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