When Military Training Meets Marine Safety: The Critical World of Underwater Ordnance Recovery Operations
Military training ranges, particularly those involving underwater operations, present unique challenges that require specialized marine services to ensure both safety and environmental protection. Wars and hasty post-war dumping over the last century have left our global waters littered with ordnance. Military air and naval bombardments, naval mining operations, military firing ranges, sea-dumping of munitions, ship and aircraft wrecks have all contributed to the problem. Understanding underwater ordnance recovery operations is essential for anyone working in marine environments where military training activities occur.
The Scope of Underwater Ordnance Recovery
Navy EOD technicians perform land and underwater location, identification, render-safe, and recovery (or disposal) of foreign and domestic ordnance. These operations encompass a wide range of explosive devices, from training torpedoes and sea mines to unexploded ordnance that may have been fired during exercises or left behind from historical military activities. EOD personnel are specifically tasked with detecting and diving on armed underwater ordnance and conducting Render Safe Procedures (RSPs). Additionally, EOD personnel render safe dud-fired mines, torpedoes, and depth charges, and conduct searches for and RSPs on limpet mines.
The complexity of these operations cannot be understated. Access in this case is more difficult because it requires specialised equipment and skills (diving). In many ways water complicates EO clearance and mitigation efforts. Locating underwater EO is challenging because it requires specialised equipment and training. Professional marine service providers must possess both the technical expertise and specialized equipment necessary to safely conduct these critical recovery missions.
Safety Protocols and Environmental Considerations
Safety remains the paramount concern in all underwater ordnance recovery operations. The risks from munitions in the underwater environment are driven by two different effects: the explosive hazard associated with encounter and the environmental hazard associated with the release of the constituents contained in the round. In many underwater sites, particularly in deeper water not often accessed by divers, the likelihood of direct exposure is remote. However, comprehensive safety protocols must be established and rigorously followed to protect both personnel and marine ecosystems.
Specific training in underwater EO operations is required, including: underwater demolition procedures, search equipment and techniques, recovery equipment and techniques, disposal methods and environmental mitigation procedures. Marine service providers must ensure their teams receive extensive training in these specialized techniques to maintain the highest safety standards during recovery operations.
Advanced Technology in Ordnance Recovery
Modern underwater ordnance recovery relies heavily on cutting-edge technology to enhance both safety and effectiveness. Underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROV) are effective tools across a variety of applications including sea mine detection, infrastructure inspection, gas/oil exploration, and search and recovery because they are straightforward to operate, precisely controllable, and can host various sensor payloads.
Navy EOD teams utilize advanced detection equipment, including sonar and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), to locate mines in complex underwater environments. These technological advances have revolutionized the field, allowing for more precise location and safer recovery of underwater ordnance while minimizing risk to human divers.
Miller Marine Services: Long Island’s Specialized Recovery Experts
Located in Port Jefferson, New York, Miller Marine Services has established itself as a leader in specialized marine operations along the Northeast coastline. Miller Marine Services specializes in providing a wide array of marine support services, including offshore wind farm development and torpedo recovery. With over thirty years of experience, the company has built a reputation for excellence in complex maritime operations.
For organizations requiring torpedo recovery long island services, Miller Marine Services offers comprehensive capabilities backed by a fleet of specialized vessels. Miller Marine Services, Inc. is outfitted with a well-equipped fleet of vessels that are designed to perform a variety of marine tasks, including Torpedo Recovery. Should you require torpedo recovery, our US Coast Guard inspected and certified vessels are outfitted with the latest technologies to accurately locate expelled torpedoes, and ensure their retrieval is done as quickly and as safely as possible.
The company’s commitment to safety and precision is evident in their approach to ordnance recovery operations. Our torpedo recovery vessels are capable of stowing full-sized torpedoes on their decks and their recovery ramps. At Miller Marine Services, we take great pride in configuring all of our vessels to ensure the successful execution and completion of your project. This includes our torpedo recovery vessels. These ships are equipped with all of the necessary features and adhere to strict safety standards.
Comprehensive Marine Support Services
Beyond ordnance recovery, Miller Marine Services provides a full spectrum of marine support capabilities. Miller Marine Services offers the capabilities of providing or supporting offshore services for wind farm development, geophysical surveys and construction support for vessels and crews. We also offer the capability to help lay submarine cable, pipeline installation and more.
The company’s environmental credentials further enhance their capability to handle sensitive operations. We are certified and capable to manage oil spill response remediation and services for salvage. Which means we are certified in oil spill response operations: including boom and oil spill recovery operations. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of marine safety and environmental protection are addressed during recovery operations.
The Future of Underwater Ordnance Recovery
As military training activities continue to evolve and environmental awareness increases, the importance of professional underwater ordnance recovery services will only grow. In 2022, ESTCP funded projects that will improve the detection of unexploded ordnance (UXO) using technologies above and below the water surface as well as explore a safer munition removal process. These ongoing technological developments promise to make recovery operations even safer and more efficient.
The dynamic nature of the underwater environment presents ongoing challenges that require continuous monitoring and adaptation. An important factor to be aware of is the dynamic nature of the underwater environment. In some areas, natural events such as storms and currents can uncover and move underwater EO. Long term monitoring programmes are important in such cases and should be implemented as part of the quality management process.
For organizations operating in areas where military training activities occur, partnering with experienced marine service providers like Miller Marine Services ensures that underwater ordnance recovery operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all relevant safety and environmental regulations. With their proven track record, advanced equipment, and commitment to excellence, they represent the gold standard in specialized marine recovery operations along the Northeast coast.