Working underwater: communication and training are key

Not only can cranes and riggings can be used on land and in treacherous environments, but they can also be pivotal in underwater operations. In one of the Strate Line team’s most recent jobs, we demonstrated firsthand the importance of safe, stable cranes during marine jobs. 

In this photo, our team combined forces with the professionals at Ballard Marine Construction to assist a dive team 125 feet below the surface. The dive team worked as a repair operation for Avista Utilities on the Noxon Rapids hydroplant, part of the “Clark Fork Project” in Western Montana. 

As the team worked underwater, the dive master had to maintain seamless communication with the crane operators, riggers, divers and dam operators to coordinate all movement, not only for efficiency, but for safety of all teams involves. It is a high pressure, high stress environment, with no room for error. However, because all teams involved are highly trained professionals, the operation went off without a hitch. 

There was an extremely small work platform on the surface of the water, surrounded by open water at frigid temperatures. At times, it was possible that the equipment could ice up, not making things any easier! However, all teams worked flawlessly together and the operation went smooth. 

Winter is often the ideal time to perform maintenance and repairs on hydroelectric facilities because the water flow has not increased with spring runoff yet, and turbines can be put out of service without raising water levels significantly. 

Do you have a tricky project you’re considering? Contact us today to discuss the details.