Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Group
|
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 (EOD). 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 organisation with a direct and primary interest in the conduct of EOD.
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.
Clearance Diving Teams
- Australian Clearance Diving Team 1
- Australian Clearance Diving Team 3
- Australian Clearance Diving Team 4
Ships
| Ship | Pennant | Class | Commissioned |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMAS Diamantina | M 86 | Huon Class | 2452398.54 May 2002 |
| HMAS Gascoyne | M 85 | Huon Class | 2452062.52 June 2001 |
| HMAS Hawkesbury | M 83 | Huon Class | 2451586.512 February 2000 |
| HMAS Huon | M 82 | Huon Class | 2451313.515 May 1999 |
| HMAS Norman | M 84 | Huon Class | 2451782.526 August 2000 |
| HMAS Yarra | M 87 | Huon Class | 2452699.51 March 2003 |
