The DSI diver begins with a full communication check between the Kirby Morgan helmet and the communications box.

Today we will also use underwater digital video.

Set up will include 2 - 8.0 HP Honda engines.

This hand held unit will be lowered to the diver.

Dredge unit 1 is hoisted over the railing to sit on the river bottom.

The remaining equipment is put into place by the workers topside.

Rocks and gravel up to 4 inches in diameter are raised up through two dredge units and relocated.

Close monitoring of diver and equipment is necessary to ensure safety.

Occassionally debris clogs the 4" helix hose and the topside crew has to break the dredge seal to remove the obstruction.

With the assistance of underwater video, the customer is able to watch the whole process.

When suction slows the topside crew and immediately respond by backflushing the dredge units to allow for the obstruction to pass.

Here are some examples of just what the DSI diver encounters below.

When larger rocks are not able to be vaccumed up off the river bottom diver's will shovel the rocks and bricks into large bins to be hoisted out.

Occassionally a bin must be lowered down to the diver to allow for larger debris to be removed by hand.

Rocks that have been wedged between the trash rack grates have to be removed by hand to allow the water to flow freely.

Leaves, plastic bags, cans and bottles slow down production but must be removed.

Divers emerge from the depths at the end of a long day.

This diver is ready to remove his gear and consult with the customer.

Always being safe, the crew assists the diver over the railing.

Discussions about the equipment and production keeps the crew constantly thinking of how to improve the process.

Diver and crew review the process. Any changes to set up or positioning of the units could assist in dredge performance.