The three ship’s divers specially trained by the French Navy to join the crew of the Gowind® OPV L’Adroit practice daily and are ready to respond at any time.
The French Navy ship’s divers are tasked with regular inspection of the ship’s hull (verification of the condition of the water inlets, the sacrificial anodes, the shaft lines and the hull appendages) and removal of any foreign bodies trapped in the propellers.
The Gowind® OPV L’Adroit is fitted with variable-pitch four-bladed propellers, the pitch adjusting according to the required thrust. In the propeller hub, an eccentric system controlled by a rod mechanism adjusts the pitch of the blades simultaneously to the angles for ahead or astern movement. With a reputation for high reliability, this type of propeller also favours manoeuvrability, providing L’Adroit with flexibility and responsiveness indispensable for conducting its operations and highly appreciated by the crew.
But the divers also carry out ship safety and security tasks. They are at work at ports of call to check for hazards near the quay, such as underwater obstacles or terrorist explosive devices. Lastly, they are ready to respond at any time in the event of a man overboard or an aircraft crash. The L’Adroit’s technological equipment provides new capabilities and facilitates the implementation of such operations. The capacity of the shell doors customarily used for this type of task is limited to three divers, but the OPV’s aft ramps now enable rapid launching of boats loaded with personnel and equipment.
The hostile conditions in which these divers work (high pressure, strong current, low visibility, etc.) necessitate intensive training and complete knowledge of the hull. Nevertheless, the reduced 32-person crew of the L’Adroit demands a high level of versatility from these sailors. The three ship’s divers of the L’Adroit also occupy the posts of chief engine room artificer, master at arms and electrician, respectively.
