Master Diver (United States Navy)

The United States Navy Master Diver is the highest warfare qualification obtainable by a member of U.S. Navy diving community. A Master Diver has the most experience and knowledge on all aspects of diving and underwater salvage.

Designation

A Master Diver is qualified to wear the Master Diver badge. An enlisted member who obtains Master Diver status is authorized to have the warfare designator (MDV) after his/her rating designator. For example, if Davy Jones is a Navy Diver Chief Petty Officer (Master Diver), then his title/name would be written as NDC (MDV) Jones. The title "Master Diver" is customarily used as a form of address rather than the individual's rank.

Responsibilities

The Master Diver is the most qualified person to supervise air and mixed-gas dives (using SCUBA and surface-supplied diving equipment) and recompression treatments. They are directly responsible to the Commanding Officer, via the Diving Officer, for the safe conduct of all phases of diving operations. The Master Diver manages preventive and corrective maintenance on diving equipment, support systems, salvage machinery, handling systems, and submarine rescue equipment. The Master Diver, who also ensures that divers are trained in emergency procedures, conducts training and requalification of divers attached to the command. The Master Diver recommends to the Commanding Officer, via the Diving Officer, which enlisted divers are qualified to serve as Diving Supervisors. The Master Diver oversees the efforts of the Diving Supervisor and provides advice and technical expertise. If circumstances warrant, the Master Diver shall relieve the Diving Supervisor and assume control of the dive station. In the absence of a Diving Officer, the Master Diver can assume the duties and responsibilities of the Diving Officer.

Knowledge and skills

The Master Diver has completed Master Diver evaluation course successfully and is proficient in the operation of Navy-approved underwater breathing equipment, support systems, and recompression chambers. They are also trained in diagnosing and treating diving injuries and illnesses. The Master Diver is thoroughly familiar with operating and emergency procedures for diving systems, and possesses a working knowledge of gas mixing and analysis, computations, salvage theory and methods, submarine rescue procedures, towing, and underwater ship husbandry. The Master Diver shall possess a comprehensive knowledge of the scope and application of all Naval instructions and publications pertaining to diving, and shall ensure that logs and reports are maintained and submitted as required.

See also

• Diving Badge
• United States Navy Diver