Salvage diving

Salvage diving is the process of diving to recover submerged property, usually from shipwrecks or other underwater structures. It is a specialized area of commercial diving, with its own techniques, equipment, and types of work.

History

The history of salvage diving dates back to ancient times. The Greeks and Romans are known to have used divers to recover sunken cargo, and in the Middle Ages, divers were used to salvage goods from shipwrecks. The development of scuba diving in the 20th century greatly expanded the possibilities for salvage diving.

Techniques

Salvage diving techniques vary depending on the nature of the job and the conditions. In some cases, divers may simply swim down to the object and attach a lifting device, such as a buoyancy compensator or a lift bag. In other cases, more complex techniques may be required, such as the use of underwater cutting tools or explosives.

Equipment

The equipment used in salvage diving is similar to that used in other types of commercial diving, but with some additional tools. These may include underwater metal detectors, lifting devices, cutting tools, and specialized suits to protect against hazardous materials.

Risks and safety

Like all forms of diving, salvage diving carries risks. These include the physical dangers of working underwater, the potential for equipment failure, and the risk of encountering hazardous materials. Safety measures include the use of dive teams, with divers working in pairs or groups, and the use of safety lines and surface-supplied air.

Training and certification

Training for salvage diving is typically provided by commercial diving schools, and may be part of a broader commercial diving certification program. Certification is usually required to work as a salvage diver, and may be provided by organizations such as the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).

See also

• Commercial diving
• Underwater archaeology
• Marine salvage

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  US Navy 100331-N-0000X-001 Stephanie Brown
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  Ko-hyoteki Sydney
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  SS-192 salvage
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  Salvage of PBY at Attu 1943
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  US Navy 100503-N-6141B-001 Emergency ship salvage equipment from the Supervisor of Salvage and Diving division of Naval Sea Systems Command is staged in Gulfport, Miss
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  US Navy 050908-N-0535P-001 The rescue and salvage ship USS Grapple (ARS 53), prepares to get underway for salvage and diving operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast
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  US Navy 010627-N-5329L-002 Diver over USS Monitor Salvage
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  US Navy 010703-N-5329L-005 Diver working on USS Monitor salvage
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  US Navy 070808-N-3093M-011 Navy Diver 1st Class Josuha Harsh of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., surfaces after completing a salvage dive