LOCK MAINTENANCE & CONFINED SPACE PROJECTS

LOCK MAINTENANCE & CONFINED SPACE PROJECTS

PROJECT BRIEF	To carry out a series of vital maintenance procedures on an existing series of lock gates segregating a private marina from the main river fairway.  In addition to these works we were tasked to investigate a series of faults creating reoccurring problems affecting the operational functionality of the lock and jeopardising its future sustainability.  One of the suggested solutions was to standardise the existing wheel assemblies with 316 stainless steel shafts and A.B.S or Nylon bearings and spacers.  We provided real time images of the current issues and scaled drawings to illustrate the new wheel assemblies and synthetic bearing package.  With all wearing components being comparatively inexpensive and changeable from the surface, the solution was both practical and cost efficient.
RESPONSIBILITIES	Project Manager responsible for all operations both topside and subsurface.  I was solely responsible for compiling the safety procedures for all works to be carried out including drafting the dive management system for each dive undertaken.  Following each dive I was responsible for collating all data from the divers and engineers and drafting the reports for the client to review.
CLIENT	MMC Diving Services | Island Harbour
CHALLENGES	Working within an environment with potential differential pressure zones is always extremely high risk and every aspect of the dive team’s requirement to fulfil the task is carefully and strategically planned through a series of protocols and processes.  Poor visibility and confined spaces adds additional complexities to the task and therefore solid briefings and schematics of the overall layout are crucial prior to any of the dive team entering the water.  Communication with the lock gate tower is essential as the supervisor must ensure that “lock down” procedures are enforced once the correct water levels are reached.
RISK RATING	High Risk
OUTCOME	Projects completed