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Rebreather

A re-breather is a type of diving set used by Clearance Divers that provides a gas mix (Oxygen, Nitrox or Heliox). The unit recycles the diver’s exhaled breath into a filter canister where the carbon-dioxide is absorbed and then passed back to the breathing loop. The set is constantly topped up either mechanically or electronically to the correct levels during the dive. Throughout the dive, the diver can monitor the concentration of the gas mixture he is breathing through the use of a Head-Up Display attached to the mask.

The recycling of the air reduces the volume of breathing gas required as well as significantly reducing the noise associated when breathing open circuit (i.e. the blowing out of bubbles underwater). This makes a re-breather lighter and more compact than a traditional SCUBA cylinder.

Future Technology

Clearance Diving Teams continually update their equipment and procedures to ensure that they can conduct their training and operations in the safest and most efficient manner. A hand-held underwater computer system is soon to be introduced to help with the role of Mine Counter-Measures. It will assist the divers with navigation, communication and data collection, giving the user the ability to electronically log progress in real-time.

Mine Counter-Measures

In this role, Clearance Divers focus on the location, identification, rendering safe and disposal of underwater munitions and explosives (such as buoyant and ground mines), in areas where conventional mine hunting methods are not possible. This often means searching entrances, anchorages and sea approaches to amphibious landing sites.

Equipped for the job

There aren't many other jobs where you get to work with equipment as unique and technologically advanced as a Clearance Diver’s, their tools of the trade are one of the best features of the job. Equipment used in mine counter-measures includes a hand-held sonar device, a rebreather and a soon to be introduced portable underwater computer system.

Hand-Held Sonar

The portable, hand-held sonar device is used by Clearance Divers to locate underwater mines or other submerged objects. By being entirely non-magnetic, it is not detectable by any mines that may be using a magnetic sensing trigger. Combined with a listening headset, the sonar device sends audible tones to the user, lowering the pitch as the object gets closer. With experience, an operator can determine both the distance and the physical makeup (ie; wood, metal) of a detected object.

Huon Class Mine-Hunter Coastal

The Huon Class vessels are designed to provide excellent shock absorption in case of a mine detonation. This is achieved through the development of a special one-piece hull design made without ribs or stiffeners. These ships are fitted with an exceptionally long range sonar and a pair of underwater mine-disposal vehicles which are capable of disposing of mines while keeping the ship at a safe distance.