Diver-Assisted Dredging

Some areas cannot be reached effectively with a barge-mounted dredge or excavator. A commercial diver can work directly at the obstruction.

Fixt Marine provides diver-assisted dredging using 4-inch to 6-inch hydraulic dredge pumps. The diver positions and controls the suction at the problem area, removing silt, sand, sediment, and loose debris from around submerged equipment and structures.

This approach is well suited for confined spaces, limited-access sites, and projects where material must be removed from a specific location without unnecessarily disturbing the surrounding bottom.

Controlled removal at the point of the problem

With diver-assisted dredging, the diver works the dredge hose by hand and stays directly on the target. Depending on water clarity, the diver can visually inspect or physically locate the obstruction and control where material is removed.

This gives the crew more control when working around equipment, structural components, utilities, and other areas where broad excavation may cause damage or remove more material than necessary.

Where diver-assisted dredging works best

Intakes and outfalls

Sediment, shells, vegetation, and debris can reduce flow or obstruct access to intake and discharge structures. A diver can place the suction where the buildup is concentrated while monitoring nearby screens, piping, and structural components.

Docks, piers, and marine structures

We can remove accumulated material around pilings, bulkheads, fender systems, seawalls, foundations, and other submerged structures where access from the surface is limited.

Vessels and barges

Diver-assisted dredging can help free grounded or silted-in vessels, clear material from beneath hulls, and provide access to submerged fittings, running gear, spuds, and other components.

Underwater repairs and construction

Buried hardware and structural connections often must be exposed before they can be inspected, removed, cut, or repaired. The diver can uncover the work area and maintain access while the repair is completed.

Confined and difficult-access areas

Hydraulic dredge pumps can be deployed where large dredging equipment cannot operate, including beneath docks, between pilings, inside pump bays, and around industrial marine infrastructure.

Hydraulic dredging equipment

Fixt Marine uses 4-inch to 6-inch hydraulically powered dredge pumps selected according to the material, required production rate, access, water depth, discharge distance, and available spoil area.

Hydraulic equipment is well suited for commercial diving operations because the power source remains at the surface while the diver controls the pump or suction hose underwater. The final equipment configuration will depend on the site and the type of material being removed.

Before mobilization, we evaluate:

• Material type and estimated volume
• Water depth and visibility
• Access for personnel and equipment
• Proximity to structures and operating machinery
• Required discharge distance and elevation
• Spoil placement, containment, or dewatering requirements
• Current, tides, vessel traffic, and site conditions
• Permit and environmental requirements

Spoil handling and discharge planning

Removing the material is only one part of the job. The dredged slurry must also be discharged to an approved location.

Depending on the project, material may be discharged into a designated containment area, dewatering container, geotextile bag, settling area, barge, or another approved location. Fixt Marine will coordinate the equipment and hose layout around the site access and spoil-handling requirements.

The customer or project owner is typically responsible for identifying an approved disposal or containment location and obtaining any required environmental or dredging permits unless otherwise included in the project scope.

Why use a commercial diver?

Conventional dredging is effective for removing large volumes across an open area. Diver-assisted dredging is intended for targeted work where access, control, and proximity to submerged equipment matter more than bulk production.

The diver can work around specific components, respond to changing conditions, and confirm when the required area has been cleared. This can reduce unnecessary excavation and make the next inspection, repair, or construction task possible.