Dive Operations and Support Services
Blue Planet Marine (BPM) has the expertise and resources available to organise, conduct, and supervise diving activities for your research, monitoring, clean up, inspection, or other diving project. Ranging in length from 6 to 23 metres, our fleet of vessels is readily set up for dive operations. We can cater for anything from daily dives in nearshore environments to extended, offshore trips. We can also source experienced and qualified dive crews to complete all works, or we can provide dive support services (vessel and crew, ADAS dive supervisors) if you prefer to use your own resources or personnel.
TRAINING & CREW
BPM personnel, including supervisors and dive crew, are fully certified and experienced in dive operations. Dr Rob Slade is a former ADAS Part 2 commercial diver, a current ADAS Part 1 supervisor, and has helped train numerous ADAS scientific divers. We have access to Part 1, 2 and 3 divers experienced in environmental diving, monitoring and a range of other types of diving. We also have access to Part 2 and 3 dive crews experienced in environmental monitoring work. All of our crew have excellent communication skills, are able to follow set protocols, and have a detailed understanding of HSE issues and industry expectations.
EXPERIENCE
BPM personnel have successfully completed numerous dive projects, including: the installation of marine fauna acoustic detection systems and current meters; shark and fish catching and surveys; seagrass surveys; debris clearance of outflow pipes; bridge pylon inspections; vessel salvage; oil clean up and hull cleaning and inspection.
VESSELS
BPM has a range of vessels available for dive operations. A summary of vessel specifications for the BPM fleet can be found below.
QUALITY, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT
All dive operations are conducted to AS/NZS 2299 standards and state-based diving Codes of Practice for occupational dive operations. All BPM vessels have an approved safety management system (SMS) and we employ the use of Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) to guide safe operations. All of BPM’s work is subject to our Quality, Safety and Environment (QSE) system, which is modelled on ISO 9001, AS/NZS 4801 and ISO 14001.
Vessels available for dive operations
| Vessel Name | Total Length (m) | Survey classification (Passengers + Crew) | Operating Limits (nm) | Motors (main + auxiliary) | Equipment and notes |
| Flying Fish V | 23 | 1B (20p + 3c) 1D (55p + 6c) 1E (75p + 6c) Accommodation for 23 overnight |
200 | 980 hp V12 MAN 2 X Yanmar 27 KVA 3 phase generators |
Two tenders Fully air-conditioned accommodation and wheelhouse Desalinator (1,000 L/day) 4.5 t blast freezer 2 x 2 t cool rooms 2 t/day ice maker Dive compressor Huge aft deck plus dive platform Hiab, pot hauler and cotton reel winch
|
| Phantom IV | 19 | 2B (13p + 2c) Accommodation for 7 overnight |
200 | 800 hp Doosan Single phase 20 KVA Zenith |
Two inflatables as auxiliary vessels Fully air-conditioned accommodation and wheelhouse Large rear deck Certified Hiab, A-frame and deck winch
|
| Blackfish | 8.5 | 2C (11p +1c) | 30 | 2 x Yamaha 225 hp, 4 stroke engines |
Fitted with removable, purpose-built bowsprit Removable rear seats to provide additional deck space if required
|
| Tabua | 7.3 | 2D (9p + 1c) 2E | Partially smooth waters Smooth waters | 2 x Yamaha 150 hp, 4 stroke engines | The rear six seats can be easily removed to provide clear deck space |
| Coda | 6.4 | 2C (7p + 1c) | 30 | 2 X Yamaha 70 hp, 4 stroke engines |
Removable bowsprit (for whale and dolphin research) Prop guards available on request
|
| Beluga | 6 | 2C (5p +1c) | 15 | Yamaha 115 hp, 4 stroke engine |
Fitted with a removable, purpose-built bowsprit designed for satellite tagging of whales Prop guard available on request
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