OVERVIEW: Mine Disposal Divers are specialized naval personnel trained to manually locate, identify, and neutralize underwater mines. In use since the 1950s, they remain vital for mine countermeasures in environments unsuited for remote systems.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Mine Disposal Divers use visual inspection, sonar guidance, and hand-placed charges to safely neutralize or disarm mines. These divers operate in shallow and confined waters where ROVs may be ineffective or where precision and human judgment are essential. Tasks include mine identification, placement of explosive charges, and mine reconnaissance. Despite the rise of unmanned systems, divers remain a crucial component in modern mine warfare due to their adaptability and precision.

ROLE SUMMARY:
Category: Mine Countermeasures (MCM)
Primary Use: Manual detection and neutralization of mines
Function: Human-deployed demolition and identification
Platform: Deployed from MCM vessels, RHIBs, or shore-based teams
Integration: Works in coordination with sonar, navigation tools, and demolition charges

SOURCE:
https://www.globalsecurity.org
https://www.naval-technology.com