411 Marine Salvage

Frequently Asked Questions — Hardeeville, SC

How do marine salvage and commercial diving contractors typically price a job?

Most commercial diving work is quoted as a crew and equipment spread day rate, plus a separate mobilisation charge to get the team and gear to your vessel. Inspection work is sometimes quoted per structure or per substructure unit, while marine construction is often unit-priced, for example per linear foot or per pile. When comparing bids, the mobilisation line is usually where the largest differences appear, because it depends on distance and logistics, not just the hourly rate.

Why do salvage quotes vary so much even for similar jobs?

You are usually paying for two things: the spread day rate and mobilisation. A contractor based in Hardeeville, SC may have minimal mobilisation to a local wreck, while a contractor from out of state has to move vehicles, compressors, dive gear and crew, sometimes across several states. Mobilisation can include travel time, permits and logistics, and it is the line that most often explains a large gap between two bids.

Can you do the work with the vessel still in the water, or do we need to dry-dock it?

Much of the work can be done in-water, including underwater hull inspections for UWILD under 46 CFR 71.50-3, propeller and rudder repairs, and light salvage tasks. In-water work keeps the vessel in service and avoids dry-docking costs, but it has limits: it is dependent on visibility and weather, and certain repairs such as welding require following AWS D3.6M underwater welding code. Dry-docking is usually needed when the repair requires a structural guarantee, coating systems, or work above the waterline that cannot be done by divers.

What kind of report and documentation will I get after an underwater survey or salvage job?

You should expect a written report describing the findings, supported by video and still images, and any measurements or nondestructive test results. For an insurance claim or regulatory requirement, the report needs to meet the specific standard that triggered the inspection, such as 23 CFR 650.311 for bridge inspections or 46 CFR 71.50-3 for hull exams, and it should be signed by the FHWA-NHI qualified team leader or the ADCI dive supervisor as applicable. The exact format varies by job, so ask the contractor what deliverables are included in the quote before you commit.