Salvage Exercises (SALVEX) of Indian Navy

The Salvage Exercises (SALVEX) are bilateral naval drills conducted between the Indian Navy (IN) and the United States Navy (USN). These exercises aim to enhance cooperation, coordination, and mutual understanding in the fields of diving, underwater salvage, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations. Through regular interactions, both navies work towards strengthening interoperability and operational synergy in complex maritime environments.

Background and Objectives

The SALVEX series was initiated in 2005 as part of a strategic effort to develop professional understanding and interoperability between the Indian Navy’s Diving and Salvage Teams and the U.S. Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU). The primary objectives of SALVEX are to refine underwater recovery operations, improve salvage techniques, and exchange knowledge regarding underwater explosive disposal and emergency response procedures.
The core aims of the exercise include:

• Enhancing joint operational capability in underwater salvage and EOD missions.
• Promoting exchange of expertise in advanced diving techniques, equipment handling, and operational safety.
• Conducting practical training in wreck detection, mine neutralisation, underwater cutting and welding, and recovery operations.
• Improving coordination and readiness for joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations involving maritime salvage.

The exercises typically comprise theoretical sessions, harbour phases, and sea phases to provide participants with hands-on experience in real-world conditions.

Evolution and Key Editions

Since its inception, SALVEX has evolved significantly in scope, complexity, and technological integration. Each edition introduces more advanced underwater systems and refined operational doctrines.

• The 2011 edition, conducted off Port Blair, saw participation from 17 divers each from both navies. The exercise involved remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations, side-scan sonar mapping, and surface-supplied diving up to depths of 150 feet. Training also covered hot tap techniques used to remove fuel or oil from submerged vessels.
• In 2023, the seventh edition of SALVEX took place at Kochi from 26 June to 6 July. The Indian Navy deployed INS Nireekshak, a specialist diving support vessel, while the U.S. Navy participated with USNS Salvor. Both ships served as operational platforms for diving and salvage teams. The exercise featured harbour training and at-sea operations, including mine detection, underwater wreck location, and EOD procedures.
• Over the years, the series has demonstrated steady progress, with a focus on real-time salvage missions, mine countermeasure operations, and sub-surface engineering practices.

Components and Technical Training

SALVEX is organised into several key components that cover both theoretical instruction and practical underwater tasks. Each component is designed to improve the operational competence of divers and EOD specialists.
1. Underwater Mapping and Search TechniquesTraining involves the use of side-scan sonar, magnetometers, and underwater imaging equipment for locating and identifying submerged wrecks or metallic objects. Participants learn advanced search patterns and data interpretation for precision mapping.
2. Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) OperationsROV deployment is practised to conduct remote inspections, manipulations, and recovery tasks in challenging underwater environments. Trainees familiarise themselves with ROV handling, control systems, and data transmission techniques.
3. Hot Tap ProceduresA crucial skill in maritime salvage, hot tapping enables divers to safely extract oil or hazardous liquids from submerged tanks or pipelines, thereby preventing environmental contamination.
4. Surface-Supplied and Saturation DivingParticipants perform deep diving tasks using surface-supplied breathing apparatus. This module focuses on diving physiology, decompression practices, and safety management at greater depths.
5. Mine Countermeasure and EOD TrainingThis segment includes training in mine detection, neutralisation, and safe disposal of underwater explosives. It aims to prepare divers for ordnance clearance in ports, harbours, and maritime routes.
6. Salvage and Recovery OperationsTeams plan and execute simulated recovery missions involving wreck stabilisation, buoyancy control, and lifting operations using cranes, airbags, and other mechanical aids.
7. Cross-Deck FamiliarisationPersonnel from both navies engage in mutual shipboard visits to understand each other’s diving systems, operational setups, and safety protocols, encouraging cross-learning and interoperability.

Significance and Strategic Implications

SALVEX serves not only as a professional training platform but also as a strategic engagement reflecting the growing maritime cooperation between India and the United States. Its implications are both technical and geopolitical:

• Operational Readiness: The exercise enhances the preparedness of both navies to undertake joint salvage missions in real scenarios, such as shipwrecks or underwater emergencies.
• Technological Integration: By exchanging best practices and equipment-handling methods, both sides strengthen their technological compatibility in underwater operations.
• Strategic Partnership: SALVEX symbolises the deepening defence relationship between India and the U.S., aligned with broader regional security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
• Environmental Protection: The training in oil and hazardous material recovery supports maritime environmental safety and sustainable ocean management.
• Humanitarian Applications: Skills acquired in these exercises can be applied in search and rescue (SAR) operations, disaster relief, and recovery of sunken assets.