Dams

Dams are among the most technically complex and high-risk environments that commercial divers operate in. These structures often include deepwater zones, high hydraulic pressures, strong currents, large mechanical gates, spillways, intakes, turbines, draft tubes, penstocks, and submerged concrete infrastructure. Because dams are critical to municipal water supply, flood control, and energy production, precision, safety, and compliance with regulatory requirements are essential.

Before entering the water, divers perform extensive risk assessments that account for water flow patterns, pressure gradients, and potential entrapment hazards. Lockout/tagout procedures for turbines, gates, and valves must be confirmed by multiple stakeholders. Hydrodynamic conditions are constantly monitored, as even small fluctuations in flow can present serious risks to divers.

Blackwater diving is common inside intake tunnels, penstocks, and mechanical housings. Divers must navigate tight, enclosed structures while using tactile techniques to inspect cracks, corrosion, debris buildup, mechanical issues, or structural integrity concerns. Common dam-related tasks include debris clearing, gate inspections, sealing repairs, underwater concrete work, valve restoration, trash rack repair, and emergency response following storm events.

Cold water and depth can significantly affect diver endurance and buoyancy control, requiring advanced thermal protection and topside monitoring. Ice diving is common at northern dams during winter months, where divers must operate through cut holes and under thick ice sheets. Our team trains extensively for such conditions, using redundant safety lines, backup air systems, and comprehensive rescue protocols.