DS Diving Service

How it all Started

DS Diving's Founder and CEO Dane Shields started this company in 2008. The market had crashed and Dane had a large family to care for, 5 children - including a set of triplets! Fed up with selling life insurance Dane began searching for a job that interested him. He began thinking about what he truly enjoyed and all he could think of was water: diving, boats and marine life. Dane began diving at 15 years old and quickly became obsessed. Thinking back on his interests - a plan was hatched - he would open up his own underwater diving service.
Dane did some research, made some connections, and realized there was something missing from the market, a fountain of knowledge. Many of the boat owners who store their boats in water had no clue what was teaming beneath the surface. With that the dream was complete. Dane would open an underwater diving company that provides a unique view of the diving industry, Our View! See your hull, running gear and prop from a professionals view. Each service ends with the client receiving a video of our crew performing their service, along with some additional knowledge of the diving industry.
Over the years he grew the business from simple hull cleanings to include other services like inspections, piling restoration, zinc replacements, fishing trip documentaries, underwater welding and diving instruction courses.

Dane Shields

Founder & CEO

The DS Diving Difference

DS Diving is passionate about spreading knowledge to customers, boat owners, divers and enthusiasts.
We educate our customers through video!

Recorded & Shared Video Footage

Free Recordings with the following services:
  • Hull Cleanings
  • Inspections
  • Zinc Replacements

Licensed, Insured & Certified

  • DS Diving if a fully licensed diving service company
  • Our dive operation is fully insured
  • We only use well trained certified divers
Work with the professionals!

Specialized Dive Services

Search & Recovery

Search & Recovery

Losing items overboard is a hazard of our lifestyle. Our team of licensed divers have a long history of search and recovery. From lost wedding rings to entire vessels. DS Diving does not just set out and hope we happen upon your belongings. Our team calculates related search zones and performs underwater recovery services. Don't miss out on the treasure hunt, our crew is outfitted with cameras to film the whole experience.

Zinc Replacement

Zinc Replacement

When metal is submerged into a reactive solution like saltwater, an electrical current is created, called electrolysis. The metal reacts with the saltwater, creating a perfect environment for galvanic corrosion to occur. Zinc anodes are used to cover parts of the hull and running gear that remain underwater and need extra protection. Our licensed divers will go below the surface to replace your zincs with newer sets.

Salvage

Salvage

Is your boat wrecked, taking on water, or laying at the bottom of St. Johns River? We can help. Regardless of how you ended up in your situation, DS Diving has all the right tools. We help with afloat salvage, offshore salvage, harbor salvage, wreck removal, and more. If your vessel is unsalvageable, we offer cargo and equipment salvage services as well. Our licensed drivers will go below the surface to salvage your precious cargo or expensive equipment.

Inspections

Inspections

Has your dock or boat had a bit of bad luck lately? Our licensed divers go below the surface, examining and accessing the damage to your vessel and your pilings. Before purchasing such a large investment, especially when they are coupled with underwater structures, it is important to survey everything. When you go to buy a new boat, house with a dock or pier, or even an elevated waterfront house, we help give you peace of mind.

Hull Cleaning

Hull Cleaning

When you wet-store a vessel in bodies of water; different bacteria, marine life, barnacles and algal slime are introduced to your hull and running gear. These organisms begin attaching themselves to bottom of your boat. Once attached, these organisms affect both the performance and appearance of your boat. When storing your boat in water it becomes imperative to carry out regular hull maintenance.

Piling Restoration

Piling Restoration

Aquatic growth, marine organisms and nature can be a menace to your dock, pier or elevated house pilings. Routine maintenance or preventative measures extend the life of your dock pilings by 10+ years. Lack of maintenance, natural disasters or unfortunate mishaps can lead to full restoration! DS Diving is in the business of protecting your pilings. DS Diving will help breathe life back into your dock.

Service Areas

Marsh Landing
Queens Harbor
Moorings Condominiums
Mariners Pointe
Mayport Jetties
Blount Island
Goodby's Creek
Durbin Creek
Bayard Point
Fort George Island
San Marco
Julington Creek
Mandarin
Fort Caroline
Palm Valley
Southside
Jacksonville Beach
Avondale
Ortega
St. Johns
Orangedale
Fruit Cove

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Keep your boat in ship shape with professional DS Diving services

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Standard rates apply, see pricing for more information.

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Final pricing may vary upon inspection.