Underwater (diving) work: specificity, purpose and need for a professional approach

Krympress reports:

Underwater work (abbreviated PTVR) is a set of specialized measures performed by divers or robotic installations under water. They include examination, installation, dismantling, repair and maintenance of various structures located under water — https://razminirovanie.ru/podvodno-tehnicheskie-vodolaznye-raboty/.

Such works are of applied importance in various fields — from the construction of hydraulic facilities to ensuring the safety of shipping. Their feature lies in the fact that they are performed in conditions of increased complexity: limited visibility, pressure drops, low temperatures and the need to use special equipment.

Underwater technical work includes:

• examination of the bottom and underwater objects;
• cleaning and repair of ships and hydraulic structures;
• installation and dismantling of engineering structures;
• holding emergency rescue measures;
• laying of pipelines and cables;
• Cutting and welding of metal structures under water.

Underwater video and photography of objects Also included in the spectrum of PTVR. It is used for a visual survey of hydraulic structures, assessing the state of pipelines and fixing emergency situations. Modern cameras allow you to get high -quality image even with weak visibility, which is especially important for compiling reports. This method is used for planned inspections or in the analysis of emergency cases. The materials obtained can serve as an evidence base for examinations and judicial disputes.

Examination of bridge supports and pile structures — Another common task of divers. The supports of bridges and embankments are constantly exposed to currents, ice and corrosion. Timely diagnosis allows you to identify cracks, cavities and other damage that are not visible from the surface. If defects are detected, repair measures or installation of protective screens can be performed. This is directly related to the safety of transport communications and the durability of structures.

When there is a need for underwater-technical work

Similar work is required in different situations related to the operation or repair of objects located under water.

The main cases when diving work is needed:

1. Construction and operation of hydraulic structures.
   When erecting bridges, dams, port structures or oil platforms, the installation and verification of underwater elements is inevitably required.

2. Shipping and maintenance of the fleet.
   Inspection of the vessel case, cleaning of screws, elimination of damage — all this applies to the PTVR.

3. Industry and energy.
   For laying and repairing underwater pipelines, cable tracks, as well as maintenance of hydroelectric power plants.

4. Emergency rescue work.
   In case of flooding of the vessel, the destruction of the structure or technological accidents, it is the divers that ensures the examination and elimination of the consequences.

5. Scientific and environmental research.
   Studying the state of reservoirs, monitoring underwater ecosystems, searching and analysis of pollution.

Examination and lifting of sunken ships and other vehicles — One of the most complex types of underwater work. It requires not only high divers skills, but also the use of lifting mechanisms, pontoons and crane equipment. Such operations are performed in case of accidents on the water to ensure the safety of shipping or disposal of old structures. The rise is carried out with the mandatory documentation and taking into account environmental factors. In addition, in some cases, partial dismantling of the object is carried out directly at the bottom.

Repair of dams and gateways Also refers to underwater tasks. These structures constantly experience water pressure, which over time leads to the formation of microcracks, deformations and destruction. Under the water, divers are seized with seams, installation of additional elements and waterproofing control. Often such work is performed in conditions of limited time to avoid accidents. The reliability of reservoirs and water supply systems depends on the quality of maintenance of dams and locks.

Who performs underwater work

The work is carried out by specially trained specialists — divers who undergo professional training and have tolerances for various types of PTVR.

The main participants in the process:

• Industrial divers. They are engaged in construction, repair and survey work.
• emergency rescue divers. They are involved in the elimination of the consequences of accidents, disasters and emergency situations.
• Military divers. They solve problems related to ensuring the safety of the fleet and strategic objects.
• Engineers and equipment. Responsible for the design, preparation and control of equipment used in the PTVR.
• Modern robotic complexes (ROV). In some cases, remotely controlled devices are used, which can reduce risks for people.

Cleaning waterways and water waters from explosive and other foreign objects It also refers to the competence of professional divers. During such work, a bottom of the bottom is carried out for mines, shells, metal scrap and other dangerous objects. This is especially relevant in the zones of intensive shipping and in ports. Removing extraneous objects allows not only to ensure the safety of movement, but also to prevent emergency situations. In some cases, these works are carried out together with the units of the Ministry of Emergencies and the naval forces.

Laying underwater cable tracks It is an important direction of the PTVR. Such cables provide communication between countries, islands and regions, and are also used to energy supply to remote objects. The laying process requires accurate preparation: laying trenches at the bottom, fixing the cable and protection against damage. The work is complicated by the fact that the cable must be reliably protected from currents, stones and anchors. Violation of the integrity of the cable can lead to serious economic losses.

Features of the implementation of underwater work

Unlike traditional engineering and construction tasks, the PTVR is carried out in conditions where specific physical and physiological factors operate.

Main features:

• Limited visibility. Even in relatively clean water, the review range rarely exceeds several meters.
• High pressure. The deeper the diver is immersed, the higher the load on the body and equipment.
• low temperatures. Work in cold water requires the use of wetsuits and heating systems.
• The need for special equipment. For cutting, welding and installation under water, adapted tools and technologies are used.
• Physiological load on the divers. A long stay under water can lead to a decompression disease, therefore Strict monitoring of the time and depth of diving is required.
• Limited communication opportunities. The connection between the diver and the surface is carried out through special systems.

Underwater archaeological studies are a separate direction of the PTVR. They allow you to study the sunken ships, ancient settlements and artifacts preserved under water. Such work requires not only the professionalism of divers, but also the participation of archaeologists and historians. When conducting research, it is important to take into account the safety of objects, therefore, the methods of soft cleaning and fixing the outlets are often used. Underwater archeology is of great importance for science and cultural heritage, and also often attracts the attention of tourists and research organizations.

Preparation of waterquakes for the construction of ports and berths — This is a set of measures, including dredging work, alignment of soil and removal of obstacles. Divers examine the territory to exclude the presence of dangerous objects that may interfere with construction. The soils are also strengthened and the installation of guide structures. This stage is mandatory before the construction of large port complexes. The safety of future operation depends on its quality.

Why is it important to contact professionals

Sometimes it may seem that individual tasks — for example, cleaning the bottom at the pier or examination of a small object — can be performed by unprofessional divers. However, this approach is extremely dangerous and ineffective.

The main reasons why submarine work should be performed by professionals:

• safety. Immersions are associated with a risk to life, and professional divers undergoes medical commissions and work according to established regulations.
• quality. Only experts have the skills of welding, cutting, installation and diagnostics under water.
• equipment. Professional organizations have a special equipment: baroacers, air supply systems, hydraulic tools.
• Compliance with norms. Work is carried out according to state and international standards, which is especially important for industry and shipping facilities.
• responsibility. Professional companies are responsible for the work performed and provide documentation in terms of results.

The use of underwater robots and remotely controlled devices — Another important part of modern practice. They allow you to perform examinations and minor technical tasks without risk to humans. Robots are often used when working at great depths, where the stay of a diver is physiologically limited. Their cameras and manipulators make it possible to study the object in detail and even perform simple repair actions. The use of such technologies reduces time spent and increases safety.

Today, experts emphasize, underwater-technical work-this is a key element in the construction, operation and maintenance of facilities related to the aquatic environment. They are carried out by specially prepared divers and require strict adherence to safety precautions, the use of professional equipment and high qualifications of performers.

The need for such work arises in various fields — from the construction of bridges and the service of courts to the elimination of accidents and environmental research. That is why it is so important to contact specialized companies that have experience, equipment and tolerances for PTVR.

Environmental monitoring of reservoirs is also a promising area. Underwater work allows you to identify oil leaks, algae growth, garbage accumulation and other problems. Such activities contribute to the protection of nature and the prevention of technogenic disasters. In some cases, monitoring data becomes the basis for state environmental protection programs. All this makes PTVR an important tool not only for business and industry, but also for society as a whole.

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