Key Takeaway
Commercial diving magnets are essential tools for any diver working on or near ferromagnetic structures underwater. They allow divers to anchor themselves securely, freeing both hands for inspection, maintenance, and construction tasks. From routine hull surveys to complex offshore maintenance, the right magnet transforms operational efficiency by eliminating the need to continuously kick against currents to maintain position.
UWILD Hull Surveys
Underwater In-Lieu of Drydocking (UWILD) surveys allow ship operators to comply with classification society requirements without the time and expense of drydocking. During these surveys, commercial divers methodically inspect the hull, propeller, rudder, sea chests, and underwater fittings.
A diving magnet is indispensable for this work because:
- Hands-free positioning: The diver anchors to the hull, freeing both hands for inspection tools, cameras, and UT (ultrasonic thickness) gauges
- Consistent positioning: Secure attachment eliminates drift during detailed inspections, improving accuracy
- Fatigue reduction: Divers conserve energy by anchoring rather than actively swimming to maintain position
For UWILD work, the Diver Magnet - 200 and Diver Magnet - 250 are the most popular choices, offering strong holding on painted hull surfaces while remaining manageable for extended survey periods.
Pipeline Inspection and Maintenance
Subsea pipelines require regular inspection for corrosion, coating damage, span conditions, and cathodic protection system integrity. Divers working on pipeline inspections use magnets to:
- Anchor to the pipe during close visual inspection (CVI)
- Hold position during UT thickness measurements
- Secure themselves during pipeline repair and clamp installation
- Stage tools on the pipe surface during complex operations
Pipeline work often involves curved surfaces, which reduce the effective contact area and pull force. For this reason, many pipeline inspection teams prefer the higher-rated models: Diver Magnet - 280 or Diver Magnet - 320, which maintain adequate holding power even on curved surfaces.
Ship Hull Cleaning and Maintenance
Commercial divers performing hull cleaning — removing marine growth, polishing propellers, and servicing sea chests — need reliable anchoring throughout extended work periods. The magnet keeps the diver positioned against the hull while they operate:
- Hydraulic hull-cleaning equipment
- Rotary brushes and scrapers
- Inspection cameras and NDT equipment
- Anode replacement tools
Hull cleaning generates significant reactive forces from the tools, so divers typically select magnets in the 200–280 kg range. The Diver Magnet - 250 is a particularly popular choice for hull cleaning operations.
Subsea Construction Support
During offshore construction — including jacket installation, riser connection, and J-tube operations — divers frequently need to anchor to steel structures while performing tasks that require both hands:
- Guiding rigging and slings into position
- Operating hydraulic bolt tensioners
- Installing clamps, anodes, and protective covers
- Performing underwater welding and cutting
Construction work in open water typically involves stronger currents and more dynamic conditions than sheltered harbour work. For these operations, the heavy-duty Diver Magnet - 400 and Diver Magnet - 500 provide the maximum holding power needed to work safely and efficiently.
Wreck Surveys and Structural Assessment
During wreck surveys, structural assessments and debris-clearance work, divers often need to hold position on irregular, corroded steel. A diving magnet gives a secure, repositionable anchor point for the diver and their tools while they inspect, measure or rig — it is a holding tool, not lifting equipment, and never the load-bearing point for a lift.
On heavily corroded or marine-growth-covered steel, real-world pull force can drop to 30% or less of the rated value. Choose the highest-rated model you can handle — the Diver Magnet - 500 gives the most margin in these conditions — and always secure it with a lanyard.
Choosing the Right Model for Your Operation
For detailed guidance on matching a magnet to your specific operational requirements, read our comprehensive buying guide. You can also compare all models side by side on our comparison page.
Browse the full range of commercial diver magnets or explore our accessories for lanyards and carabiners designed to pair with your magnet.
