Underwater Dredging

If you are going to be doing the dredging operation by scuba diving the stream will most likely be too deep to wade and you will need to do some adjustments. In this type of situation the operation can be done with two people but if there are three it would be even better. The biggest problem is that it is almost impossible to begin the engine in water that cannot be waded. This means that the engine needs to be started and the jet started before the dredge can be launched.

Starting up the engine usually occurs close to the shore, which is where the water can be waded. The jet is started and checked to make sure everything is working fine. 

When the dredge is functioning or operating, moving it is a little bit more of a problem and a third person is a good idea in this case because he will be able to steady the downstream side while swimming beside. Either way it is certainly not a job that one person can do alone. At least two people are needed.

One person will need to take care of rope 1 and play it out little by little while keep it taut until the dredge is in the correct position. The second person will need to stand on the other side of the shore and pull on rope 2 until the dredge gets to the middle of the stream. This can be accomplished by having rope 2 pass through an eyelet and going back to the bank, or by tying rope 2 to the dredge and then tying it to the anchor point after the dredge is in its place. After the anchor lines have been tightened and the safety lines are secured, the dredging operation can start.

No matter what type of anchor is being utilized, it is not advisable to leave a dredge anchored in the middle of the stream all night. Beach the dredge as it is just the opposite of launching it and depending on the width of the stream and the speed it can be done by one person, however it is highly recommended you go along with someone else.

If you are able to waddle in the stream, turn off the engine and beach the dredge by taking it to the shore. If this cannot be done, do it while the engine is still on. In order to get this done rope 2 will normally be untied at its anchor point and will be able to play out little by little allowing the dredge to pull against the rope 1 until it rests on the other side of the shore. If there is a third person, this person can maintain the safety rope tight all the time that will tend to make the dredge steady when it is being beached.

If this operation is going to occur in the same place the following day, the launching can be done quite easily if someone pulls on rope 2 until the dredge is in the middle of the stream again.

Almost all the launching operations are a lot easier than the explanation that was given but there are also some cases in which it is more difficult. The secret to getting your dredge to be put set in the right way is to not let anything be taken for granted and to plan everything and take all the necessary precautions. It is also a good idea to remember that even somewhat of a fast mountain stream can knock you over in a minute and even more so when you are trying to keep your balance on slippery wet areas with rocks etc. Make sure also to always wear a life jacket or a safety device in order to protect yourself from accidents should. Don’t forget to take along a basic first aid kit as well. Happy Dredging!