Maritime Port Security Dive Operations became a higher priority after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. These dive operations cross many geographic boundaries and regional jurisdictions, typically conducted by the US Navy, US Coast Guard, and local Public Safety Dive Teams.

They include underwater search of ship hulls, piers, pilings, docks, and bottom berthing areas for IEDs, contraband, mines, and other threats in all ports – foreign and domestic – and routinely occur in dark or turbid water in near zero visibility conditions.

Consequently, there is high interest in the development and fielding of technology and training that can decrease the time needed to search an underwater area, increase the probability that threats will be found, and decrease the inherent risk to divers.

Technologies and training programs that can be used by multiple agencies – including military and civilian – are essential. In addition, the National Science & Technology Council’s Domestic IED Subcommittee has determined that effective Waterborne IED Detect and Defeat Systems are a National Critical Need.

The Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO); in partnership with navy labs, private industry, and universities; has been funding the development of technologies and training for divers to detect, locate, and identify waterborne threats in zero visibility conditions. Under a recent CTTSO program the Naval Surface Warfare Center-Panama City division (NSWC PCD), in partnership with Florida State University-Panama City (Advanced Science Diving/UW Crime Scene Investigation Program), and Sound Metrics Corporation (sonar manufacturer) has developed a unique capability for multi-agency dive teams to conduct rapid response maritime-port security dive operations.

The paper will describe this complete rapid response capability which comprises a commercial high resolution hand-held imaging sonar, a state-of-the-art military diver head-mounted display, and a portable hybrid training curriculum jointly developed and implemented by NSWC PCD and Florida State University.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center will also exhibit in the MAST Americas trade-show. View the full conference timetable.

MAST Americas early-bird rate ends soon

Prospective delegates (including authors) for the forthcoming MAST Americas are requested to book now to ensure they get the generously discounted earlybird rate.

The last day to book for the lowest fee will be Friday 7th May.

The MAST Americas program is the most dynamic and diverse in the event series to date, and even at full rate is modestly priced. However, organisations on restricted budgets will want to ensure their representatives get the best value by booking now.

For the best rates book at: www.mastamericas.com/register.asp

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