How to Be Underwater Demolition Diver - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Underwater Demolition Diver is a specialized military diver who is trained in the construction, demolition, and disposal of explosives from underwater. The job requires highly specialized skills and training and is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. To become an underwater demolition diver, it is essential for one to have a strong physical and mental capacity as well as a great deal of courage and dedication.

The effects of this job are far reaching and can be seen in the way it affects both the environment and the military personnel involved. It can cause severe damage to the environment, both on land and underwater, by releasing toxic materials into the water or through the destruction of marine habitats. It also puts the lives of military personnel at risk due to the hazardous nature of their work.

By performing such duties, Underwater Demolition Divers help ensure the safety of their country and its people.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a certification in open water SCUBA diving. This will typically involve taking a course, passing written and practical tests, and demonstrating basic swimming ability.
2. Gain experience in the underwater environment. Get comfortable with the gear, learn to navigate and become proficient in basic SCUBA skills.
3. Research and find diving organizations that offer underwater demolition diver training.
4. Take the required training and pass the certification tests. This usually involves a combination of classroom learning and practical field experience.
5. Receive your certification and stay current in your training and experience. Underwater demolition diver positions often require that divers maintain their skills and knowledge.

Underwater demolition divers have to be reliable and efficient because their job involves potentially hazardous operations. They must be trained and certified in the proper techniques for underwater demolition and possess a comprehensive knowledge of explosives, safety protocols, and the surrounding environment. They must also maintain a high level of physical fitness and be able to work in a variety of weather conditions.

The diver must also possess strong communication skills as they must be able to effectively relay instructions from the surface to the divers in the water. The diver must have the ability to make quick, accurate decisions and to think on their feet. Lastly, divers must have the right equipment and tools to carry out the task, such as explosives, detonators, and cutting implements.

All of these elements combined create a reliable and efficient underwater demolition diver.

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Job Description

1. Perform underwater demolitions utilizing explosives, cutting and burning equipment.
2. Assist in the removal of obstructions and hazards to navigation.
3. Inspect, assemble and maintain demolition equipment.
4. Locate and identify objects underwater using underwater search patterns.
5. Perform underwater salvage operations.
6. Monitor underwater environment for hazardous conditions.
7. Conduct underwater surveys to determine the nature of underwater objects.
8. Utilize a wide range of hand tools, power saws and explosives.
9. Place and detonate explosives to accomplish specific objectives.
10. Operate remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
11. Monitor and maintain safety precautions during all operations.
12. Prepare detailed reports on all dive operations for review.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Proficiency in scuba diving, including the ability to dive in open water for extended periods of time.
2. Knowledge of underwater demolition techniques and tools, such as explosives, cutting and welding equipment, compressors, winches, and other specialized tools.
3. Ability to read and interpret blueprints and other technical documents related to underwater demolition.
4. Ability to follow detailed instructions and safety protocols while working underwater.
5. Knowledge of marine life and oceanography, including tidal patterns and currents.
6. Knowledge of the legal requirements and regulations related to underwater demolition projects.
7. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick decisions in hazardous situations.
8. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
9. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
10. Physical strength and agility to work in confined spaces for long periods of time.

Being an underwater demolition diver requires a wide range of skills and abilities. One of the most important skills is the ability to think quickly and stay calm in stressful situations. A demolition diver must be prepared for any unexpected dangers or changes in the environment.

They must also possess excellent problem-solving abilities, an understanding of physics and mechanics, and be able to use complex tools and equipment. In addition, a demolition diver must be physically fit and able to work in extreme conditions. They must also have strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with other team members.

Lastly, having a basic understanding of marine biology can help them assess and mitigate risks when working underwater. All these skills combined make a successful underwater demolition diver.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What qualifications do you have that make you suitable for this role?
• Describe your experience in underwater demolition and salvage operations.
• What safety protocols have you implemented in previous diving jobs?
• How do you handle stressful situations in underwater environments?
• What methods do you use to assess the conditions of a dive site?
• How do you stay organized and manage multiple tasks while underwater?
• How do you prioritize tasks while underwater to ensure efficiency?
• What techniques do you use to ensure the safety of yourself and others while underwater?
• What are the most challenging aspects of underwater demolition and salvage operations?
• How do you stay current on the latest advances in underwater demolition and salvage operations?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Dive Knife. A sharp knife designed for underwater cutting and slicing (eg: folding blade dive knife).
2. Wetsuit. A neoprene suit designed to keep divers warm and comfortable underwater (eg: full body 5mm wetsuit).
3. Fins. Hydrofoils worn on the feet to increase propulsion and maneuverability (eg: open-heel adjustable fins).
4. Regulators. A device that reduces air pressure from the air tank to a breathable level (eg: balanced diaphragm regulators).
5. Buoyancy Compensator. A device worn around the chest that helps divers control their buoyancy (eg: back inflated BCD).
6. Flashlight. A light source used to illuminate underwater environments (eg: waterproof pocket flashlight).
7. Underwater Hammer and Chisel. A tool used to demolish materials underwater (eg: underwater demolition hammer).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI)
2. International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA)
3. Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
4. American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS)
5. Subsea Industries Association (SIA)
6. Underwater Society of America (USOA)
7. International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers (IANTD)
8. Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA)
9. Underwater Technology Foundation (UTF)
10. International Association for Handicapped Divers (IAHD)

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Common Important Terms

1. Navy Underwater Demolition Team (UDT). A specialized team of elite naval personnel trained in underwater demolition and combat diving, designed to ensure the safety of friendly vessels in open waters.
2. Combat Swimmer. A trained military diver who can operate in shallow, confined waters, such as rivers and harbors, to conduct reconnaissance and support special operations.
3. Demolition Expert. A specialist in underwater explosives and demolitions, capable of locating and destroying underwater targets.
4. Dive Supervisor. An experienced diver who oversees the safety and security of dive operations, and ensures that all personnel operate safely.
5. Underwater Salvage. The process of recovering lost items from underwater locations, by a team of trained divers.
6. Diving Equipment. A variety of specialized tools used by underwater demolition divers, including fins, masks, snorkels, regulators, dive computers, and other essential items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Underwater Demolition Diver?

Underwater Demolition Diver is a type of diver that specializes in underwater demolition operations, such as the removal of underwater obstacles and the placement of explosives.

What type of training is required to become an Underwater Demolition Diver?

To become an Underwater Demolition Diver, a person must complete an extensive training program, which includes physical conditioning, underwater navigation, explosives handling, and close combat skills.

How deep can an Underwater Demolition Diver go?

Underwater Demolition Divers can go as deep as 80 meters (262 feet).

How long does it take to become an Underwater Demolition Diver?

It typically takes around 6-12 months of intense training to become an Underwater Demolition Diver.

What sort of equipment do Underwater Demolition Divers use?

Underwater Demolition Divers use a variety of specialized equipment, including wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkels, weights, buoyancy control devices, and cutting tools.

What are jobs related with Underwater Demolition Diver?

• Underwater Photographer Assistant
• Underwater Pipeline Inspector
• Underwater Environmental Consultant
• Underwater Camera Operator
• Underwater Acoustic Technician
• Underwater Sound Technician
• Underwater Electrician
• Underwater Videographer

Web Resources

• Underwater Welding Equipment - Divers Academy International www.diversacademy.edu
• Underwater Welding School for Veterans: Cost, What to Expect www.diversinstitute.edu
• Swimmers Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) Putting on … airandspace.si.edu