To provide diving support, Sub-Surface Engineering modified the workboat Coastal Engineer to include full crew accommodation, an on board computer system, and a surface supplied diving system conforming to the 1997 Diving at Work Regulations.

The dive system has 100m umbilicals and integrated closed circuit television system allowing the diving supervisor or client's representative to view the inspection of the structure in real time. In addition, the Sub-Surface Engineering diving engineers also carry hand held digital stills/video cameras which allow photographs or video footage to be emailed to clients or their representatives almost immediately should an area of concern be noted by an engineer.

For structures such as flooded culverts where health and safety issues negate the use of divers, Sub-Surface Engineering uses their ROV to inspect the structure.

The underwater visibility in the ports of South Wales varies tremendously, but generally ranges from 300mm to 5m. This has allowed the engineer to carry out a detailed visual inspection and take readings from the ultrasonic thickness meter where metal structures were inspected.

Analysis results of the metal thicknesses obtained allowed Sub-Surface Engineering to determine corrosion rates and identify 'hot spots'.

Before works commenced, the client issued Sub-Surface Engineering with drawings of known hazards in the port structures. As the inspections have progressed, Sub-Surface Engineering has provided information on potential hazards to divers which the client had not known about, such as sunken vessels. This relationship has created a positive feedback loop which ensures that up to date health and safety information is available to other diving contractors working in these locations.

MJ Information No: 20756