Supporting innovation beneath the surface

Deep Dive Division is a Waikato-based commercial diving and marine robotics company delivering advanced marine capability across environmental, infrastructure, and underwater operations.

With support from the Regional Business Partner Network and an Innovation Services R&D grant, the business has evolved from a traditional commercial diving company into an integrated marine technology and robotics provider.

A smarter approach to underwater work

Founded on a holistic approach to commercial diving, Deep Dive Division is built on the idea that underwater operations can be safer, smarter, and more environmentally informed. 

By integrating environmental science, technology, and practical field capability, the company combines in-water expertise with tools such as sonar, digital mapping, remote systems, and data-led survey techniques to better understand and manage underwater environments.

Today, Deep Dive Division integrates commercial diving, marine robotics, sonar imaging, digital mapping, and environmental monitoring. It supports projects across infrastructure, environmental management, scientific operations, and underwater inspection. 

The company works with councils, industry, researchers, and asset owners to deliver practical marine solutions that improve visibility, reduce risk, and support better decision-making beneath the surface.

Supporting the Waikato

Alongside its commercial work, Deep Dive Division has also contributed to environmental recovery efforts within the Waikato River. Giving back to the community and supporting the health and mauri of the local waterways.

During routine diving operations, the team regularly encountered submerged vehicles, scrap metal, and debris that had built up over decades. Recognising the environmental impact this had on the awa, the company began using its specialist diving, sonar, and underwater recovery capability to locate, map, and remove debris from the river.

To date, Deep Dive Division has recovered 46 vehicles and more than 78 tonnes of metal from the river. Using sonar and underwater mapping technology, the team safely identifies and removes waste from challenging environments, helping restore sections of the river system.

Investing in innovation

These projects reinforced the value of combining practical field expertise with technology and environmental insight. They have also helped shape the company’s ongoing investment in robotics, remote systems, sonar capability, and data-driven marine services that improve how underwater environments are assessed, maintained, and protected.

Through the Regional Business Partner Network, Deep Dive Division connected with a business navigator who helped the team refine its growth strategy, assess readiness for research and development, and explore opportunities such as the R&D Tax Incentive to support continued innovation.