Winter navy divers training - mastering skills in extreme conditions

The winter conditioning and training camp for the Polish Navy divers has come to an end. For nearly two weeks, underwater operations specialists – mine clearance divers and engineers – underwent intensive training in the waters of Lake Czos and at the Military Training and Conditioning Center in Mrągowo.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 14.02.2025, 09:55 Reading time: 2 min

A diver's gloved hands emerge from an ice hole, guide ropes leading beneath the ice — fot. GNM 12 / 13dTR / MW RP

In brief

The winter fitness and training camp of Polish Navy divers ended on 14 February. For almost two weeks, mine clearance divers and engineers trained on Lake Czos and at the Military Training and Fitness Centre in Mrągowo, honing the search for underwater objects with sonars and mine detectors and recovery using the slinging method. The camp is organised by the 8th Coastal Defence Flotilla, which maintains two Mine Clearance Diver Groups from the 12th and 13th Minesweeper Squadrons.

The winter training, organized annually by the 8th Coastal Defense Flotilla, is a key element in maintaining the high operational efficiency of navy divers. The winter season allows for exercises in conditions of limited visibility, low temperatures, and changing weather, simulating real combat and rescue scenarios.

Specialist and conditioning training

During the training camp, divers honed their diving techniques, operational procedures, teamwork, and the handling of specialized equipment, as well as the use of hydraulic tools for underwater work. Special attention was paid to searching for and identifying underwater objects using sonars and underwater mine detectors. Once located, objects were prepared for recovery using the method of slinging – often in conditions of limited visibility and unfavorable weather.

- Winter diving training has its unique advantages – challenging weather conditions add realism, and the joint effort of various units yields tangible results. This type of training allows us to refine our skills in a calm environment, without time pressure, which better prepares us for real-world challenges, summarized the training commander.

In addition to specialized activities, divers also participated in intensive general physical training aimed at maintaining high fitness levels. Endurance and strength are crucial in this demanding military specialty, where every operation requires precision and physical capability.

Readiness for combat and rescue operations

The Polish Navy maintains two Mine Clearance Diver Groups from the 12th and 13th Minesweeper Divisions (8th Coastal Defense Flotilla) in full operational readiness. Specialists in underwater engineering operations are also part of naval shore units, including the 8th Engineer Battalion in Dziwnów (8FOW) and the 43rd Engineer Battalion in Rozewie (3FO).

Each year, navy divers carry out dozens of combat and intervention operations nationwide. Their tasks include neutralizing underwater explosive devices, locating hazardous objects, and supporting rescue missions. Operating in both marine and inland waters, these specialists must continuously enhance their skills to meet the demands of modern battlefields and engineering missions.

The winter training camp concluded on February 14, with its participants returning to their units to continue their service, applying the experience gained in operations on Poland’s territorial waters and beyond.

We are on Google News! Join us and follow Gazeta Morska. Get daily updates straight from the sea. Follow us at gazetamorska.pl!

Source: Marynarka Wojenna RP / Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier