Diver Depth-Gauge Profiling beyond Wading Depths: A New Simple Method for Underwater Surveying

Surveying subaqueous beach profiles and features beyond wading depths can be a costly process, requiring use of expensive equipment and boats. This paper describes the materials and methods of a simple, low-cost technique for underwater bathymetric surveying, herein named the diver depth-gauge profiling (DDGP) method. Although accuracy of depth data depends on the quality of the depth gauges used, it is commonly within 0.3 m. Data collection reliability was evaluated by repeated underwater beach profile surveys, and an example of its use in the Caribbean is provided.