Argentine Navy: Diving in the South

Combat diving stage ends in South

23/06/2010 | From Tuesday 8 to Friday 18 June, tactical divers were trained in Puerto Madryn. Conducted day and night diving, swimming and hydrographic survey conducted in Cracker Bay.

 

Puerto Madryn, Forty men of the Tactical Divers Group (APBT) spent ten days in the city Puerto Madryn (Chubut).

Based on its annual planning, Tactical Divers Group is changing the places where they operate their men to adapt to all climates and environments.

"In this case, as we do annually, we have come to Madryn to further trained in combat scuba-diving techniques, with closed circuit equipment and diving guide, also in swimming techniques in this area and sailing in rubber boats, "explained Frigate Capt. Armando Leandro Clausen, when asked about the work developed tactical divers in the area of Chubut.

For the commander of the APBT, the campaign was a success, although the first week we had three days of bad weather and much wind. But that also contributed to the training of staff to demonstrate why these men belong to an elite unit of the Argentina Navy. "

He explained that Puerto Madryn is the capital and the birthplace of diving. "Here we come to do a hundred percent diving techniques. For the Group and the Navy, Madryn has a special significance, the Navy has a history in this place and we want to continue perpetuating the tradition. So it's a double incentive that we have."

Unlike Ushuaia, where this elite unit are trained in mountain and cold Patagonian area from 12 to 23 last April, "Madryn is essentially one hundred percent water, diving. While the city of Tierra del Fuego has a setting that allows them to work in the field.

Puerto Madryn has particular viewing conditions, "but make diving more fun because you see more, you also have to be much more stealthy approach when the potential targets because it is easier to be detected (and there is difficulty), "said Clausen.

Moreover, closed circuit scuba diving requires a certain depth. "Here we have places where there is great visibility and this is an aspect to take into account because you are distracted and can overcome their own limits," he said.

Second Semester

In the second half of this year's tactical divers will be back in Madryn again (before end of year). It also will train in the north, in the river environment, and to develop amphibious operations with the Fleet.

Then, it rests other activities in Azul city and continue working on the coast of the province of Buenos Aires with hydrographic survey operations. Therefore, the second half of the year will be as moved as the first, and were in Azul, Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn and Puerto Belgrano.

"My men see very well, I am very pleased with the performance we have, for the enthusiasm shown by their behavior. I'm really proud and happy for this position with which the Navy has honored me this year, "said the commander of the APBT.

 

 

Source: www.gacetamarinera.com.ar