Enclosed Flotation Bag – Horizontal

Enclosed Flotation Bag – Horizontal is a shallow-water buoyancy solution designed specifically for situations where flotation is required close to the seabed or surface in extremely shallow water. Often referred to as boulder bags, these pillow-shaped, fully enclosed flotation bags provide stable, controlled buoyancy where traditional vertical lift bags are impractical.

Manufactured by Subsalve USA, these bags can be deployed upright or flat, inside or outside structures, and configured with single or multiple attachment points around the perimeter. This adaptability makes them ideal for vessel salvage, auto recovery, pipeline and cable installation, and emergency flotation for ships, aircraft, submersibles and ROVs.

Constructed from urethane-coated, high-strength nylon with RF-welded seams, the bags offer excellent abrasion resistance, chemical resistance and durability. An integrated heavy-duty lifting harness provides a 6:1 safe working ratio, while multiple pressure relief valves ensure controlled venting during ascent.

Construction & Materials

• Urethane-coated high-strength nylon

• Heavy-duty fabric with RF-welded seams

• Superior abrasion resistance

• Resistant to most petro-chemicals

• UV-resistant

• Low maintenance and easy to clean

Adaptive Rigging & Configuration

• Multiple rigging configurations available

• Use with single or multiple attachment points around the perimeter

• Suitable for horizontal or vertical orientation

• Effective both internally and externally on structures

Safety & Ease-of-Use Features

• Supplied complete with all required hardware

• 3/4″ NPT inflation / deflation port with ball valve

• Stainless steel quick-disconnect inflation fitting

• Pressure relief valves set to vent at 2.5 psi above ambient pressure

• Multiple PRVs fitted to safely vent during free ascent

• Heavy-duty nylon lift harness integrated into the bag

• Safe working ratio: 6:1

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Individually tested prior to shipping

• Custom sizes available on request

• Compliant with:

  • IMCA D-016-AIRBAGS

  • ABS

  • U.S. Department of Defense Standards

Typical Applications

• Shallow-water salvage and recovery

• Boulder and debris flotation

• Vessel and auto recovery

• Pipeline and cable installation

• Emergency flotation for ships, aircraft and ROVs

• Confined or low-clearance lifting operations

Product Specifications