Commercial Dive Specialists Ltd (CDS) is a New Zealand-owned marine contractor delivering a broad spectrum of subsea engineering, construction, and maintenance solutions. Headquartered in the upper North Island, with operational bases in the Bay of Islands, Whangarei, and Warkworth, the company services the maritime, civil infrastructure, and shipping industries throughout the region and across the country. Established by industry professional Brook McRae, the organization focuses on providing technical underwater services that support both commercial vessels and fixed marine assets, operating under a philosophy that integrates practical seamanship with precise engineering standards.
A central pillar of the company’s operations is its involvement in marine biosecurity. Given New Zealand’s strict environmental regulations regarding invasive marine species, CDS provides specialized inspection and cleaning services designed to ensure vessels meet compliance standards before entering sensitive waters or ports. This includes the management of biofouling on ship hulls, ensuring that sea chests and intakes are free of pests that could disrupt local ecosystems. Beyond environmental compliance, the company supports the commercial shipping sector with routine maintenance such as propeller polishing and in-water hull surveys. These services assist vessel operators in maintaining fuel efficiency, reducing drag, and meeting the rigorous inspection requirements mandated by classification societies.
In the realm of marine construction and civil engineering, the company executes complex underwater tasks including the installation and repair of pipelines, intake screens, and wharf structures. Their teams are equipped to handle underwater cutting, welding, and concreting, often working on critical infrastructure such as hydroelectric dams, potable water reservoirs, and wastewater treatment plants. The company also retains the capability for emergency salvage operations, recovering submerged vessels and assets in challenging conditions ranging from harbors to open coastal waters.
To facilitate these diverse operations, Commercial Dive Specialists Ltd utilizes a fleet of survey-compliant workboats, such as the vessel *Pearl*, which allows for the rapid deployment of dive teams and equipment to offshore or remote coastal locations. All operations are conducted in strict adherence to New Zealand and Australian diving standards (AS/NZS 2299.1), prioritizing the safety of personnel in high-risk underwater environments. Through its comprehensive service portfolio, the company functions as a key support entity for New Zealand’s maritime logistics and water infrastructure networks.
