A team of professional divers from the U.S. Army’s 86th Engineer Dive Detachment from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia recently spent two weeks at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District’s Caven Point Marine Terminal in Jersey City, New Jersey, inspecting under-water infrastructure at the facility ⎼ piers, bulkheads, a boat lift and the hulls of two Army Corps vessels.
CAVEN POINT MARINE TERMINAL
When the team arrived, New York senior port engineer Joseph Castellano and marine superintendent William Lyness provided a tour of Caven Point Marine Terminal to familiarize divers with operations and the important work done there. They emphasized New York’s Drift-Collection Mission removing hazards to navigation in New York-New Jersey Harbor and federal navigation channels, and walked the dive team through several vessels to select a craft best suited for working in the harbor.
New York District Commander Col. Alexander Young stated: “We were pleased to host U.S. Army’s 86th Engineer Dive Detachment to inspect the under-water infrastructure of our marine facility gaining practical experience and training. Their inspection work also helps us a great deal: this summer, divers will return and make repairs identified during their mission. It’s a terrific win-win collaboration!”
UNDER-WATER INSPECTIONS CRITICAL
The importance of under-water inspections cannot be overstated: piers and bulkheads are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of waterfront infrastructure. Caven Point facilities include an administration building housing 65 employees, a large boat house for survey vessels, repair building, fuel tanks and parking lot all on the waterfront. Inspections can identify potential problems early, prevent major failures, and ensure long-term serviceability of structures. They’re also essential for assessing the impact of harsh marine environments and complying with safety regulations.
SPECIALIZED SOLDIERS
Army divers are highly-specialized soldiers conducting underwater operations including reconnaissance, demolition and salvage. Trained in scuba- and deep-sea diving, their work supports various Army units, including special warfare and explosive-ordnance disposal teams. They’re trained in underwater navigation, deep dives, diving physics, marine hazards, surface-supplied diving systems and use specialized equipment to work under water.
Completing the Basic Engineer Diver Course and trained in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and operating automated external defibrillators (AED), on this mission several recent training graduates were in the water for the first time.
DIVING MISSIONS
During a site visit, divers in wet suits and scuba gear entered the water dock-side from a Zodiac ─ a small all-purpose inflatable craft. On shore a member of the dive team was monitoring equipment for communications from divers reporting the condition of piers and bulkheads. Those findings were incorporated into a post-mission report to the New York District.
The next day, the team boarded the District’ vessel, MORITZ, sailing a half-mile into New York-New Jersey Harbor where the District has a barge to store debris gathered through New York’s Drift-Collection Mission. The barge was secured to seven dolphins ─ a cluster of piles driven into the ground serving as a fixed point to secure a vessel.
SAFETY CHECKS & PRECAUTIONS
The MORITZ, captained by NewYork small-craft operator Melissa Lucante, was carefully maneuvered into position and secured in place. As a safety precaution, the main engines were locked ensuring they could not accidentally be turned on while a diver was in the water. Before divers entered the harbor, the team performed a series of safety checks: equipment, communication systems and ensuring all team members knew their roles during standard dive operations or an emergency.
In two separate dives, the dolphins were inspected and conditions relayed to the team on board.
Work of this nature is not without risk ─ divers were outfitted with special gear to keep them safe while working:
● Two air tanks
● Full face masks sealed to the face for breathing
● Buoyancy compensators allowing divers to stay in place while working
● Dive harness
● Jet fins to improve propulsion, maneuverability and control
● Knife (in case a diver gets stuck, they can cut themselves loose)
● Gloves to protect hands
On board, the team monitoring divers used the following equipment:
● An extraction line to lead divers out of the water
● Medical bag for emergencies
● 300 feet of tending lines to tether the diver
● Communication box for reporting to the team
After the last dive, the vessel passed closely by the Statue of Liberty so the diving team could get a close-up view of this historic landmark.