The period of the late 19th — early 20th century was marked by rapid progress in military technology, which led to the development of various types of military forces and weapons. Dreadnoughts and heavy battleships, submarines, and naval aviation appeared in the Navy.
New types of weapons required qualified personnel, so officers and lower ranks had to undergo training. For this purpose, classes and courses were organized by the Navy Department. On February 8, 1906, the Naval Ministry approved the establishment of an Underwater Diving Training Unit. Rear Admiral Eduard Nikolayevich Schensnovich was appointed commander of the unit.
On March 27, the Underwater Diving Training Unit formed its staff. The course included two periods. From November to March, the officer trainees studied theoretical aspects of submarine equipment, technical means, weapons and general subjects. In the second period, from April to September, the trainees practiced on submarines. The officers consistently performed the duties of the assistant commander and other sailors of all specialties. On average, the training lasted about 10 months.
Prospective submarine specialists were recruited from among the officers and crews of submarines that were part of the Unit and already had experience in scuba diving. Officers who had previously served on submarines were subjected to special examinations. By the Circular of the Naval General Staff, the title of “Diving Officer” was awarded to 68 officers who passed the exams (45 naval officers, four mechanical engineers, five ship engineers, two naval doctors and three admiralty officers). The Officer’s Diving Class recruited from 5 to 24 candidates per year.
In total, about 120 officers graduated before the
Great War. The diving officer received the right to wear a special badge. The
badge of completion of the Officer’s Class of Underwater Diving was established
on January 26, 1909. Design-wise, it was a slotted circle formed by an anchor
chain. The Hall anchor bound by a rope was placed vertically in the center. A
submarine was depicted on top of the anchor.
