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UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE UXO CASE STUDY


Hughes Sub Surface Engineering have safely completed a number of UXO contracts around the UK & Europe. A typical job will start with a survey of the work site using a vessel which tracks the seabed using a sidescan sonar. The readings returned are searched thoroughly for anomalies. The specialist team will then study the readings and highlight possible targets in the surveyed area.


the surface team will then perform a hand search to locate the target. If the target cannot be located and identified due to the depth of burial, the diver will request an airlift to uncover and identify the target.


The Hughes SSE EOD team will assess footage taken from the divers helmet mounted camera and photographs taken,


SECOND PHASE OPERATION The highly skilled EOD team prepare charges on the surface. When the charges are prepared, a diver is deployed to the water and the charges are attached to the target to ensure a positive detonation. A final inspection will take place using the video link from the diver to ensure that the charges are in position to gain maximum effect against the target.


The diver is recovered from the water, carefully ensuring the detcord remains attached to the charge. The target is now ready for detonation. The specialist EOD/


POTENTIAL TARGETS AND TEAM RESPONSE If contacts are classified as potential UXO targets, the specialist UXO dive team comprising of a minimum of five men is mobilised to the target area and prepares to dive.


The EOD dive team are predominantly made up of ex Royal Navy Clearance Divers. The diver is deployed to the target area along with a magnetometer to begin the search. The preferred method is a circular search pattern. As the diver completes the search he is looking for positive reading from the magnetometer which has an audible alarm direct to the diver when a positive reading is detected. The diver who is in constant contact with


to positively identify the target as UXO or non UXO. If the target is positively identified as UXO, general operations in the area around the target are immediately ceased and the EOD team issues warnings of the imminent danger, placing cordons throughout the vicinity.


COLLABORATION


A meeting between the EOD team and site owner (Client) will determine what action will be taken. The site will be assessed by the MMO to ensure the safety of marine life in the surrounding the area and a safe zone to detonate and destroy the target established.


It will be assessed if the target can be destroyed in situ, or if it will need to be removed to a safe area for destruction – this will be done using underwater lift bags and UXO towing techniques. Once the demolition area is agreed, the second phase of the operation will begin.


UXO team set a safe time on the fuses connected to the detonators, to allow the team time to retreat and safely clear the blast site. A countdown is kept once the time fuse has been set.


PROJECT COMPLETION


After detonation, a standard soak time is observed prior to the dive team returning to the target area and beginning a survey to ensure a positive detonation of the target has taken place and the target has be destroyed.


Hughes Sub Surface Engineering (HSSE)


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