Field Manual (FM) 3-05.212 presents a series of concise, proven techniques and guidelines that are essential to safe and successful waterborne operations. It provides a consolidated reference for training and employing Special Forces (SF) and Marines in all types of waterborne operations.

Waterborne operations involve the employment of forces from waterborne platforms to meet objectives ashore; they may be in support of or independent from amphibious operations. This FM covers the entire spectrum of waterborne operations as they apply to United States (U.S.) Army SF and U.S. Marines. It provides detailed operational planning considerations for the following: small boat operations, surface swimming operations, dive operations, submarine operations (SUBOPS), riverine operations, and air operations (AIROPS). It also provides information on a variety of associated subject areas. The most common measurements used in waterborne operations are expressed throughout the text and in many cases are U.S. standard terms rather than metric. Appendix A consists of conversion tables that may be used when mission requirements or environments change.