Dive Team Surveys (DOT & PHMSA Compliant)

Dive Team Surveys

Underwater pipeline inspections and dive team surveys have been Central States Underwaters specialty since our inception 50 years ago. You can trust our ADCI qualified team of divers to perform each survey with a high level of expertise and efficiency.

Underwater pipeline inspections are a crucial process to ensure the safety and integrity of pipelines that are submerged underwater. Along with visual inspections, pipeline inspections may include depth of cover surveys done by Central States Underwaters ADCI qualified team of divers to ensure that pipelines are buried at a safe depth below the seabed.

Pipeline inspections with DOT and PHMSA compliance are essential for ensuring that pipeline systems meet the safety standards set by the US Department of Transportation and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. These inspections are a regulatory requirement for pipeline owners and operators and involve a range of inspection methods. Inspection results must be reported to the DOT and PHMSA, and any necessary repairs or maintenance must be completed in a timely manner to ensure the safety of pipelines and prevent accidents or incidents that could harm the environment or public safety.

Central States Underwater provides comprehensive underwater pipeline inspection services that meet DOT and PHMSA compliance standards, including visual inspections, depth of cover surveys, and other inspection methods to ensure the safety and integrity of your pipeline systems. Other types of inspections and surveys CSU specializes in include:

-Pipe and Cable Tracking

-Right of Way Surveys

-Site Utility Surveys

-Geophysical Surveys

-Cathodic Protection Surveys

-As-Built Surveys

Need an underwater pipeline survey done that you don’t see stated above? We’ve probably done it before! Give CSU a call to discuss your underwater inspection needs and get a quote today.

Diver Safety

Diver safety is paramount during our underwater pipeline inspections. Several key safety procedures are followed to ensure the well-being of the divers involved. These procedures include:

1. Pre-dive Planning: Thorough pre-dive planning is conducted, taking into account factors such as water conditions, visibility, currents, and potential hazards. This includes evaluating the depth and complexity of the pipeline, as well as establishing communication protocols and emergency procedures.

2. Equipment Inspection: Diving equipment, including breathing apparatus, communication devices, safety harnesses, and tools, undergoes rigorous inspection before each dive. Proper functioning and suitability for the specific inspection task are ensured to minimize risks.

3. Teamwork: Our ADCI certified divers always work in teams of four. This ensures continuous monitoring and assistance throughout the dive. Divers maintain visual contact with their team and communicate regularly to ensure mutual safety.

4. Dive Briefings: Before each dive, thorough dive briefings are conducted, covering the objectives, potential hazards, emergency procedures, and communication protocols. Divers are informed about the specific pipeline inspection techniques, areas of focus, and any potential risks associated with the task.

5. Continuous Communication: Effective communication between divers and the surface team is maintained throughout the inspection. Communication devices such as underwater radios, diver voice communication systems, or hand signals are used to relay information, share updates, and address any concerns or emergencies promptly.

6. Monitoring Gas Supply: Divers carefully monitor their breathing gas supply during the dive, ensuring they have sufficient air or gas mixtures for the planned duration. Adequate reserve gas is maintained to allow for safe ascent and decompression if needed.

7. Safety Stops and Decompression: Following standard diving practices, divers adhere to safety stops during ascent to prevent decompression sickness. Proper decompression procedures are followed based on dive profiles and depths to minimize potential health risks.

8. Hazard Identification and Mitigation: Divers are trained to identify and mitigate potential hazards such as entanglement risks, sharp edges, marine life, or changes in pipeline conditions. They exercise caution to minimize contact with the pipeline or any surrounding structures that may pose risks.

9. Emergency Preparedness: Robust emergency response plans and procedures are in place to handle contingencies such as equipment failure, loss of visibility, entrapment, or injury. Divers are trained in emergency procedures and are equipped with emergency breathing gas and signaling devices.

10. Post-Dive Assessment: After each dive, a post-dive assessment is conducted to review the dive, identify any lessons learned, and address any concerns or improvements for future dives. This continual improvement process helps enhance diver safety and overall efficiency.

By strictly adhering to these safety procedures, our underwater pipeline inspections are conducted with the utmost care, ensuring the well-being of divers and the successful completion of the inspection tasks.