Does anyone take out sand from under water?

[Fabio]

I'm keeping an eye out on an ancient dock made from huge cut rocks, which is now under sea level. I'm planning on moving away the stones and small boulders alongside it. Then I'll dig up the remaining gravel and dirt, and put it in a pail to check out on the shore. The dock is about 12 yards long, slightly tilted and pushed away from a straight line, after centuries of sea battering. All the digging will have to take place at about 3 to 4 feet depth. Anyone else ever try this? How deep should I keep digging before I reach the "bottom"? My guess would be the bottom edge of the rocks.

 

[scubadetector]

Your looking at a ton of work. Even if you can move some sand, the next time you want to move more it will probably be filled in from the surf. And just checking a pail full? You need a way to blow all the sand out and see whats left with a mask and snorkel in my opinion.

 

[Fabio]

I know it won't be easy. The sand isn't beach sand quality. I will have to move alot of material to get to the good stuff. I need the perfect tools for underwater plowing, and gloves, since there are alot of dangerous cutting edges stuck to the stones. They are also slimey and slippery. The dock goes back to Roman times. First, I'll have to wait until the sea temperature rises enough and until my work schedule lightens up a bit.