Maritime

Engineer divers

contact: Pat King

Click here to view our engineer divers video

Halcrow's professional staff pioneered the use of engineers in the role of diving inspector. Today, Halcrow has the most experienced staff of professional engineer-divers in the world.

This new and challenging role for Halcrow's engineers grew out of professional necessity. Halcrow is often called upon to provide design documents for upgrading and rehabilitating structures in the marine environment. Since these documents must be stamped by a registered professional engineer, it is essential that the underwater conditions upon which these designs are based are accurate and complete. Putting Halcrow's engineer-divers in this hands-on role was the only sure way to gain this level of confidence.

Some of the reasons Halcrow's clients choose to use engineer-divers include:

	efficiencyOne crew can be sent to the site to perform the entire inspection, both above water and underwater. These same individuals can then perform structural evaluations, assign condition ratings and prioritize further maintenance, recommend repairs, prepare professional reports, prepare detailed repair designs, provide cost estimates, produce bid packages, assist in bid evaluation and award, and provide construction management/QC inspection services. The ability to perform these multiple services is of tremendous value to Halcrow's clients as there is no learning/familiarization curve for new parties entering the project, and no loss of critical information due to ineffective communication.
	consistency and relevancyWhen Halcrow's engineer-divers are not in the field, they are busy with engineering design work and report preparation. As such, they know what information is meaningful and important, and what is not. In addition, Halcrow's dive teams work consistently together as a team. The result is an inspection report which is concise, standardized, and relevant.
	structural trainingHalcrow's engineer-divers are trained in structural engineering and therefore have the ability to quickly recognize load paths, failure modes, and the structural significance of what they observe. This ability greatly enhances the technical value of the inspection, while saving both time and money.
	technical vocabularyHalcrow's engineer-divers possess the technical vocabulary to accurately and precisely describe underwater conditions, using the proper terminology that clients understand, eliminating errors resulting from miscommunication.
	liability insuranceAs a professional engineering firm, Halcrow carries Professional Liability Insurance to protect clients from errors and omissions. No such legal recourse is available in the event of a problem resulting from the work of a non-engineer diving firm.
	tailored scope of workA common and expensive problem often encountered in the field of underwater inspection is the collection of too much information, which may never be used. As a professional engineering firm specializing in this field, Halcrow routinely works with clients to tailor a scope of work to the goals of the inspection, such as conducting a general condition assessment versus a detailed preconstruction survey.

As an added benefit, all of Halcrow's divers are commercially trained and certified, and are equipped with the most modern tools, instruments, and diving gear. As such, they have the training, expertise, and equipment to handle virtually any inspection assignment professionally, safely, and in accordance with all applicable regulations.