Branch Structure

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#000066" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>RAN Clearance Divers Association</B></FONT><B>     |   </B><B>  </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RAN Clearance Divers Association"><U><B>Home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="rancda.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RANCDA "><U>RANCDA </U></A>   |   <A HREF="branch_history.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Branch History"><U>Branch History</U></A>   |   <B> Branch Structure</B>   |   <A HREF="id55.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Team history"><U>Team history</U></A>   |   <A HREF="photo_albums.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Photo Albums"><U>Photo Albums</U></A>   |   <A HREF="articles.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Articles"><U>Articles</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id29.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="NOTICE BOARD"><U>NOTICE BOARD</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id86.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="State Chapters"><U>State Chapters</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id40.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Trivia Page"><U>Trivia Page</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Memorial Guestbook Page"><U>Memorial & Guestbook Page</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U>Links</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#000066" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <IMG SRC="338b4140.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="1044" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I>Courtesy of </I><I>Contact </I><I>magazine, Issue 4.</I></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="0fab4870.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="135" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Diving School - HMAS Penguin</div> <div> <IMG SRC="0fbb4870.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="135" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Diving School</div> <div> <IMG SRC="0f9b4870.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="135" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Navy Diving boat</div> </td> <td valign="top" height=398 BGCOLOR="#66CCFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I> Branch Structure</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Quote from the official RAN website</I>:</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>"Australian Clearance Divers have always been the Australian Defence Forces' specialist divers and have, since the inception of the Branch, operated all in-service diving equipment to the full extent of its operational capacity. Nevertheless, the primary focus of a Clearance Diver is to perform Explosive Ordnance Disposal. This role is conducted at sea in ships, in the oceans (particularly the vulnerable approaches to ports and anchorages), and onshore in port facilities, installations and the littoral environment associated with amphibious operations. The Australian Clearance Diving community represents the largest single ADF organization with a direct and primary interest in the conduct of EOD. </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>All personnel joining the Branch, including Officers, must undergo acceptance testing and complete the arduous requirements of the Clearance Diving qualification course. These demands placed on potential applicants to a category are probably not seen anywhere else in the ADF outside of the Special Forces. In the present international climate of uncertainty and widespread threat of terrorism, Clearance Divers represent a valuable and extremely flexible asset of the ADF." </B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Clearance Diving Branch in 2005</U></B></div> <bR> <div> In 2005 the Clearance Diving Branch nestles very comfortably within the overall command of COMAUSNAVMCD GROUP headquartered at HMAS Waterhen on Sydney Harbour. The Group in 2005 provides Australia with arguably the highest capability in Mine Warfare response than at any time in its history. With 6 state-of-the-art Huon class Mine Hunter Coastal and two very capable Clearance Diving Teams, the Group has the ability to respond decisively and effectively to any foreseeable request from the Fleet Commander.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Brief History:</B></div> <bR> <div> The growth and development of the RAN Clearance Diving Branch from its inception in 1951 can almost always be seen as exponential with expansion of capabilities and operational responsibilities steadily growing during the first four decades. </div> <bR> <div> There are clear points where considerable change took place that dramatically changed the operational status and capability of the branch. The establishment of CDT1 in 1966 was one such development and that was very shortly followed by the establishment of the original CDT3 “Active Service Team”. This period of time gave considerable impetus to the operational nature and capabilities of the branch….it had effectively “come of age”……to provide Australia with a new Special Operations capability…..at the pointy end.</div> <bR> <div> The introduction of the Drager FGT1A N2/02 semi closed circuit re-breather to replace the Branch's original CDBA in 1970 also elevated the capability of the branch but that change took some `old and bolds' a very long time to adjust to, or even accept.</div> <bR> <div> As the branch progressed into the `80s and `90s there was a growing and significant impact provided by a new generation of young, very high quality, staff officers qualifying to become MCDOs. The majority of senior officers who had forged the shape and character of the branch leading into the `80s, appeared to be those that had “come up through the ranks” They had done us all proud and their dedication and abilities can never be underestimated.</div> <bR> <div> In 1995 a special report provided by two such new generation MCDOs, John Griffiths and Gerry Kelly was enacted and that catapulted the branch to levels that were probably beyond the wildest dreams of “those that came before”.</div> <bR> <div> The Griffiths/Kelly report triggered a massive restructuring of the branch that has resulted in it becoming a more flexible strategic asset to the Commander of the Australian Forces…..no matter where they are deployed, anywhere in the world. CDT2 was disbanded and the team members were absorbed into two new “Super Teams” that, for the first time in RAN history became “commissioned” entities. The Officer-In-Charge became the Commanding Officer with his own command and the Sailors were issued with their own cap tallies with HMAS CDT1 or CDT4 on them and all support staff such as writers, stokers and SBAs were posted to the teams. Clearance Divers can now be officially posted from one billet within a team to another in the same team. The days of moving around within the team and changing jobs had become a thing of the past.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Clearance Diving Teams:</B></div> <bR> <div> There are currently two Clearance Diving Teams in the RAN with a third “Active Service Team” remaining in constant administrative abeyance until required. </div> <bR> <div> <B>AUSCDT1</B> is based in Sydney at HMAS Waterhen and CDT 4 is based at HMAS Sterling in Western Australia. Both teams are identical and each contains a crew of 57 under the command of a Lieutenant Commander MCD. The teams are split into 4 elements that function as independent entities within the team structure but with integrated capabilities.</div> <bR> <div> The<I> Training and Support Element</I> is managed by a Warrant Officer Clearance Diver and it contains the non-CD personnel posted to the team. This element is responsible for some of the administrative and support functions required. These functions are aptly covered by a PO Bosun, LSWTR, LSSN, LSMT, LSCIS, LSET and ABBM.</div> <bR> <div> The <I>Mine Counter Measures Element </I>is managed by a LEUT MCD and includes a CPOCD, 2 POCDs, 4 LSCDs and 9 ABCDs.  Each POCD effectively heads up a response team of ABs and a LS for the conduct of MCM operations. MCM operations are primarily conducted using the A5800 Closed Circuit SCUBA.</div> <bR> <div> The <I>Maritime Tactical Operations Element</I> is managed by a LEUT MCD and includes a CPOCD, 2 POCDs, 2 LSCDs and 7 ABCDs. Each POCD effectively heads up a response team of ABs and a LS for the conduct of MTO operations. Underwater MTO Element operations are conducted using the Drager LAR Vll hybrid Closed and Semi Closed Rebreather. </div> <bR> <div> The <I>Underwater Battle Damage Repair Element</I> is managed by a CPOCD and it includes 2 POCDs, 2 LSCDs and 8 ABCDs. Each POCD effectively heads up a response team of ABs and a LS for the conduct of UBDR operations.</div> <bR> <div> The Teams both carry their own ready response arsenal of weapons for rapid deployment and the most comprehensive array of specialized diving and EOD equipment available in the Australian Defence Force. Each team also operates a 24m workboat for local deployment and training purposes.</div> <bR> <div> AUSCDT1 & AUSCDT4 provide COMAUSFLT with a rotational response capability to “Go anywhere and do anything at any time” on a 12 monthly rotation. The “off watch” team uses the down time to replenish, rejuvenate and prepare for the next “full on” period. Never has the readiness and capability of the RAN CD Branch been so high or so capable.</div> <bR> <div> <B>AUSCDT3</B>, when formed to respond to ADF directives in a hostile theatre such as Vietnam, Kuwait or Iraq or a potentially hostile theatre such as East Timor draws its resources from CDT1 and CDT4. The structure of the team and its equipment fit-out are determined by the response required. This provides an incredibly flexible option mix at CDF's disposal.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Tactical Assault Group (TAG) </B><B>East: </B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="10dae9590.jpg" border=0 width="489" height="345" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The ADF provides Australia with a comprehensive and extremely capable response capability against terrorism and associated clandestine operations. TAG East, based in Western Sydney comprises a multi-service response capability to counter any subversive actions in Eastern Australia. </div> <bR> <div> Approximately 30 Clearance Divers are permanently attached to the group at any one time.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="10d98a6c0.jpg" border=0 width="650" height="364" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Water Platoon of TAG(E)</div> <div> All are current serving Navy Clearance Divers with exception of the SIG who is wearing the green beret in the front row.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="10dbc2500.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="336" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="10dcc23c0.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="316" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Mine Hunter Coastal (MHC):</B></div> <bR> <div> A significant component of a Clearance Divers life and their career prospects rests in a stint in one of the six Australian built, Italian designed Gaeta class Mine Hunter Coastal's which provide the backbone of the ADFs response to interdiction and mining of Australian waterways.</div> <bR> <div> The vessels have a crew of 39 with a minimum of 6 Clearance Divers at any one time. This can swell to 8 if the CO and XO are also MCDOs. </div> <bR> <div> The specialist equipment carried for the conduct of mine countermeasures operations by clearance divers includes a transfer under pressure (TUP) capable 4 man RCC and the A5800 Closed Circuit HE/02, N2/02 rebreather.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U><IMG SRC="58e90060.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="262" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="591" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#FFFFFF" BORDERCOLORDARK="#000066" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 BGCOLOR=#CCCCCC HEIGHT= 20 WIDTH="579"><div> <B>Statistics</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#CCCCCC HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Displacement</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="450"><div> 720 tonnes</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#CCCCCC HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="126"><div> Length</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="450"><div> 52.5 metres</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#CCCCCC HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="126"><div> Beam</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="450"><div> 9.9 metres</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#CCCCCC HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="126"><div> Draught</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="450"><div> 4.87 metres</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#CCCCCC HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Ships Company</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="450"><div> 39</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#CCCCCC HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="126"><div> Propulsion</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> 1 x 1460kw Fincantieri GMT Diesel - (Single shaft)</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> APU's 3 x 124kw Electro-hydraulic motors</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#CCCCCC HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="126"><div> Speed</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="450"><div> 14 knots (main engine)</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#CCCCCC HEIGHT= 56 ><NOBR><div> Weapon Systems</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> One 30 mm DS30B rapid fire cannon.</div> <div> Two .50 calibre machine guns.</div> <div> Two SUTEC Double Eagle mine disposal vehicles. </div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#CCCCCC HEIGHT= 132 WIDTH="126"><div> Mine Countermeasures</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="450"><div> GEC Marconi 2093 variable depth Sonar</div> <div> Two SUTEC Double Eagle Mine Disposal Vehicles with DAMDIC Mine Disposal Charge</div> <div> Clearance Diving equipment & Cowan two compartment recompression chamber</div> <div> Oropesa mechanical sweep </div> <div> Capable of towing AMASS Influence Sweep</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Training:</B></div> <bR> <div> The prime centre for Clearance Diving training remains at HMAS Penguin on the foreshore of Hunter Bay at Balmoral in Sydney Harbour. The RAN Clearance Diving School moved to “Penguin” in 1968 after spending its first 17 years at HMAS Rushcutter but the available space, vessel movement limitations and the “noise” factor required the School to be moved to a more appropriate location.</div> <bR> <div> The School remains in the same WWll era Submarine Support buildings that it was initially housed in after the move in 1968, albeit with several facelifts since. There are plans afoot to construct a totally new facility but the time frame has not yet been established.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="59ec2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> The structure of the School and the training syllabus reflects the structure of the Diving Teams. The training focuses on modules that mirror the CD Team Elements and therefore establishes in the minds of all trainees the very essence of what the shape of their chosen careers will be.</div> <bR> <div> The Training Modules are headlined as being <I>Underwater Battle Damage Repair </I>(UBDR), <I>Mine Counter Measures</I> (MCM) incorporating Explosives Ordnance Disposal, and <I>Maritime Tactical Operations</I> (MTO) which focuses on Clandestine Beach Reconnaissance.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Diving Equipment:</B></div> <bR> <div> The equipment provided for the conduct of CD training and for Clearance Diving Team Operations is amongst the best available in the world. </div> <div> <I>Underwater Battle Damage Repair</I> diving equipment incorporates the proven commercial KMB MK.17 Helmet and KMB MK.18 Band-mask and a solid Australian SCUBA set.</div> <div> <I>Maritime Tactical Operations</I> are conducted using the versatile Drager LAR Vll, a re-breather with the capacity to be switched during operation from a mix of 60/40 Nitrox to 100% oxygen and vice versa to allow for deployment from submarines and the conduct as clandestine operations.</div> <div> <I>Mine Countermeasures Operations</I> are conducted using the Australian designated A5800 (USN MK.XVl) Constant Partial Pressure Closed Circuit HE/02, N0/02 re-breather to a current depth of 60M. The A5800 02 Partial Pressure has been set at 1.0 ATA but considerations for an increase to 1.3 ATA have been made.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Clearance Diving Courses:</B></div> <bR> <div> <I>Clearance Diving Aptitude Test: (2 weeks) </I>A career in Clearance Diving begins with a two week aptitude test that is designed to determine which candidates have the best chance of achieving satisfactory results in such a career. This component of the overall training program has greatly reduced the incidence of failures that previously hindered attempts to “grow” the branch.</div> <bR> <div> <I>Basic Clearance Diver Course</I>: (35 weeks) is conducted at HMAS Penguin (Diving & some EOD & Demolitions theory), HMAS Penguin annex at Pittwater (LAR Vll & A5800), Marangaroo (surface EOD) and Shoalwater Bay (Demolitions).</div> <bR> <div> <I>Advanced CD Course: </I>(44 Weeks) is conducted at HMAS Penguin (Diving & some Hydrography, EOD & Demolitions theory), HMAS Penguin annex at Pittwater ( LAR Vll & A5800), Marangaroo (Surface EOD, Chem/Bio), Bandianna (IEDD), and Shoalwater Bay (Demolitions).</div> <bR> <div> <I>Clearance Diving Officer: </I>(44 Weeks) is conducted at HMAS Penguin (Diving & some Hydrography, EOD & Demolitions theory), HMAS Penguin annex at Pittwater ( LAR Vll & A5800), Marangaroo (Surface EOD, Chem/Bio), Bandianna (IEDD), and Shoalwater Bay (Demolitions).</div> <bR> <div> <I>Mine Warfare Component of MCDO qualification: </I>(4 Weeks) is conducted at HMAS Waterhen, Balls Head Bay, Sydney Harbour and HMAS Watson, South Head, Sydney Harbour.<I> </I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Fitness Standards:</B></div> <bR> <div> During week one of the SCUBA Air course the following fitness standard is required :</div> <div> <I>Run 2.4 Km in 12 min; 30 push ups; 60 sit ups; 6 chin ups; and swim 500m with fins in 14.30 minutes.</I></div> <bR> <div> During week one of the Clearance Diver Acceptance Test  the following fitness standard is required :</div> <div> <I>Run 2.4 Km in 10.15 min; 30 push ups; 60 sit ups; 10 chin ups; and swim 500m with fins in 13 minutes.</I></div> <bR> <div> By the completion of the Clearance Diving course the following fitness standard is required :</div> <div> <I>Run 2.4 Km in 9 min; 50 push ups; 120 sit ups; 18 chin ups; and swim 500m with fins in 9.15 minutes.</I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> _______________________</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Quote from an ex OIC CDT4</U></B><B>:</B></div> <div> <I>"In the US, individual sections tend to focus on special roles whereas we are pretty much Jack of all trades - and masters of a few of them. We are able to perform at a level in many  different tasks and roles that would require five or six or even seven American units to fulfil.</I></div> <div> <I>CDs are often described as 'special forces' in the military sense or mistaken for Navy SEALS.</I></div> <div> <I>We are neither. </I><I><B>We are Royal Australian Navy 'Clearance Divers'</B></I><I>."</I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a857c450.jpg" border=0 width="380" height="581" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>*******************************************************</I></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>