Underwater Inspections
Underwater inspections are essential to maintaining the safety, durability, and compliance of marine and industrial infrastructure. Whether evaluating the condition of bridges, dams, pipelines, intakes, docks, vessels, outfalls, or structural foundations, underwater inspection work must be performed by trained commercial divers who understand how to assess conditions accurately—even in the most challenging environments. At True Depth Diving, our inspection services provide clients with clear, actionable data to support informed decision-making and preventative planning.
Underwater inspections can be broadly divided into visual inspections, tactile inspections, video documentation, photographic surveys, measurement-based evaluations, and structural assessments. Because visibility is often low or nonexistent, divers use a combination of tactile techniques, measurement tools, underwater lights, and high-resolution cameras to identify damage, deterioration, or obstructions. Our divers are trained to recognize structural issues such as spalling, cracking, corrosion, scour, sediment buildup, deformations, leaks, and mechanical wear.
Pre-dive planning plays a key role in ensuring successful inspections. Every project begins with a hazard assessment, review of site conditions, and coordination with engineers or facility managers. For municipal or industrial sites, intake valves, pumps, and mechanical systems may need to be isolated before divers enter the water. In fast-moving rivers or deep reservoirs, current speed, water levels, and temperature must be managed. Where contamination is present, divers require specialized suits, equipment, and decontamination protocols.
Blackwater inspection is one of our most frequently requested services. In these environments—common in gas plants, pulp mills, reservoirs, or silt-heavy rivers—the diver cannot see anything and must rely entirely on feel. Our divers use systematic patterns, familiarization sweeps, and measurement tools to identify structural conditions. They communicate findings in real time using surface-supplied audio communication, allowing supervisors and clients to monitor progress as it happens.
Ice-covered environments introduce additional challenges. Divers must enter through cut openings in the ice and rely on safety lines, emergency retrieval systems, and specialized thermal protection. Currents under ice can be strong and unpredictable, demanding exceptional training and awareness. Despite these factors, ice does not prevent us from conducting full inspections of structures such as dam components, reservoir intakes, submerged utilities, and bridge footings.
Inspection deliverables vary depending on client needs. Many projects include high-definition video recordings, still photographs, measurements, condition reports, engineering notes, or real-time commentary. Our reports are clear, detailed, and written in plain language so engineers, municipalities, contractors, and industrial operators can use the information effectively.
True Depth Diving conducts inspections for:
- Bridges and structural footings
- Pipelines (water, wastewater, industrial)
- Intakes, outfalls, and diffuser systems
- Dams, spillways, and control structures
- Marine vessels and hulls
- Docks, piers, and pilings
- Industrial clarifiers, basins, and mechanical bays
- Reservoir systems
- Environmental monitoring
Inspection work is essential for asset management. Early detection of problems helps clients avoid costly repairs, safety hazards, or unplanned downtime. Many inspections are part of regulatory compliance or routine maintenance planning. Others are required after storms, flooding, mechanical failures, or environmental disturbances.
Because accuracy matters, True Depth Diving prioritizes consistency, clarity, and professionalism in every inspection we perform. Our divers understand how to deliver information in a format that supports engineering decisions, maintenance planning, and long-term infrastructure resilience.