Book Description

Ship Salvage, Harbor Clearance and Wreck Removal oftentimes require extensive underwater cutting and welding. The lack of recent fleet experience in these areas dictates the need for a manual that incorporates state of the art equipment and tried and proven underwater cutting and welding techniques. The knowledge contained in this manual is a collection of fleet and commercial experience. It has been reviewed by technical experts with extensive salvage and underwater cutting and welding experience. This revision of the Underwater Cutting and Welding Manual has been prepared to provide the most current information on equipment and procedures available. All of the equipment covered may not be found on the Diving Equipment Authorized for Navy Use (ANU) list (NAVSEAINST 10560.2), but is included in this manual as an aid to the salvor who finds himself in a "must get the job done" situation. Further guidance can be found in Appendix E. Due to limited time allocation, there is a lack of realistic underwater cutting and welding training in the Navy's diving schools. Students are given only the basics in school and thereafter must practice to become proficient and gain the experience necessary to become "qualified underwater cutters and welders." I therefore charge all diving officers, master divers and diving supervisors to establish or maintain existing training programs for underwater cutting and welding. Practice, practice, practice.