Commercial Diving
& Underwater Access
Submerged concrete defects need an access and repair plan suited to underwater conditions. Specialist commercial diving may be considered where the workface cannot be exposed through a practical dry-access arrangement.
Access The Concrete
Below The Waterline
A floating deck or suspended scaffold can support marine work, but neither makes a submerged repair face dry. Where the defect remains underwater, the access plan may involve a specialist commercial diving contractor working with the repair team and engineer.
Underwater access affects inspection, surface preparation, material placement and verification. Repair products and techniques must suit submerged service and the specified application conditions; a standard dry repair sequence cannot simply be carried out underwater.
Underwater Access
Applications
The diving contractor selects the operational arrangement for the site, depth, conditions and work scope. These are repair environments, not a prescribed diving procedure.
Pile & Pier Access
Close access to submerged portions of concrete piles and piers for assessment and an agreed repair scope.
Seawall & Waterfront Faces
Access to concrete faces below the waterline where inspection from the shore does not show the full defect.
Underwater Condition Surveys
Recorded observations and measurements to help define the affected area before repair options are selected.
Surface Preparation Support
Specialist preparation of submerged surfaces to the requirements of the chosen repair system and site controls.
Jacket & Formwork Installation
Diver-assisted positioning of specified jackets or formwork where an engineered repair calls for an enclosed placement area.
Repair Placement & Inspection
Support for specified underwater grouting or concrete placement and the agreed inspection of completed work.
Typical Concrete Repair
Applications
Commercial diving is considered when direct underwater access is required and the repair can be performed and checked in the conditions at the site.
What We Consider Before
Using This Method
Specialist Diving Plan
Competent commercial diving personnel, surface support, communications and emergency arrangements must be defined for the operation.
Water & Site Conditions
Depth, current, visibility, contamination, vessels and entanglement hazards can limit the practical work scope.
Repair System Suitability
The preparation, placement and curing requirements must be compatible with the specified underwater repair system.
Isolation & Verification
Coordinate relevant intakes, outlets and other operational hazards, along with the records needed to assess repair quality.
Important: Access systems are selected and set up for the actual site conditions. Required licences, competencies, engineering, exclusion zones, fall protection, rescue planning and other controls are determined by the work being undertaken and the applicable site/WHS requirements.
Advantages
Reaches defects below the waterline
May avoid a large dry enclosure where appropriate
Supports close inspection of submerged structures
Can be combined with marine platforms and engineered repair systems
Limitations
Requires a specialist diving operation and surface support
Visibility and currents can constrain productivity and inspection
Some repairs require dry conditions instead
Materials and quality checks must suit underwater application
How We Plan A
Difficult-Access Repair
Inspect The Repair Area
Confirm the defect location, extent, structure type and the access obstacles surrounding it.
Compare Practical Access Options
Consider reach, platform size, setup, duration, site disruption and the repair equipment required.
Plan The Work Method
Coordinate access setup, exclusion zones, material handling, protection and repair sequencing.
Complete Works In Stages
Carry out the repair with access repositioned or staged as required across the structure.
Questions About This
Access Method
?Can deteriorated concrete be repaired underwater?⌄
Some repair systems are designed for submerged application. The defect, structural requirements, preparation and installation conditions must be assessed before a system is specified.
?Would divers or a dewatered work area be more suitable?⌄
That depends on whether the repair needs dry preparation and curing, the geometry, water conditions and the feasibility of isolating and dewatering the repair area.
?Is underwater access the same as recreational diving?⌄
No. Underwater construction and repair work requires a planned commercial diving operation with the appropriate personnel, equipment and support.
?Can an underwater camera replace a diver for repairs?⌄
Remote inspection equipment may help survey an area. It does not automatically provide the physical access needed to prepare concrete or install the specified repair.
Need Concrete
Cancer Repairs?
Tell us about the damage and upload any photos or reports you have. We'll review the information and help determine the appropriate next step.
Prefer To Speak With Us?Call Or Text 0424 408 330
