One of the biggest challenges of a marine survey is the visibility of the water itself. Sometimes, it is impossible to visually inspect a structure for damage in brackish or black water. Thus, special equipment is needed to detect potential problems. This often requires a team of individuals to ensure the survey is done properly. Those under the water and those above the water must coordinate their actions to get a full inspection of the foundation.
Another big challenge of a under the water survey is in the temperature of the water. There are some structures where the water temperature never really gets all that warm. Thus, special gear is needed to keep the divers warm while they are under the water. This also requires an extensive coordination of personal. Additional personal are often needed to ensure the safety of the divers and ensure the equipment is running properly.
The surface conditions can also play a role in the surveying process. This often plays into whether or not a survey can be done when it is required. Diving is only allowed if the conditions permit a safe entry and exit. If the weather is too bad, the survey will have to be delayed. Thus, surveys should be scheduled ahead of when they are due to allow for potential adverse weather conditions and to ensure that the inspection is done before it is due.
There are many challenges that go into an underwater survey. But the goal is to ensure the safety and security of the marine engineering that went into the building of the foundation pieces. A regular inspection is critical to ensuring that the foundation is repaired before it becomes dangerous to those on top of the structure.
