The Operational Diving Division is part of the South African Navy's Maritime Reaction Squadron (MRS) that was formed as the Naval Rapid Deployment Force (NRDF) in 2006.[1][2]
The Division consists of the training wing and the operational wing of four operational diving teams of 17 divers.[3] These teams of combat divers are trained in mine-countermeasures, search and recovery and underwater explosives as a war time role. During peace time they are tasked also with assisting dry docking, underwater welding/cutting/repairs, and their continual role in assisting arms of service from other nations (Lesotho, Tanzania) and in crime fighting in collaboration with the police.