This project was about giving a client’s boat a proper commercial diving capability without turning it into a “diving-only” vessel. MDE designed and built a removable dive system that supports two divers at the same time (with the third one on standby), enables longer dive days, and keeps the deck flexible for other work.
What the client needed
- A setup that could run Diver 1 and Diver 2 from the vessel with a practical deck layout.
- A way to support full-day diving without constant downtime for gas changes.
- A safe, controlled method to recover divers back onto the boat.
- A system that could be removed so the boat could be used for other purposes (for example, ROV operations).
What was delivered
Two-diver umbilical system
The boat was fitted with an umbilical setup for two working divers, designed for straightforward use and clean routing on deck.
Interchangeable gas bottle cassettes
We built the system around swappable gas bottle cassettes. This makes bottle changes quicker and keeps the operation moving, which is essential when the aim is to support diving across a full day.
Stern A-frame for diver recovery
An A-frame mounted at the stern provides a dedicated recovery point to bring divers back onboard in a controlled way. It’s a practical solution that improves consistency and reduces risk during recoveries.
Removable installation using deck plates
The whole system is fitted using deck plates so it can be lifted out when not required. That means the client can clear the deck and use the same boat for different work scopes instead of maintaining separate vessels or doing a permanent conversion.
Build approach
The full system was fabricated in aluminium to keep the overall weight down while still being robust enough for marine use.
MDE delivered the project end-to-end: design, manufacture, paint/finish, and installation on the client’s vessel.
Outcome
The client now has a boat that can run two divers, handle efficient gas management, and support safe recoveries—while still staying flexible for other projects when the dive system is removed.
