Based in the Port of Nelson, Diving Services New Zealand Ltd operates as a specialized commercial diving and marine contracting firm. Established in 2001, the company initially focused on supporting the region’s extensive fishing industry, providing essential vessel maintenance and port-side assistance. Over more than two decades, it has expanded its operational scope to become a nationwide provider of underwater construction, subsea engineering, and biosecurity management, serving clients from Marsden Point in the north to Bluff Harbour in the south, as well as in the Pacific region.
The company is particularly noted for its role in New Zealand’s strict marine biosecurity sector. With the country enforcing rigorous border standards regarding invasive marine pests, Diving Services New Zealand Ltd has developed specific in-water treatment solutions. The firm utilizes encapsulation techniques to wrap vessel hulls, wharf piles, and other submerged structures, effectively neutralizing organisms such as the Mediterranean fanworm without requiring dry-docking. This capability allows the company to assist vessel owners and port authorities in meeting regulatory requirements set by the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Department of Conservation.
Beyond biosecurity, the company maintains a robust marine construction division. Operations include the installation and maintenance of underwater infrastructure such as pipelines, slipways, seawalls, and screw anchors. The firm also supports the aquaculture industry through farm maintenance and infrastructure deployment, alongside specialized work for dam and canal operators. To execute these complex tasks, the company employs a permanent team of commercial divers, skippers, and supervisors who utilize a range of equipment, including inspection-class Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), hydraulic tools, and custom-engineered underwater systems designed in-house.
The organization also provides technical surveys and inspections, offering data collection for scientific research, such as core sampling, and structural assessments for civil engineering projects. By combining traditional diving techniques with modern remote technology, Diving Services New Zealand Ltd facilitates the ongoing operational readiness of New Zealand’s maritime assets, ensuring that vessels, ports, and coastal infrastructure remain compliant and structurally sound against the challenges of the marine environment.