Diver-Operated Dredge Pump Overview
The Tampa Diver-Operated Dredge Pump is built for controlled underwater material removal where larger dredging equipment is too disruptive, too difficult to place, or simply impractical. It gives the diver direct control of the suction point while using a submersible slurry pump platform designed for abrasive solids and demanding field conditions.
Unlike a generic underwater cleanup pump, the Tampa diver-operated dredge is a purpose-built dredge package. It is fully submersible, available in electric or hydraulic configurations, and built around the Tampa Series submersible slurry pump family for stronger solids handling in real dredging applications.
Precision Underwater Dredging
Direct diver control at the suction point for targeted material removal.
Submersible Slurry Pump Platform
Built around the Tampa Series for abrasive solids and submerged operation.
Low-Disturbance Operation
A better fit for structures, intakes, docks, and confined work zones.
Complete System Configuration
Pump, power, hoses, and accessories matched to the jobsite.
Best-Fit Applications for the Tampa Diver-Operated Dredge Pump
The Tampa diver-operated dredge system is best suited for underwater dredging projects that require direct diver control, controlled sediment removal, and reliable slurry handling in shallow, confined, or structure-heavy environments.
Marine Infrastructure
Dredging around docks, pilings, bridge footings, seawalls, slips, and other submerged marine structures.
Marinas, Canals, and Harbors
Removing localized sediment buildup in marinas, canals, shallow channels, and access-constrained harbor areas.
Wastewater Systems
Cleaning sludge, grit, and settled solids from lagoons, ponds, tanks, basins, and clarifiers.
Industrial Water Intake
Maintaining intake structures, cooling ponds, and process-water systems where controlled underwater removal is required.
Pipeline and Trench Access
Supporting pipeline access, trench cleanout, and other underwater detail work in narrow or restricted spaces.
Remediation and Slurry Cleanup
A fit for environmental sediment removal, mining ponds, tailings areas, and other abrasive-slurry cleanup where precision matters.
Why this design works
The Tampa diver-operated dredge works by placing a fully submersible slurry pump close to the material and giving the diver direct control over where suction is applied. That makes it a strong fit for precise underwater dredging in shallow, confined, or structure-heavy work zones where larger equipment can be difficult to deploy. Built around the Tampa Series submersible slurry pump platform, the system is designed for slurry handling, abrasive service, and submerged operation.
- Direct diver control at the suction point
- Fully submersible pump placement near the material
- Better fit for shallow and access-constrained work
- Low-turbidity pumping for more controlled material removal
- Electric or hydraulic drive options
- Whole-system configuration with required support equipment
Performance and solids handling
The Tampa diver-operated dredge system is built around a submersible slurry pump platform and is positioned for controlled underwater solids removal in shallow, confined, and hard-to-reach work zones. DAE’s diver-operated page highlights system-level performance, while the Tampa Series pages show the broader pump-family size and flow range.
System-level performance
- 75–300 cubic yards per hour
- Up to 30% solids
- Up to 2.5-inch solids
- 300+ ft suction hose
- 2,000+ ft pumping distance
Tampa pump-platform range
- 3-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch models
- Up to 1,664 GPM
- Family-level solids handling up to 1.4 inches, depending on model
Technical Specifications
| System type | Fully submersible diver-operated dredge system using a Tampa Series submersible slurry pump platform |
| Drive options | Electric or hydraulic |
| Divers supported | Up to two divers |
| Claimed production | 75–300 cubic yards per hour |
| Claimed solids concentration | Up to 30% solids |
| Claimed maximum solids size | Up to 2.5-inch solids on the diver-operated page; confirm configured package before publish |
| Suction hose support | 300+ ft in suitable layouts |
| Configured pump distance | 2,000+ ft in the right setup |
| Tampa family sizes | 3-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch |
| Tampa family max flow | Up to 1,664 GPM |
| Construction | Rugged cast iron pump body with high chrome wear components |
Tampa Series Submersible Slurry Pump Platform
| Model | Discharge | Max Flow (GPM) | HP | Max Solids |
| Tampa 337 | 3-inch | 343 | 5 | up to 1.0-inch |
| Tampa 355 | 3-inch | 449 | 7.5 | up to 1.0-inch |
| Tampa 437 | 4-inch | 476 | 5 | up to 1.0-inch |
| Tampa 455 | 4-inch | 594 | 7.5 | up to 1.0-inch |
| Tampa 475 | 4-inch | 655 | 10 | up to 1.0-inch |
| Tampa 4110 | 4-inch | 819 | 15 | up to 1.0-inch |
| Tampa 6110 | 6-inch | 977 | 15 | up to 1.4-inch |
| Tampa 6150 | 6-inch | 1,136 | 20 | up to 1.4-inch |
| Tampa 6150-L | 6-inch | 1,453 | 20 | up to 1.4-inch |
| Tampa 6220 | 6-inch | 1,268 | 30 | up to 1.2-inch |
| Tampa 8220 | 8-inch | 1,664 | 30 | up to 1.4-inch |
Power, Hydraulic, and Installation Requirements
The right Tampa diver-operated dredge setup depends on the selected pump size, available site power, hose layout, pumping distance, discharge elevation, and overall jobsite access. Start by choosing the most practical drive method, then confirm hose routing, support equipment, and diver-operating conditions before final sizing.
| Configuration | Best Fit For | Key Requirements | Typical Support Equipment |
| Electric Setup | Sites with reliable utility power or generator-backed electric operation | Confirm available voltage, control requirements, pump size, hose length, and discharge distance | Generator or site power, controls, cables, hoses, flow monitoring as needed |
| Hydraulic Setup | Remote sites, mobile dredging, or jobs where hydraulic drive is more practical | Confirm hydraulic power unit capacity, hose layout, pressure/flow requirements, and pump compatibility | Hydraulic power unit, hydraulic hoses, discharge hose, suction hose, tanks, flow monitoring as needed |
What we need to size the system
- Selected Tampa pump size
- Electric or hydraulic power preference
- Available site power or hydraulic power unit capacity
- Suction hose length and discharge hose routing
- Pumping distance and discharge elevation
- Dewatering or discharge destination
- Diver count and work-zone access
- Visibility, safety, and operating window requirements
- Required support equipment such as generators, hydraulic power units, hoses, tanks, flow meters, or slurry separators
Configurations and options
Drive Options
Electric or hydraulic power based on site utilities, mobility, and job conditions.
Pump Size Options
Tampa Series submersible slurry pump sizes from 3-inch to 8-inch, depending on flow, solids, and hose layout.
Pump-End / Intake Options
Open stand, strainer, and agitator configurations based on material type and solids loading.
System Support Equipment
Hoses, power units, generators, flow meters, tanks, and separation equipment to complete the setup.
Pump curve and operating envelope
Pump curves serve as a general performance guide, but actual operating conditions will vary based on hose diameter, discharge distance, solids concentration, particle size, and the selected electric or hydraulic drive. The true operating point must be evaluated against total dynamic head, material characteristics, and pipeline layout. Tampa Series curves and datasheets should be used as a starting reference, with final model selection confirmed through an engineering review to ensure proper performance for your specific application.
Where Tampa Diver Dredges Are Used
The Tampa diver-operated platform should be described as a heavy-duty submersible slurry pump package built for abrasive service. This section should focus on wear parts, serviceability, and durability rather than vague “heavy-duty” claims.
High chrome iron impeller
High chrome iron agitator
High chrome iron wear plate
Hardened volute for abrasive conditions
Double mechanical seals
Hardened stainless shaft
Built for service in slurry, sand, sludge, and abrasive submerged environments
Where Tampa Diver Dredges Are Used
Marine Infrastructure
Underwater maintenance around docks, pilings, bridge footings, seawalls, and other marine structures.
Ports and Harbors
Targeted sediment removal for dredging contractors, harbor maintenance, marinas, slips, and shallow channels.
Wastewater and Sludge
Cleanout of lagoons, basins, clarifiers, tanks, and other sludge or settled-solids areas.
Mining and Process Ponds
Removal of abrasive slurry and sediment from process ponds, tailings areas, and remote cleanup zones.
Industrial Water Maintenance
Maintenance dredging around intake structures, cooling-water systems, and plant water infrastructure.
Remediation and Specialty Cleanup
A fit for remediation, agriculture, oil and gas, and other solids-handling projects requiring precise underwater cleanup.
Common questions
What is the Tampa Diver-Operated Dredge Pump?
The Tampa Diver-Operated Dredge Pump is a fully submersible underwater dredge system designed for precise removal of sediment, sludge, sand, and slurry below the waterline. It is built around the Tampa Series submersible slurry pump platform, making it suitable for demanding dredging applications rather than light-duty pumping.
Is the diver-operated system electric or hydraulic?
The system is available in both electric and hydraulic configurations. The right choice depends on site power availability, mobility requirements, hose layout, and overall deployment conditions.
How many divers can use one system?
The system is designed to support up to two divers operating simultaneously, enabling efficient and controlled underwater dredging.
What can the Tampa diver-operated dredge pump handle?
It is designed to handle slurry, sand, sludge, sediment, and other solids-laden materials in marine, industrial, wastewater, and maintenance applications.
How much material can it move?
The system typically delivers production rates of 75 to 300 cubic yards per hour. Actual output depends on pump model, solids concentration, particle size, hose diameter, and system configuration.
How far can it pump?
The system can support over 300 feet of suction hose and pumping distances exceeding 2,000 feet when properly configured. Performance varies based on pump selection, hose layout, and operating conditions.
Does the diver-operated dredge use the Tampa submersible slurry pump family?
Yes, the system is built around the Tampa Series submersible slurry pump platform, providing reliable submerged operation and effective solids handling for dredging applications.
Which Tampa pump models should be referenced on the page?
The system utilizes the Tampa Series pump family, including 3-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch models. Selection depends on required flow, solids handling, and project conditions.
What should the buyer provide for sizing?
To properly size the system, provide:
- Material type and solids concentration
- Target production rate
- Water depth
- Suction and discharge hose lengths
- Pumping distance and discharge elevation
- Power preference (electric or hydraulic)
- Site access conditions
- Number of divers
- Discharge or dewatering plan
What downloads should be included?
Available resources include the diver-operated dredge product information, Tampa Series overview, relevant model datasheets, and direct access to request a quote or speak with an engineer.
Contact Us Today
Please contact our sales team for product questions or if you need help selecting the best dredge or pump system for your application.
Phone: (760) 821-8112
Email: [email protected]
Live chat: Click to chat
Business Hours: 7:30a-5:30p Monday-Friday