Tauchergruppe

Tauchergruppe is a German term for a team of divers who perform underwater operations. In German-speaking contexts the designation is used across military, police, fire and civil rescue services, and may denote different units within a national or regional structure. While the exact composition varies, a Tauchergruppe generally includes trained divers, a dive supervisor or team leader, surface support personnel, and often medical or first-aid capability.

Typical missions cover underwater reconnaissance and inspection, hull and infrastructure surveys, installation or repair work, salvage and lifting operations, search and recovery of objects or persons, and the disposal of underwater hazards or remnants from incidents. In criminal investigations the group may collect underwater evidence or assist with forensic searches. Some units also undertake underwater demolition or construction tasks and support offshore or port operations.

Training and equipment emphasize safety, dive planning, and decompression procedures. Divers use open-circuit or closed-circuit systems, sometimes surface-supplied air, and rely on specialized tools such as cutting and lifting gear, underwater cameras, sonar, and occasionally remotely operated vehicles. Surface teams coordinate dives, manage communications, and provide medical or logistical support. Because responsibilities and depth of mission vary by country and service, there is no single universal standard for a Tauchergruppe.