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Underwater Inspections
Our Underwater Inspections ensure structural integrity using commercial diving and advanced technology, providing accurate insights and emergency call-out responses for urgent underwater infrastructure needs.
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What are Underwater Inspections?
We offer thorough inspections to assess the integrity and stability of structures in and around watercourses. Our team conducts Underwater Inspections in both water and up to 2 metres above the water’s surface, providing a clear understanding of the structure’s condition.
As part of these inspections, we evaluate and record the waterbed profile to assess environmental conditions impacting the structure.
To access underwater structures, we use a range of solutions tailored to the marine environment, and also serving sectors like railway, highways, and energy. Our access methods include:
- Commercial Diving: Fully compliant with HSE Diving at Work Regulations and members of the Association of Diving Contractors (ADC). Our experienced diving engineers inspect foundations, piers, and other underwater components, identifying issues like scour that can threaten structural integrity.
- Advanced Technology: We employ high-resolution photography, videography, sonar, and other cutting-edge technology to capture precise data, even in challenging underwater conditions. Additionally, we conduct Bathymetric Surveys, Sonar Surveys, and Drone Inspections to provide reliable, actionable insights about your underwater assets.
Who we’ve partnered with...
Key benefits of Underwater Inspections
Peace of mind
Structures in and around water face harsh, hidden conditions. Regular underwater inspections ensure the safety, condition, and integrity of these assets, providing peace of mind.
Emergency call out
Our expert team offers rapid response and emergency call-outs, specialising in flood damage, bridge foundation assessments, and quick action. We can be on-site within hours for urgent needs.
Technical excellence
Our highly trained engineers specialise in accessing challenging environments, ensuring all underwater operations follow strict HSE standards and industry-leading safety practices.
End-to-End Service
We offer a comprehensive approach to asset integrity, from underwater inspections and monitoring to remedial procedures, providing industry-leading maintenance and infrastructure solutions.
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How we work with you
For asset owners, understanding the condition of submerged structures is essential. Without regular inspections, risks such as scour can weaken foundations, compromise structural integrity, endanger lives, and impact the environment.
Our engineer-led team specialises in underwater inspections, including Structural Inspections, Digital Surveys, and Structural Investigations and Testing. After each inspection, we provide expert recommendations for maintenance and remedial actions to ensure asset longevity.
Supporting a Range of Underwater Infrastructure
We help clients assess the condition of bridges, ports, harbours, and other submerged structures. With our expertise, you can proactively maintain underwater infrastructure and prevent costly damage. Our underwater services also include:
Scour surveys and assessments
Removal of soft and hard marine growth
Debris surveys and removal
Floodwater and river level monitoring
Remedial works
Emergency call-out response
IRATA - Inspire Access
The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association is internationally recognised for rope access training and safety. IRATA members must work in accordance with the IRATA Code of Practice. Membership no. 8266/O is held for Inspire Access Ltd and demonstrates competency to carry out rope access in line with IRATA Code of Practice.
Legal entities:
- Inspire Access Ltd
IRATA - Inspire Structures
The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association is internationally recognised for rope access training and safety. IRATA members must work in accordance with the IRATA Code of Practice. Membership no. 8211/O is held for Inspire Structures Ltd and demonstrates competency to carry out rope access in line with the IRATA Code of Practice.
Legal entities:
- Inspire Structures Ltd
Preserving History and Ensuring Safety with Structural Monitoring During The Jenners Building Re-development
Remote Structural Monitoring System
A proactive solution for Twerton’s Sluice Gates
Assuring structural safety for years to come for Mythe Bridge
Our process
Speak to us about the processOur process ensures safe, reliable, and accurate inspections, helping you maintain the integrity of your underwater infrastructure.
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Why choose BES Group?
800+ expert engineers
Our team of skilled engineers possesses a wealth of expertise.
A legacy of 160+ years of experience
We’re always evolving our approach to future proof our services.
35,000 satisfied customers
A strong reputation for providing exceptional service.
An end-to-end solution
Servicing the full life cycle, from concept through to decommission.
Accredited assurance
Confidence assured with all relevant certifications and accreditations.
Training centre & academies
Our very own internal training academies, ensures high standard.
800+ expert engineers
Our team of skilled engineers possesses a wealth of expertise.
A legacy of 160+ years of experience
We’re always evolving our approach to future proof our services.
35,000 satisfied customers
A strong reputation for providing exceptional service.
An end-to-end solution
Servicing the full life cycle, from concept through to decommission.
Accredited assurance
Confidence assured with all relevant certifications and accreditations.
Training centre & academies
Our very own internal training academies, ensures high standard.
Frequently asked questions
What is a waterbed profile?
A waterbed profile refers to the shape of the seabed or riverbed beneath a body of water, such as a lake, river or ocean. Understanding the waterbed profile is crucial for inspections, as this helps our engineers to assess the integrity of structures, determine the most appropriate inspection techniques and equipment, and identify hazards to ensure safe planning for inspections. At BES Group, our waterbed profiles consist of upstream and downstream assessments to understand how surrounding water interacts with your submerged structures. These waterbed profiles are supplied to clients for a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts.
Are Underwater Inspections safe?
Underwater inspections are generally safe when carried out by our qualified, professional inspectors.
How often should Underwater Inspections be carried out?
The frequency of an inspection will depend on the type of structure and environmental conditions. Some structures may require annual inspections, whereas others might need less frequent assessments. We can recommend inspection frequency based on your specific project needs.
Which additional structures can be inspected underwater?
We inspect a variety of different underwater structures, including bridges, dams and reservoirs, underwater pipelines, marine terminals, piers and docks.
Can you inspect freshwater and saltwater structures?
Yes, our team of inspectors can carry out inspections in both freshwater and saltwater environments. We’re experts in navigating black water which contain sediments and other materials which make underwater conditions challenging.
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