Underwater Lift Bags

RTO offers underwater lift bags for marine salvage, commercial diving, construction, object recovery, shallow-water refloating, pipeline work, dock and marina service, and other projects where buoyancy has to be controlled safely underwater. This category includes open-bottom lift bags, closed-bottom lift bags, marine salvage pillows, salvage pontoons, convertible salvage bags, boulder bags, propeller bags, boat lift bags, and related lift bag parts and accessories.

Use this page to compare the main underwater lifting and flotation bag styles before choosing a model. Capacity, bag shape, rigging method, water depth, attachment points, inflation hardware, and whether the bag will be used upright, flat, horizontally, or around a structure all affect the best choice. Most lift bags are available for purchase, and selected models are available for rental.

Marine Salvage Pillows

Marine salvage pillows are enclosed flotation bags that can be rigged in many combinations and used upright, flat, inside structures, or outside structures. They are useful for recovering vessels, vehicles, aircraft, submersibles, ROVs, and other objects where controlled underwater buoyancy is needed. Each bag uses inflation and dump hardware designed for field deployment and controlled handling.

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Salvage Pontoons

Salvage pontoons are cylindrical flotation bags used for shallow-water salvage, draft reduction, pipeline and cable control, vessel support, and raising large objects toward the surface. Pontoon-style bags are especially useful where horizontal load control and stable rigging are important.

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Open Bottom Underwater Lift Bags

Open-bottom, parachute-style lift bags are a common choice for commercial diving, deep-water salvage, heavy construction, and recovery work. They provide high lift capacity with relatively low bag weight and are designed to vent as they rise, helping divers manage ascent and buoyancy during lifting operations.

Choosing the Right Underwater Lift Bag

The best lift bag depends on the job, not just the rated lift capacity. A compact enclosed bag may be the right choice for rigging inside a structure, while a pontoon may be better for a long or horizontal load. Open-bottom bags are often selected for vertical lifting and recovery, while closed-bottom or enclosed flotation bags may be preferred when the bag needs to hold air in different orientations.

Common selection factors

• Required lift capacity and safety margin
• Load shape, balance, rigging points, and attachment method
• Water depth, current, visibility, and jobsite access
• Open-bottom, closed-bottom, enclosed, pillow, pontoon, or specialty bag style
• Inflation source, valves, shackles, harnesses, and required accessories
• Whether the equipment is needed for rental, purchase, or a project-specific combination

Joint Zone Underwater Lift Bags

Joint Zone lift bags are engineered for demanding construction, salvage, and deep-water projects where reliability, durability, and controlled lifting are critical. They are built for harsh marine environments and selected for jobs where safety, predictable buoyancy, and rugged construction matter.

Key performance features

• High-strength materials resistant to tearing and bursting
• Abrasion-resistant construction for extended service life
• Resistance to most petrochemicals
• Ultraviolet protection for long-term outdoor exposure
• Maximum lifting capacity with a minimal footprint
• Low elasticity for easier inflation and controlled handling

RTO sells and rents enclosed flotation bags, salvage pontoons, open-bottom lift bags, closed-bottom lift bags, and specialty lift bags. All bags are available for purchase, although not every model is available for rental. Contact our team to confirm availability, capacity, rigging requirements, and the best lift bag style for the job.

Ready for immediate deployment

Many Joint Zone lift bags ship complete with shackles, valves, and required hardware. Every unit is tested before shipment, and project requirements should be reviewed before use to confirm the proper capacity, accessories, and rigging plan.

Contact RTO to discuss underwater lift bag rentals, purchase options, lift capacity, rigging hardware, and technical guidance for your marine salvage or underwater construction project.