Claims occur in many different locations, but those that involve structures and components located under water can provide some unique challenges when it comes to properly inspecting and adjusting them.

Divers are often used to inspect and repair underwater structures as part of routine maintenance programs, but they can also be instrumental when investigating damage or defect claims, insurance-related or otherwise. If a claim involves a property with underwater structures such as a bridge, marina, pier or wharf, a dive inspection will often need to be performed in conjunction with an above-water inspection.

However, the adjuster or investigator should look to tailor the dive inspection to address claim-specific issues to ensure that the investigation is as efficient and cost-effective as possible. The goal of the dive should be to fill any gaps in data and confirm or modify preliminary conclusions from the above-water inspection so the claim can be effectively resolved.

Working underwater

A basic dive inspection can be conducted by a certified diver with scuba equipment. The diver should document the damage or defect via photo or video. It is important to cross-reference the damage or defect observed underwater with above-water locations so the findings can be compared.