Seabee UCT Diver Challenge

[NavyDads CoAdmin Jim Gramza]

UCT Divers are qualified to dive using Navy-approved SCUBA and Surface Supplied air diving apparatus in both permissive and non-permissive environments.

Qualified Seabees will also learn to test, repair, and adjust Navy approved diving equipment. They will learn the laws of diving physics and be able to recognize symptoms of decompression sickness and diving accidents, as well as assist in their treatment. Seabees may also volunteer for UCT Diver training during basic training at Recruit Training Center, at "A" school, or at any time during their enlistment prior to their 31st birthday.

In-service recruiters (Dive Motivators) at RTC, conduct the physical training screening tests, and assist interested people with their applications. UCT Diver training is physically and mentally demanding, but the individual who accepts the challenges is rewarded with extra pay for diving, plus extraordinary duty assignments.

Seabee UCT Diver Challenge information is available in COMNAVCRUITCOMINST 1130.8G VOL 1 CHAPTER 4 SECTION 4.

What They Do

• Underwater construction and expedient repair using cutting, welding, grinding, concrete placement, component assembly, system installation,

• Underwater material inspection

• Precision explosive demolition

• Seafloor excavation, hydrographic surveys, object search and recovery

• Engineering reconnaissance

• Support to amphibious operations

• Participate in research and development of new diving techniques/procedures;

• Hyperbaric chamber operators, inside tenders and supervisors.

• Projects may include piers, piles, wharves, quay walls, causeways, bridges, boat ramps, moored systems, pipelines, cables, ranges, and magnetic silencing facilities

Qualifications and Interests

Personnel who volunteer for UCT Challenge Program must be in excellent physical condition. Comfort in the water beyond good swimming ability and no aversion to confinement in close spaces is a must. The ability to perform detailed mechanical tasks under stress and/or adverse conditions is important. Helpful attributes are a good memory, resourcefulness, and administrative capabilities. UCT Diver candidates must be U.S. citizens eligible for security clearance.

Working Environment

The motto of the Navy Diver community is “We dive the world over”. Because Seabee divers may be tasked to conduct underwater construction in any part of the world, their environment will vary as widely as water conditions: cold, muddy water where underwater tasks can be completed by feel only, or warm, tropical waters clear enough to perform underwater photography.

Career Path After Recruit Training

Enlistees attend the Seabee source rating A-School where they receive apprentice level skill training in their assigned rate. Following A-School the candidates will be detailed to a Navy Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) for 18-24 months to gain Seabee skills and earn their Seabee Combat Warfare qualification. Following the NMCB tour candidates are sent to Dive School to attend the UCT-Basic course of instruction. Following completion of UCT-Basic the Seabee is awarded the NEC-5932 (UCT Basic Diver). The UCT Diver career path entails assignments to the Underwater Construction Teams located in Port Hueneme, CA and Virginia Beach, VA. Advanced schools include the UCT- Advanced and UCT Master Diver courses of instruction.

Seabee Source Rate A-School, Gulfport, MS, Port Hueneme, CA, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Sheppard AFB. 9-13 weeks. Builder, Construction Electrician, Construction Mechanic, Engineering Aid, Equipment Operator, Steelworker.

UCT-Basic Panama City, FL. 26 weeks. Basic air diving and skills such as underwater cutting and welding; using hand tools and hydraulic tools; and other underwater tasks associated with Seabee underwater construction.

UCT-Advanced, Panama City, FL 18 weeks of advanced diving skills.

Master Diver qualification, Panama City, FL. 2 weeks. Review of all aspects of diving theory and practical knowledge.

Master Diver, Carl Brashear

 

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