363
1 INTRODUCTION
During the Second World War the Polish coast was
one of major battlegrounds. To this day various
unexplodedordnance(UXO)isfoundeitherinseaor
along the coast. In result of the war, the territory of
Poland was left replete with great amount of
unexploded ordnance. Dozens of millions of such
ordnance were found and neut
ralized after the war,
butalmostentireterritoryofthecountryneededtobe
thoroughlysearchedinordertolocalizedevicesthat
could potentially endanger human lives. More than
70yearsaftertheendofthewar,operationsaimedat
neutralizing underwater unexploded ordnance
(UUXO)lyingontheseabed,roadsteads,andportsor
alongthecoast
linearestillconducted.Theremnants
ofthewararestilla causeofaccidentsthatthreaten
livesorhealthofthecitizensand humanactivityon
sea.
Manyofsuchdevicesareunexplodedordnanceof
largecalibers or sizes such as art
illery shells, mines,
bombs,torpedoes,rocketsorgrenades.Duetoalong
exposuretochanging meteorologicalconditions,they
areconsideredunpredictable.Variousfactors,suchas
movement, high temperature, physical contact with
anotherobjectorattemptsoftransportingthem,may
causetheysudden explosion. For this reason, under
nocircumstancesshouldtheybea
pproachedbyany
person,whichhasnotbeenproperlytrainedandthus
does not possess the required qualifications and
equipment.
To ensure appropriate execution of the task of
cleansing the country’s territory of aforementioned
remnants, 39 Demining Patrols (DP) in the whole
Polish Armed Forces and 2 Explosive Ordnance
DisposalDiversGroups(EODDG)specificallyinthe
Polish Navy, have been created. Among them we
dist
inguish:
intheLandForces‐35xDP
intheNavy‐2xDPand2xCDG
intheAirForces‐2xDP
TheNavy patrolsareresponsible forareas ofsea
bea
ches,theHelPeninsula,navalports,theNavy’s
airportsandotherareaswheretheNavy’sunitsare
Safety of Transport and Disposal for Explosive
Ordnance in Ports, Roadsteads and at Open Sea
A.Cichocki&M.Chmieliński
PolishNavalAcademy,Gdynia,Poland
ABSTRACT: In the article principles, pertaining to the safety of transport for explosives and unexploded
ordnance of military origin and procedures that guarantee maximal effectiveness of the process of their
neutralization, are presented. Since the end of the 2nd World War operations of neutralizing unexploded
ordnance (UXO) of tha
t era that still lie in ports, roadsteads and coastal areas are continuously conducted.
DuringthatwarthePolishcoastwasoneofthemajor battlegroundsandtillnow unexplodedordnanceare
foundeitherontheseabedoralongthecoast.Variousanalysesstatethatsearchingtheseaandthecoast
linefor
unexplodedordnanceisataskstilltobecarriedoutintheforeseeablefuture.
http://www.transnav.eu
the International Journal
on Marine Navigation
and Safety of Sea Transportation
Volume 11
Number 2
June 2017
DOI:10.12716/1001.11.02.21
364
stationed. The CDG’s are responsible for sea areas
allocated to the 3
rd
Ships Flotilla and the 8
th
Coastal
DefenseFlotilla,aswellasneutralizingUXO’sinsea
areas where, due to the depth, land patrols cannot
operate.
TheAirForcepatrolsonlyoperateontheAirForce
provinggroundsinNadarzyceandUstka.Thesizeof
the assigned region corresponds to the amount of
interventionsusually
conductedinit.Onaverage,up
to4patrolscanbelocatedinonevoivodship.
2 UNEXPLODEDORDNANCE
CHARACTERISTICS
As explosive ordnance we define any devices of
military origin, that could pose a threat if handled
improperly, such as bombs, shells, wide array of
mines, projectiles, rocket‐propelled grenades,
grenades, fuses
or other metallic scrap that could
containexplosivematerialsremnants[3].
Dangerousordnancearevariousotherdevices(of
military, industrial or other origin) that have
inflammable,toxic,orcorrosivepropertiesandposea
threatwhenmishandledor whenincontactwithair
or high temperature. The definition contains for
example
flammable liquids, contents of fire
extinguishers, steel bottles, or substances stored and
usedinlaboratories.
Explosive ordnance of military origin that lay in
thegroundcanbedividedinto:
unexplodedordnance–bombsandprojectilesthat
didnotexplodeaftermakingcontactwithearth;
duds–projectilesthat,due
totheirfaultydesign,
failedtofireoncommand;
artillery shells and bombs left unattended after
cessationofhostilities;
anti‐personnelandanti‐tankmines;
remnants of post‐ war operations aimed at
destroyingartilleryshells;
underwater unexploded ordnance and
ammunitionleftonseabeds(seamines,torpedoes,
depthcharges,artilleryshells,rockets).
Operations concerning neutralizing unexploded
ordnance are regulated by the Polish Military
Standard‐Detecting, demining and mine clearance
operations,onthebasis of whichinternal documents,
that regulate Polish Armed Force’s operations
pertaining to neutralizing explosives and dangerous
devices,arecreated[6].
The number of leftovers of
military origin is
proportionaltothenumberofammunitionfiredand
bombs dropped down on the particular area, which
numberrelieson:
the duration and intensity of fights conducted in
thegivenarea;
the nature of conducted fights (pursuit fights,
sieges);
thenumberofequipmentavailableat
thedisposal
ofthefightingsides;
the number of defensive fortifications (shelters,
bunkers,trenches,minefields).
Iftheregionhadbeenactivelyusedasaproving
ground before fighting occurred (or after it), the
dangerofencounteringexplosivedevicesinthatarea
rises multiple times. Especially dangerous are the
placeswhich
wereusedasammunitionmagazinesor
dangerous militaryobjectsdisposal grounds, shortly
afterthewar.
Theburialdepthonwhichexplosivedevicesmay
lie depends on their caliber, composition of ground
and various other factors. On average, we could
assumethat75mmcalibershellslieupto1,0meter,
105 mm caliber shells‐1,2‐1,4 meters and 155 mm
calibershellsupto1,6metersbelowtheground.
Bombspenetratethegroundtothedepthof1,0÷
6,0 m‐depending on their mass and size. Leftover
ammunition, anti‐tank and anti‐infantry mines are
most frequently found in layers
of humus at 0,3 m.
Some kinds of soils are much more susceptible to
penetration by bombs and projectiles [8]. Research
conductedbyPolishsappersindicatesthat90‐95%of
theunexplodedordnancefound,aretheremnantsof
the Second World War, the remaining 5‐10% are
eitherremainsof
theFirstWorldWarorwereutilized
fortrainingpurposesaftertheWorldWarII.
Afterthewarwasover,itwasestimated,thatthe
territory of Poland could still contain the following
numberofunexplodedordnance:
1 upto15millionanti‐tankoranti‐infantrymines;
2 up to
70 million unexploded projectiles, bombs,
armor‐piercingshells;
3 the size of the area that needed clearance was
estimated to be around 220 000‐250000 square
kilometers–whichconstitutesabout70‐80%ofthe
entirePolishterritory.
Theseanalyzesprovedtobeunderestimated,since
from 1945 to 1994
sapper patrols neutralized 94,1
million mines and unexploded ordnance of other
sorts[10].
Unexploded ordnance is an explosive device in
which,despiteproper conditions created in order to
ensure detonation, potential chemical energy of the
material was not transformed into chemical
energy[8].
Unexploded ordnance in general‐ projectile,
grenadeorbomb
‐inwhich,despiteproperconditions
created in order to ensure detonation (hitting an
obstacle,armedfuse)thepotentialchemicalenergyof
the material was not converted into mechanical
energy (due to chemical transformations in the
materialorfaultymechanisms).
A dud is ammunition that failed to fire due to
technical
defects or was left behind or lost on a
battlefield[7].Adudisaprojectilethatwasnotfired
due to the weapon jamming (too short or badly
positionedstriker,weakstrikerspring,bulletpressed
too deep into the chamber) or ammunition defects
(igniterorprimerpressedtoodeep,damaged
ignition
mass in either the igniter or the primer, wet
gunpowder etc.). Immediate recognition of such
occurrence is difficult and therefore high level of
cautionshouldbetakenwhendealingwithsuchcase.
The dud should be disposed of carefully, not
earlierthan3minutesaftertheattemptoffiring
(hang
firepossibility).
365
3 MINEPATROLSTASKCHARACTERISTICS
To ensure appropriate execution of the task of
cleansing the country’s territory of aforementioned
remnants, 39 Demining Patrols (DP) in the Polish
Armed Forces (26 in the Land Forces, 9 in the
Inspectorate for Armed Forces Support, 2 in the Air
Force, and 2 EOD
divers group in the Navy) have
been created. The way they are located ensures that
theentireterritoryofPolandiscovered.
In the Navy two units, specialized in mine
clearance operations, were created – the 43
rd
Sapper
Battalion(assignedtothe3
rd
ShipFlotilla)stationedin
Rozewie,andthe8
th
SapperBattalion(assignedtothe
8
th
CoastalDefenseFlotilla)stationedinDziwnów.
In each flotilla, EOD Diving Groups was
established, tasked with neutralizing explosive
ordnance,oftenfoundinriversandlakesandinthe
seabed in the area of the Polish littoral zone. The
littoralzoneisthe part ofasea, lakeor river that
is
close to the shore and includes the shoreline and
adjacentseaandlandareas,wherebilateralinfluences
betweentheseenvironmentscanbeobserved.
Minehunter vessels and minesweepers from the
12
th
and 13
th
MCM Ship Squadron are also charged
with the task of neutralizing explosive remnants of
bothWorldWars[8].
Appropriatenumberandproperlocalizationofthe
mineclearancepatrolsiscrucial toestablishing quick
and effective response to va rious threats (Fig. 1 and
Fig. 2). Relevant regulations determine that the
response
timeshouldbenolongerthan72hours(24
inthecaseofanimminentandsuddendanger).
Figure1. The Polish Navy sappers during anti‐mine
operationsSource:ThePolishNavy’sarchives
EOD divers groups are responsible for the sea
areas assigned to respectively the 3
rd
and the 8
th
Flotillas as well as neutralizing dangerous and
explosivedevicesininlandwaters,wherethe depth,
on which such devices lie, makes it impossible for
landmineclearancepatrolstointervene.
The mine clearance patrols under the Air Force
onlyoperateontheAirForceBasesprovinggrounds
locatedinNadarzyce
andUstka.
The size of the region assigned to a particular
patrol corresponds to the amount of interventions
conducted in it. On average up to 4 patrols can be
locatedinonevoivodship.
TheEODdivers and sappers of the Polish Navy,
as well as the crews of the specialized minehunters
and minesweepers vessels, take part in a couple
hundredinterventionsannually.Theyoperatemainly
ontheseaareasstretchingasfar astotheborderof
the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone [15], but also
alongthePolishcoast[16]andintheinlandwatersof
variousPolishregions.
Figure2. The Polish Navy sappers during anti‐mine
operationsSource:ThePolishNavy’sarchives
CDGsareresponsiblefortheseaareasassignedto
respectively the 3
rd
and the 8
th
Fleets as well as
neutralizing dangerous and explosive devices in
inland waters, where the depth, on which such
deviceslie,makesitimpossibleforlandminepatrols
tointervene.
The sapper patrols under the Air Force only
operateontheAirForceprovinggroundslocatedin
NadarzyceandUstka.
The
size of the region assigned to a particular
patrol corresponds to the amount of interventions
conducted in it. On average up to 4 patrols can be
locatedinonevoivodship.
Most frequently, their task is to dispose of the
Second World War remnants such as mines,
torpedoes,bombsorartilleryshells.
Intherecentyear,
the Navy’s forces intervened, among others, in
Świnoujście (on the construction site of the LNG
terminal) [17], cleared the beaches near Kołobrzeg
(Fig.3andFig.4).
Figure3. The Polish Navy divers during anti‐mine
operationsSource:ThePolishNavy’sarchives.
366
Figure4. The Polish Navy divers during anti‐mine
operationsSource:ThePolishNavy’sarchives
Every year, the Navy’s mine clearance patrols,
EODDivingGroups,minehuntersandminesweepers
conductc.a.300interventionseitheronlandoronthe
Baltic Sea, neutralizing miscellaneous threats
including(butnotlimitedto) bombs,artilleryshells,
torpedoes, mines or other objects of military origin
that could pose threat to lives or
well‐being of the
country’sandsea’sinhabitants.
ThediversandsappersofthePolishNavy,aswell
as the crews of the specialized anti‐mine warfare
ships, take part in a couple hundred interventions
annually.
Being a member of mine clearance patrol is
especially demanding for the soldiers. They
are
requiredtodisplayprofessionalattitude,appropriate
skills, calm and controlled behavior, common sense
and the ability to overcome stress. The soldiers are
well aware, that their job is very dangerous even
during peacetime, but at the same time take pride
frombeing able to save others from deadly menace.
Every
unexplodedordnanceneeds tobedisposedof
not later than 72 hours from detecting (in public
places,wheresuchadevicecouldposeanespecially
greatdanger,thattimeisshortenedto24hours).
According to the mine clearance operations
algorithm,afterreceiving the report of newly found
ordnance,the
followingprocessbegins:
firstly,ananalysisandclassificationof thereport
(eitherasurgentorregular)isconducted;
secondly, the officer in charge assesses the
situation,assignsspecifictaskstothemembersof
thepatrolandorganizesbackupmeansofaction;
thirdly,themineclearancepatrolmoveson
tothe
afflicted region, contacts local administration or
personsthatissuedthereport,inordertodirectly
localize the explosive device. If necessary, an
evacuation of endangered people or property is
carriedout,andtheareaismarkedofflimits;
thepatrolidentifiesthedeviceanddisposesit(or,
astheyoftenaddresstheissue‐pickup,transport,
neutralize);
after successful actions the patrol returns to its
headquartersandreportstosuperiorofficers.
According to existing regulations, unqualified
peopleare strictly forbidden totouchthe dangerous
devices or move them in any way. By qualified, we
defineproperlytrained
andequippedsoldiers.
The patrol consists of soldiers that are specialists
in explosive materials. They a carefully selected,
experienced, disciplined and well educated.
Moreover, they are also prepared to lecture both
adultsandchildrenonhowtoproperlybehaveafter
spottingadangerousdevice.Everyanti‐minepatrolis
equipped
with specialized detecting tools, means of
transport and neutralizing unexploded ordnance, as
wellasprotectivegear(Fig.5andFig. 6).Thenature
of their action is strictly interventional and focuses
mainlyonneutralizingexplosiveordnanceofmilitary
origin previously reported by the state or local
institutions. All ordnance must be
disposed of not
later than 72 hours after being reported (regular
intervention). If the object is particularly dangerous
due to its localization (public places, schools, roads,
constructionsites), thetime isshortened to24hours
(urgent intervention). Responsible for securing the
areauntilthepatrol’sarrivalarethepolice.
Figure5. Mine clearance vehicle TOPOLA and other cars
and trailers used as means of transporting unexploded.
Source:ThePolishNavy’sarchives.
Afterbeingpicked up by the patrol, the object is
then moved to the destruction site (usually military
proving ground) [7]. During early spring, due to
various factors (snow melting, beginning of
construction works) the biggest amount of
unexplodedordnanceisfound.
The Navy’s anti‐mine patrols are responsible for
seashore
areas, the Hel Peninsula, the Polish naval
portsandothermilitaryareasassignedtotheNavy.
Figure6. Mine clearance vehicle TOPOLA and other cars
and trailers used as means of transporting unexploded.
Source:ThePolishNavy’sarchive
TheClearanceDivingGroupsareinchargeofthe
sea areas assigned to the 3
rd
Ships Feet and the 8
th
367
Coastal Defense Fleet as well as the inland waters,
where, due to the depth on which the ordnance is
located,thelandpatrolinterventionisimpossible.
The Air Force’s patrols only operate on the Air
Force’sprovinggroundsinNadarzyceandUstka.
The size of the assigned region depends on
the
numberofinterventions usuallyconducted in it. On
average, up to 4 patrols can operate in one
voivodships.
Single projectiles with fuses, and other explosive
devicesshouldbeplacedonananti‐shocksurface,its
longitudinal axis in the middle of the transporting
vehicle,parallel totheaxisof
thewheels.Theobjects
shouldbesecuredfromshocks,turmoil,frictionand
otherdisturbances.
Itis forbidden to reside inthe close proximity of
theexplosive ordnanceloading/de‐loadingsites. The
explosiveremnantsofwarshouldbetransportedand
moved mindfully and safely, without rapid or
excessive movement. Failing to comply
with these
safetyproceduresmaycausedetonation.
4 UNEXPLODEDORDNANCEDISPOSALIN
ROADSTEDSANDFROMSEABEDS(FROM
DETECTIONTODESTRUCTION)
Detectionofadangerousobjectresidingonseabedis
usually carried out using means of acoustic location
(sonar,multibeamecho sounder), which allow users
to localize, classify and identify underwater
objects
(Fig. 7 and Fig. 8). The procedure is in accordance
with the “minehunting” mine disposal method and
generallycontainsthefollowingfoursteps:
detection and determining position of the object
(MILCOdetection‐MineLikeContacttheobjectis
testedformine‐likeresemblance)
Figure7. Clearanc ediver duringmine identificationand a
mine as seen in the underwater vehicle’s camera ROV t.
„Ukwiał”.
Procedure’s is consistent with the mine methods
ʺminehuntinguʺ and, in general process involves
sequentialstepsFour:
detection and specify the location (MILEC Mine
LikeEcho(thedetection ofthe echoon thesonar
screen);
contactclassification(MILCOanalysis);
object identification (determining whether the
objectisaNOMBO‐
NonMineLikeBottomObject
(in the process of identification was determined
that there is no object Mina), mine or UUXO –
Underwater Unexploded Ordnance (unexploded
underwater
threat(object)neutralization‐eitherbydetonation
ortransportingtheobjecttoa safelocation.
Within the limits of identifying mine‐like objects
(images
8 and 9), a thorough inspection, using
unmannedunderwatervehiclesorclearancedivers,is
conducted,inordertoassessthedanger andspecify
termsandmeansofthedisposal.
In2015thePolishNavyconductedanoperationof
neutralizing the Second World War unidentified,
unexploded underwater ordnance (naval mines),
found
intheGdanskBay.
In the direct proximity of the port of Gdynia
(about200metersfromthebreakwater)aswellasin
theport(bytheSilesianWaterfront)anEnglishMK‐
VI mine and four German mines were detected
(identifiedlaterastheGC‐1andGC‐2mines).
Figure8. Clearanc ediver duringmine identificationand a
mine as seen in the underwater vehicle’s camera ROV t.
„Ukwiał”.
Figure9. Mk VI,IIWorldWarmine extraction,conducted
byaminedestroyer(March2015),GCtypeminefoundin
TheGdanskdetonationSource:author’sownresources.
The methods of disposing of underwater
unexploded ordnance detected on seabed, classified
andidentifiedareasfollows:
object extraction‐if no threat of detonation has
beendetermined(oriftheobjectisnotexplosive),
but it could still pose a navigational threat or an
368
obstacle,itisextractedfromtheseabed(Fig.9and
Fig.10);
BottomminestypeGC‐1(Fot.5)wereaerialmines,
discended using parachutes integrated with the
mine’s construction. The second version of the GC
mine,verysimilartothepreviousone,borethename
LMB/s(fromtheGermanLuft
MinenModel”B”)and
was launched using surface vessels (for example E‐
boatclasswarships)anddidnotincludeparachutes.
objectneutralization‐itusuallymeansdetonating
the object on the site (without extracting it), if
duringtheidentificationprocessadirectthreatto
humanlivesoractivityatseawas
concluded.
According to available information concerning
Germanunderwaterarmament,intheGC‐typemines,
the explosive material consisted of hexanite‐ the
mixtureof63%TNTand23%aluminium.
Theseminesareconsideredespeciallydangerours,
duetotheirsizeandtheamountofexplosivematerial
theycontain.Forthatreasonadecision
wasmadeto
disposeofthemviathedetonationmethod.
Figure10.MkVI,IIWorldWarmineextraction,conducted
byaminedestroyer(March2015),GCtypeminefoundin
TheGdanskdetonationSource:author’sownresources
To ensure security of the operation, safety zones
hadtobeestablished,toprotectpeople,animals,and
other objects from being negatively influence by the
action.
Inthepyrotechnics,itismostcommontocalculate
thepressureoftheunderwateroftheshockwavein
thedistancescope:
5R
o<D<1000Ro
where:R
o–theradiusoftheshapedcharge[m],
Themaximumpressureofunderwatershockwave
isdeterminedusingtheRobertCole’sequation:
3
4
max
533 9.869 10
G
P
R
[Pa]
where: G – the equivalent mass of the explosive
material [kg]R – distance[m]‐empiricallyfound
index(1,13forTNT)
Thegraphbelowpicturesthechangesofacoustic
(Fig. 11) wave pressure as function of the distance
from the detonation zone (in the case of detonating
either
GC‐typeminesorMkVImineonthedepthof
12meters).
Figure11. The graph pictures the changes of acoustic
Source:author’sownresources.
To apply the aforementioned dependency to
explosive materials different than trinitrotoluen (for
example hexanite, amatol, minol), a TNT equivalent
must be calculated and depth factor (which defines
the how the force of detonation is affected after
reflectingfromdifferenttypesofseabottom).
Thevalueofthedepthfactor(k
d)should,intheory,
beintherangefrom0to2.Thevaluesfrom0to1 are
applied to charges buried in sea bottom. If the k
d is
equalto2,thebottomisrocksolid,inthiscasehalfof
the detonation energy is reflected. For the analysed
case, due to the bottom characteristics, a k
dequal to
1,6wasapplied.
Table1.Thedepthfactorvalues.[5]
_______________________________________________
TypeofbottomValueofkd
_______________________________________________
Rocky1,8
Mediumdensity(gravel,clay)1,6
Light(loam,sand)1,4
_______________________________________________
AfterconsideringboththeTNTequivalentandthe
depthfactor,a“correctedvalueofexplosivematerial
mass”wascalculated,markedasqe.
To properly establish zones where ships are safe
from the underwater detonation (underwate shock
wave)impact, the followingempiricalformula [8] is
used:
3
76 100 '
be
R
q [m]
To establish the same zone, this time for
concrete buildings, the formula is changed:
3
18 '
be
R
q
[m]
Table2. Underwater unexploded ordnance detonation
dangerousareas
_______________________________________________
Minetype Explosive qe’[kg] Rb[m] Rb[m]
materialforships forbuildings
mass[kg]
_______________________________________________
GC(LMB) 696 1336 836÷1100 198
369
MkVI 430 895 730÷960 173
_______________________________________________
Theexplosiveobjectsresided200‐250metersfrom
the port of Gdynia breakwater and 150 m from the
centeroftherouteleadingtotheNavalPortandthe
main entrance to the commercial port. There were
bothshipsandelementsoflocal infrastructureinside
the established danger zone. The
area considered as
dangerousforhumansoranimalswasestimatedtobe
about10km.(Fig.12).
Due to the closeness of the port’s infrastructure
andships,itwasnotpossibletodisposeofthemines
usingthedetonationmethod.Thekeyelementofthe
operation was hauling the mines
to the detonation
area, about 5 nautical miles from the detection site.
There,theywereneutralizedwiththeuseofvarious
sapperandremotedetonationmethods.
Thedisposalofthethreat,conductedbythePolish
Navy’s forces, was the most fragile and dangerous
element.Itwascrucialtoensuresafetyof
the action
during the extraction of the ordnance and later,
duringitsdestruction.
Figure12.TheGC‐typemines(markedred)andtheMkVI
mine (yellow) detected in the port pictured alongside the
safetyzones.Source:author’sownresources
That particular stage was preceded by a
reconnaissance procedure, during which a thorough
classification and identification of the object was
conducted, the results of which determined further
actions. To properly organize these two processes
allowsappropriateforcestobeusedintheprocessof
neutralization, which in part ensures the maximal
securityofthepeopleengagedintheoperation.
5 CONCLUSIONS
The examples of various dangerous, explosive
ordnance (including objects from the Second World
Warera),presentedinthearticle,areprooftothefact,
thattherestillexistsathreattonavaltransport,port
infrastructureandhumanactivitiesinthese
areas.
In the Polish territory, a system of unexploded
ordnance clearance has been established, which,
despiteutilizingrestrictedforces,ensuresthesafetyof
Polish citizens. Vital parts of that system are the
ClearanceDivingGroupsandAnti‐MinePatrols.
In the Polish Military Standards, the anti‐mine
patrolsarecalledexplosive
ordnanceclearancepatrol
[6]. On one hand, they partake in anti‐crisis
management tasks, on the other they make effective
functioningoftheentiresystempossible.Toalleviate
the danger of untoward incidents, especially those
connected with dangerous remnants of war, it is
mandatorytodisposeofthemasquickly
aspossible.
In order to do so, a proper reorganization of the
system, so that its maximum effectiveness and
swiftness may be achieved, is necessary. The most
importantgoalistomakeminedisposaloperationsas
unburdensometothelocalpopulationaspossible[5].
The disposal of mines, conducted by
the Polish
Navy’s forces, is the most fragile and dangerous
elementoftheoperation,duetoexposuretovarious
threats inevitably connected to extracting and
neutralizingexplosivematerials.
InthePolishResponsibilityZonealone, themine
clearance operations were continuously conducted
fromtheendoftheSecondWorldWarto
themiddle
ofthe70s.Itisalsoworth notingthat contemporary
technologydidnotmakethecompleteeradicationof
the threat possible. Due to that fact, there is still
unexploded ordnance found in the previously
searched areas. Bottom non‐contact mines were
considered harmless, since the fuse became inactive
after
their energy sources depleted. There are,
therefore,stillthesetypesofobjectslyingonthesea
bed.
Transport and neutralization of the explosive
underwater ordnance and other, similar threats,
described in the dissertation, will be the subject of
nextresearchesandanalyses,whichwillbedescribed
inpublicationstocome.
Inconclusion,transportofunexplodedordnanceis
a complicated process, which requires specialized
knowledge. To organize this process in compliance
withvarious safetyregulations isnotonlycrucialto
decrease the threat of dangerous incidents, but also
ensuresitsmaximaleffectiveness.Itisworthknowing
howtoproperlyselectmeansof
tra nsportandproper
safety equipment, which would vary depending on
thetypeofthematerial,itsindividualpropertiesand
dangersitcreates.
On the basis of experiences gathered so far, a
national plan of creating a Central Center for
Unexploded Ordnance Management based in the
Engineering and Chemical Forces Training
Center
wassetafoot.
The growing interest in exploiting the Baltic’s
natural resources will intensify the demining
operations in this area. As statistical data proves,
theseoperationsarebothlengthyandexpensive. Lack
ofthoroughanalysesconcerningpossibleunexploded
ordnancethreatscouldendangerlivesofresearchor
constructionteamsworkingin
thearea.Thedetection
of this kind of objects in close proximity of a LNG
terminal clearly shows, how important demining
operationsaretoproperinvestmentpreparation.The
PolishNavy onlyemploys three mine hunters (ORP
“Flaming”, ORP “Mewa” and OPR “Czajka”) with
enough equipment to conduct mine detection,
identification,
classificationandneutralization.
370
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