Broco Underwater Cutting

When steel has to come off below the waterline, it has to come off cleanly and safely. We cut, modify and remove metal underwater with Broco equipment, in port or offshore, without lifting the vessel.

About This Page

A page about commercial diving and underwater ship husbandry services in South Africa.

This web page was created specifically to assist fleet operators, shipping companies, and maritime businesses in South Africa looking for a comprehensive suite of safe and compliant in-water operations. As a highly experienced marine service provider, we have curated this page to make sure the information is correct, helpful, and clearly outlines the exact capabilities we offer to the shipping industry.

Our Full Suite of Underwater Services

This page has been put together to discuss and provide helpful information about the various professional commercial diving services that we at Octodive (Pty) Ltd offer, such as:

Underwater hull inspections and full capture cleaning
Mooring inspections and routine ship husbandry
Propeller polishing to increase efficiency
Search and recovery operations
Provision of certified contract divers

Specialized Marine Maintenance & Repairs

We also cover the highly technical underwater operations required to keep your vessels running smoothly. On this page, you will find information about our specialized services, including Broco cutting for precise metal modification, blanking for valve changes or repairs, and IACS Certified UWILD (Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry Docking) procedures to ensure regulatory compliance with minimal downtime.

Environmental Compliance & Vessel Efficiency

We provide information about how our services directly benefit your fleet's performance and environmental standing. We detail our non-abrasive hull cleaning process, which uses closed-loop technology to capture and filter all biofouling debris, preventing environmental contamination while improving your propulsion performance.

Local Focus: Serving the South African Maritime Industry

As stated previously, the info on this page was put together to help our South African maritime audience. Whether you need routine underwater maintenance in port or contracted divers for long-term offshore projects, our operations are designed to support vessel efficiency and operational readiness in local waters.

What is Broco underwater cutting?

Broco underwater cutting is a method of cutting metal below the waterline using a Broco cutting rod, which burns at a very high temperature to slice through steel and other metals. It lets divers cut, modify and remove underwater structures without dry-docking the vessel. Octodive uses it for precise metal removal and repair across South African ports and offshore.

When you need underwater cutting

Some steel cannot wait for a dry-dock

Sometimes metal has to come off a vessel or structure while it is still in the water. A fouled propeller wrapped in rope and wire. Damaged plating that has to be cut back before a repair. A redundant fitting that needs removing. Salvage work where structures have to be cut to be moved.

Broco cutting handles all of it underwater. The rod burns hot enough to cut through steel cleanly, so divers can do the work in place rather than waiting for a yard slot. It is precise enough for controlled removal and powerful enough for heavy steel, which is why it is the standard tool for serious underwater cutting.

How an Octodive cutting job works

Assess and Plan

We confirm what needs cutting, the metal and thickness involved, and the conditions, then plan the job around safety before anyone gets in the water.

Set Up Safely

Underwater cutting carries real hazards, so the setup and safety procedures are handled properly every time. The work is done by divers trained for it.

Cut in the Water

The cutting, modification or removal is carried out in place, with the vessel or structure where it is, avoiding the cost of dry-docking where possible.

Hand Over

The work is recorded and handed over with a clear account of what was cut and removed, ready for the next stage, whether that is a repair, a lift or sign-off.

What we use it for

Common underwater cutting jobs

Clearing Fouled Propellers and Running Gear

Rope, wire and debris cut free.

Cutting Back Damaged Steel

Plating and structures trimmed before repair.

Removing Redundant Fittings and Structures

Clean removal in the water.

Salvage Cutting

Sectioning structures so they can be lifted or moved.

Modification Work

Precise alterations to underwater steelwork.

Underwater cutting questions, answered

What is Broco cutting?

Broco cutting uses a Broco cutting rod that burns at a very high temperature to cut through steel and other metals underwater. It lets divers cut, modify and remove metal below the waterline without dry-docking. It is the standard method for serious underwater cutting work.

Can you cut steel underwater?

Yes. Underwater cutting with Broco equipment burns hot enough to cut through steel and other metals while submerged. Divers carry out the work in place, which means structures and vessels can be cut without being lifted out of the water.

Is underwater cutting safe?

It carries real hazards and has to be treated that way. Done by trained divers with the right setup and safety procedures, it is a controlled, routine commercial diving operation. The safety planning is as much a part of the job as the cutting itself.

Do you need to dry-dock for underwater cutting?

No. The point of underwater cutting is that it is done in the water, with the vessel or structure where it is. That avoids the cost and downtime of dry-docking for cutting and removal work that can be handled in place.

We carry out underwater cutting on vessels and structures across South African waters, from clearing fouled running gear to cutting back damaged steel and salvage work. Each job is planned around its conditions, run to strict safety standards, and completed in the water wherever possible. Backed by over 30 years of marine civil experience and run on site by CEO Rob Bower and GM Andre Schoeman.