Pump, diver's air pump

This freestanding manual air pump would have supplied fresh air to divers whilst underwater. As the large wheels were turned by hand, air was fed down a canvas hose to the diver below.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) was responsible for dredging the river channels, raising wrecks and laying down mooring buoys. Much of this work involved the PLA's teams of highly trained divers and their assistants. Divers operated in the dark and muddy waters of the Thames and docks, salvaging sunken craft, repairing damage to dredgers and clearing fouled propellers. They also worked on underwater dock plant and piles. Each year, divers checked the chains on 340 mooring buoys. Divers worked from wreck-raising lighters, large skiffs and floating platforms.