training Instructor and Writer for the US Army Transportation School - Marine Operations Branch. Major deployments in which Davis participated include Operations Shield, Storm, and Recovery. He volunteered for the HSV-X1 program and was selected as Vessel Master aboard Joint Venture.

Joint Venture's Executive Officer/Chief Mate is CW3 Rebecca Brashears. With 17 years service in the Army, she received assignment to Fort Eustis, Virginia, on completion of her basic training. She has served in many assignments, from Seaman to Vessel Master, on different vessels, including landing craft of all sizes, ocean-going and harbor tugs, and cargo ships. Major deployments in which Chief Brashears has participated include Operations Uphold Democracy in Haiti, UN Mission in Haiti, Hurricane Mitch Disaster Relief in Central America, and most recently Operation Southern Watch in Kuwait. Her most recent assignment as Instructor and Writer in Marine Operations Branch of the US Army Transportation School led directly to volunteering to participate in the testing of Joint Venture HSV X1.

Chief Brashears prime role as Executive Officer is to command in the Master's absence and as head of the deck department to coordinate training of the crew in all aspects of vessel operations. Her follow-on assignment is to develop Marine Deck Officer training for the US Army's version of high-speed vessels, the Theater Support Vessel.

Chief Engineer on Joint Venture is Gregory Ellison, A CW3. With 18 years of service to the Army Watercraft Transportation Corps, he brings experience in the operations of Landing Craft Utility 2000s, Landing Ship Vehicle, and tugs ranging from coastal to ocean-going. Greg is a certified Instructor for the US Army Transportation School. His last assignment was Chief Engineer aboard LSV 5 out of Ford Island, Hawaii. He will oversee the operation of machinery, from main engines to electrical. "If it breaks, we fit it," he says. Greg's aim is to test and run HSV X1 to evaluate its commercial off-the-shelf technology and how it can be applied to military applications.

RJE International
For over 10 years, RJE International has supplied military divers worldwide underwater acoustic navigation and detection equipment to meet their unique mission needs. From low-tech combat swim-boards to sophisticated swimmer-delivery vehicles, RJE has been a solution provider to special operations and explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) commands at all levels.

In the early 1990s, RJE International worked closely with the US Navy SEALs to develop the TAC-100 and the TAC-200 Combat Swim Boards. Simple and reliable, the TAC boards combine a specially designed underwater compass, depth gauge, and underwater chronometer. Together they provide a combat swimmer the necessary information to navigate underwater accurately over distances of a 3,300 feet or more.

Combat swimmers use the simple diver navigation techniques of counting fin-kicks and dead reckoning, techniques that require constant training to navigate accurately over long distances underwater. The TAC-100 and TAC-200 are now a standard navigation platform for combat swimmers both here and abroad, and provide the depth, bearing and "time-on-leg" information necessary for combat swimmers to master their craft.

Another important mission requirement for military divers is underwater beach reconnaissance for amphibious assaults. Presently, special operation divers swim ladder or grid surveys of littoral (surf) zones using TAC boards for navigation and lead lines to measure the water column. This information is then transferred by hand to create contour maps of the bottom for tactical purposes. This important task can be tedious when time is of the essence, and difficult, especially when the divers must operate covertly to prevent detection.

In response to this need, RJE International and RD Instruments have developed an autonomous navigation and mapping console called Cobra-TAC. It provides a single platform to meet this important operational requirement.

Using a Doppler Velocity Log, electronic compass, depth sensor, and complex onboard navigation computer, Cobra-TAC allows a diver to follow the pre-determined path or "lane" underwater while gathering bathymic data, which is stored in Cobra-TAC memory. This data file can then be downloaded into a portable computer to create precise contour maps of the surf zone with software provided with Cobra-TAC.

Another navigation function Cobra-TAC provides is support of combat swimming operations. Nine different mission profiles, each profile containing 26 different waypoints, can be loaded into Cobra-TAC's memory. Once loaded, a combat swimmer can access them to navigate harbors or other critical areas. This function of Cobra-TAC can also be used as a navigation platform for swimmer delivery vehicles and diver propulsion vehicles. Its compact design and easy-to-read display allow for simple integration into an underwater vehicle with very little modification.

To support mine countermeasure operations, RJE supplies EOD teams with the DLS-2A. Built for RJE by Harris Acoustic Products Corp., it is a non-magnetic hand-held sonar for locating mines and other objects in poor to zero visibility. Based on the US Navy's PQS-2A, the DLS-2A Diver Hand-held Sonar is widely used around the world. Using a series of audio tones, the sonar allows an EOD diver to accurately locate mines 400 feet away.

Knowing the task of locating mines underwater is dangerous and requires many hours of constant preparation, RJE International offers a version of the DLS-2A for training called the DLS-1. The only difference is that the DLS-1 has a higher magnetic signature. EOD divers, using the DLS-1, can train for combat operations and support other salvage tasks while keeping the DLS-2A ready for true MCM operations.

RJE International also supports military dive teams with sophisticated acoustic marking and relocation systems. This technology is used to mark practice mines for EOD training, as well as marking swimmer delivery vehicles (SDV) for relocation to the boat after the mission is completed. These acoustic systems include simple acoustic pingers, such as the ULB-362 Series Underwater Location Beacon, to complex transponder based systems for diver tracking. RJE International also supplies FAA-approved emergency underwater location beacons to help recover downed aircraft over water.

When distances are too great to cover by standard combat swimming, another means of covert transportation must be used. Working along with the Columbia Research Corporation, RJE International markets a highly developed swimmer delivery vehicle. Developed to transport personnel and cargo covertly, the Dolphin Class SDV-X is an eight-man wet submarine that can meet this requirement with silent effectiveness. Using a highly accurate navigation platform and an onboard sonar system, the SDV-X has an operational range of 50 miles to penetrate hostile waters at speeds of five knots to delivery its cargo.

RJE also recently introduced a new comprehensive line of underwater acoustic pingers and pinger receivers systems, under an agreement with Dukane Corporation. Visit www.rjeint.com.

Kongsberg Simrad
Technology transfer from the rapidly evolving commercial sector into the defense industry is encouraged within the Kongsberg Group and has resulted in several innovative projects by group member Kongsberg Simrad.

There is great military interest being shown in the Hugin AUV, which is already established in the commercial survey sector. The vehicle is now forming a key part of the future plans for defense applications where fast response, wide area coverage, penetration of the littoral zone, and the requirement to minimize exposure to unnecessary risk are high priorities.

In order to provide specialized military support with underwater instrumentation, the company has teams operating in Canada and the UK, supported by worldwide offices. For example, one of these teams, the Systems & Projects Group, develops harsh environment video systems for surface vessel, submarine, and ROV applications.

Recently developed technologies in low light and digital imaging have resulted in new products offering superior performance and ease of use. In-house test facilities, such as an EMC chamber, test tank, and darkroom, allow rapid product development at minimum cost and a capability to offer custom solutions to military clients, often in small quantities and for special requirements.

Southern Oceanics
Southern Oceanics recently delivered a military version of its Oceanic LS 370-B Mixed Gas Wet Bell System to a southeast Asian navy. Commissioning and sea trials are due in the third quarter of 2002, pending the client's acquisition of a vessel to act as a possible deployment platform.

The system will give the user a 330-foot (100m) mixed gas diving capability, using US Navy or DCIEM helium-oxygen tables. The system will be used for salvage operations for crashed aircraft or sunken vessels, and for the recovery of military equipment from the seabed. The LS 370-B Wet Bell System is self-contained comprises the bell; main bell umbilical and handling system; the bell handling system with A-frame, skid and winches; control van; standby diver station with 200m umbilical; 6m ISO machinery/workshop container; 6m ISO gas storage container; and a 35 kW emergency generator.

The bell is equipped with an onboard emergency gas supply, gas and hot water manifolds, bell excursion umbilicals and CCTV monitoring of the divers in the bell. The main bell umbilical has a hydraulically-powered automatic handling system with a large power sheave and a stainless steel umbilical basket positioned behind the control van in a separate module.