Italian Navy divers from the Gruppo Operativo Subacqueo (GOS) who are currently embarked on Operation Atalanta’s flagship, ITS Carabiniere, carried out regular diving training with the aim of maintaining a regular state of readiness.
Normally based in La Spezia, Italy, the GOS are specialized in explosive ordnance disposal. They also conduct regular underwater inspections on ships’ hulls both at sea and when in port.
A key part of their explosive ordnance equipment is the anti-blast ‘bomb suit’, which protects the divers when they are operating with live ordnance and the suit is critical to the safe disposal of an explosive device.
The GOS team leader said: “The potential presence of an explosive device close to the ship’s hull is something that the dive team remains ever vigilant about. Our job on board is to ensure the safety of the ship through regular inspections. Our equipment and procedures allow us to detect suspicious objects and transfer them to a location suitable for safe disposal.”