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Subsea EngineeringDredging Support

Diver-Based Removal of Seabed Obstructions for Dredging

What is Underwater Obstruction Clearance?

KCC provides underwater obstruction clearance services to remove seabed obstructions that would damage dredging plant or prevent the dredge from reaching the specified formation level. Obstructions removed by KCC's commercial divers include concrete debris, old timber and steel piles, abandoned cables and pipelines, rock fragments, and general seabed debris.

Clearance methods include oxy-arc cutting of steel and concrete, hydraulic rock-breaking, manual removal of debris by diver with crane barge assistance, and vacuum excavation for fine debris around utilities. All removed material is lifted to the surface and disposed of in accordance with the project waste management plan.

Compliance: All cutting and demolition works are carried out to IMCA D 045 and HSE Diving at Work Regulations 1997. Oxy-arc cutting follows IMCA D 010 (The Use of Oxy-Arc Cutting Underwater). Waste disposal complies with Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department requirements.

What's Included

  • Oxy-arc cutting of steel piles, pipelines, and reinforced concrete
  • Hydraulic rock-breaking and concrete demolition
  • Manual debris removal with crane barge assistance
  • Vacuum excavation for fine debris around utilities
  • Abandoned cable and pipeline removal or cutting and capping
  • Debris lifting, sorting, and surface disposal
  • Post-clearance diver inspection to confirm formation
  • Waste management and disposal in accordance with EPD requirements

Why This Matters

Obstructions left in the dredge path cause costly plant damage and programme delays. KCC's divers can remove obstructions efficiently and safely — often clearing a path for the dredge within a single shift — keeping the dredging programme on track.

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IMCA ADCI HSE HKCP

IMCA · ADCI · HSE · HKCP Compliant

All diving operations conducted to IMCA, ADCI, HSE & HKCP standards

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