Sound Divers

Based in Bellingham, Washington, Sound Divers acts as a specialized provider of commercial diving and underwater marine services in the Pacific Northwest. Established in 1994, the company has maintained a continuous operational presence in the region for over three decades, servicing vessels and marine infrastructure across Whatcom County, including the harbors of Blaine, Semiahmoo, and Point Roberts. The firm focuses primarily on underwater ship husbandry, a critical sector of the maritime industry dedicated to maintaining the hull integrity and performance of vessels without requiring dry-docking. The company’s history reflects a lineage of local maritime expertise. Founded by Jeff Griffin and Dave Sienko, the organization eventually transitioned ownership in 2018 to Ty Campbell, a diver who had previously apprenticed under the original leadership. This internal succession allowed the firm to retain its established operational standards while continuing to serve the local boating community, yacht brokerages, and regional charter fleets. Operationally, Sound Divers addresses the essential maintenance needs of vessels residing in saltwater environments, where marine fouling can significantly impact fuel efficiency and maneuverability. The company’s core activities revolve around hull cleaning, propeller polishing, and the replacement of sacrificial anodes, commonly known as zincs. By removing biological growth such as barnacles and slime, the divers assist vessel owners in reducing drag and preventing galvanic corrosion, which can compromise underwater metal components like shafts and struts. Beyond routine vessel maintenance, the company extends its capabilities to light salvage and infrastructure support. This includes the recovery of items lost overboard and the inspection or repair of dock systems and mooring buoys. The firm also conducts underwater surveys, often utilizing photography to document hull conditions for damage assessment or pre-sale inspections. A distinct aspect of Sound Divers’ operational protocol is its adherence to regional environmental regulations regarding underwater cleaning. In compliance with local port and state ecology standards, the company employs specific non-abrasive techniques tailored to different types of anti-fouling paints. This approach mitigates the release of toxic substances into the water column, distinguishing between hard paints, which allow for full scrubbing, and soft ablative paints, which require more restricted cleaning methods. Through these specialized services, Sound Divers supports the operational readiness and longevity of the local maritime fleet.