Navigating the Challenges of Underwater Film Production
Working underwater with a movie or TV production team presents many obvious challenges—water itself, specialized equipment, and required SCUBA certifications. However, the more subtle yet potentially dangerous differences are often overlooked by Producers, UPMs, and Department Heads. These oversights can lead to safety risks or costly delays.
My Background: A Blend of Film & Technical Diving Expertise
To provide some context, I’ve worked in the film and television industry for over 35 years, with the last 20 as a Key Grip or Gaffer. My passion for SCUBA diving runs just as deep—I’ve been a certified diver since my teenage years, accumulating thousands of dives over the decades.
Beyond basic Open Water and Advanced certifications, I’ve spent the last ten years diving into the extreme world of Technical Diving. My certifications include:
Advanced Nitrox (IANTD)
Cave Diving (IANTD)
MCCR Fathom Rebreather (IANTD)
Becoming Cave Diving certified is a rigorous process, demanding complete mastery of buoyancy, equipment, and gas management. Training involves simulated emergencies such as loss of light, loss of air, and gear malfunctions. Divers must develop the ability to self-rescue, even in zero-visibility conditions. Additionally, my experience with Rebreathers—technology similar to what astronauts use for spacewalks—has taught me an entirely new level of underwater discipline.
This extensive dive training informs how I approach working on underwater film productions.
Key Considerations for Underwater Productions
1. Understanding the Environment
Before diving into a shoot, it's critical to assess the water conditions:
Controlled Environment: Are we in a film pool or a well-maintained swimming pool with clear visibility? Easy access in and out ?
Open Water: Are we in a lake, pond, or ocean with unpredictable currents, low visibility, or debris? is there an “out of bounds” ? whats the escape or rescue route ?
Pool work allows for easier visual hand signals, while murky waters demand advanced techniques to ensure safety and efficiency. You have to have a communications plan before you go under the water. Something that as simple as a 8x frame or ladder to move on land is VERY difficult underwater especially if you are on the same plan to where it goes. We all carry small lights to flash at each other to get diver’s attention
2. Working Without a Dive Buddy
In standard SCUBA diving, having a buddy is a fundamental safety rule. However, in film production, we often work alone, performing specialized tasks like rigging lights or adjusting camera equipment. This introduces significant risks—if a diver encounters a low-visibility emergency or equipment failure without immediate backup, the situation mirrors the self-rescue scenarios drilled into technical divers.
Are your underwater crew members trained for these situations?
3. Managing Gear & Set Pieces
The underwater film set presents unique challenges:
Grip & Lighting: Moving equipment underwater takes 4-5 times longer than on land. You can not rush this.
Underwater Communication: While topside crew can transmit via speakers, divers can’t always respond to the surface.
Stunt & SFX Rigging: Ropes and lines are often used for effects but pose serious entanglement risks if the diver isn't hyper-aware of their surroundings.
For this reason, I’ve stripped my dive rig (BCD) down to the bare essentials—eliminating unnecessary hoses and gear to minimize snag points. This streamlined setup ensures I can maneuver freely and self-rescue if necessary. If you snag a working stunt line and move it out of place you can create a safety problem, situational awareness should always be at the front of every move underwater.
4. Supporting Underwater Cinematography
Underwater Camera Operators (DPs) require unique support, almost like an underwater dolly grip. The shot may dictate ladder setups, weighted camera bags, or precise positioning. Understanding how to assist them efficiently can make or break a shoot.
Elevating Safety & Skill on Underwater Film Sets
Most of my underwater projects have taken place in well-managed pool environments, but I’ve also worked in far more challenging conditions. That’s why I’m committed to training my underwater crew in advanced technical diving techniques rather than relying solely on basic Open Water certifications. Working on an underwater film set demands far more than recreational diving skills—it requires technical precision, situational awareness, and a mindset for problem-solving under extreme conditions.
Recommended Resources:
Commander Camera – The best in underwater camera housings and technicians.
Joey McNamara – Technical/Cave/CCR instructor for advanced dive training.
By prioritizing proper training, communication, and equipment preparation, we can mitigate risks and ensure smooth, efficient underwater productions. If you’re working on a film that involves underwater elements, ask yourself—are your divers truly prepared for the challenges ahead?
Craig Waller “WALLEE”
