Who performs underwater bridge inspections?

• A. Trained divers or ROVs with safety protocols.
• B. Surface inspectors only
• C. Random passersby
• D. Autonomous drones without safety measures

Answer: (A)

Underwater bridge inspections require access to submerged parts and careful safety management because water depths, currents, and hidden corrosion present real hazards. The people who perform this work are trained divers or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that operate under formal safety protocols. Divers are certified, follow established water-entry and confined-space procedures, use proper Personal Protective Equipment, and typically work with a supervisor and a defined safety plan. ROVs provide a safer alternative or supplement when diving isn’t practical, but they still operate within strict safety and procedural guidelines.

Surface inspectors can’t reach the underwater components like piles, bearings, or submerged connections, so they aren’t sufficient on their own. Random passersby aren’t trained or authorized to assess structural integrity, and autonomous drones without safety measures can’t perform underwater inspections reliably or safely. The correct choice reflects the need for trained personnel and documented safety practices for underwater work.