This resource explores what a pontoon is and what applications it can be used for. In simple terms, a pontoon serves as a temporary access solution or platform, and one that can be built quickly and securely on water and uneven land. Also referred to as floating pontoons, they provide sturdy and reliable platforms for a variety of applications, and can be built with variable load-bearing capacities to allow for the transportation of pedestrians, construction workers and machinery.

Out of all the natural elements, water is perhaps the most difficult to control or contain. Damage can be caused by severe weather events such as flooding, river breaches and water penetration.

The Collins English dictionary describes a pontoon as ‘a watertight float or vessel used where buoyancy is required in water, as in supporting a bridge, in salvage work or where a temporary or mobile structure is required in military operations.’

Plastic and heavy duty modular steel pontoons are a highly effective and versatile system of connecting floats that can be configured to almost any shape, allowing many types of water based events and activities to take place.

Oil Spill and Containment Booms are used as a tactical way of deflecting, diverting, containing or excluding oil spills in marine environments such as harbours, lakes and the open sea.

Water Buoys are floating devices that can be used for many purposes, including navigation, mooring aids or marine based research projects. The word ‘buoy’ itself is associated with the idea of keeping up or staying afloat.

AquaDams are a simple, yet highly versatile system used for flood alleviation and water control which can be used to prevent the flow of water in a variety of circumstances. Following heavy rainfall they can be quickly deployed to lower the risk of upstream flooding and prevent costly damage to farmland, properties and other structures.

Events and activities taking place on or around water create a potentially hazardous environment with many safety points to consider. Any inherent dangers are typically identified and addressed following a professional risk assessment and consequently projects, for example involving plastic modular pontoons or floating walkways, incorporate risk alleviation measures such as edge protection and the introduction of personal lifesaving equipment such as Throw Lines and Life Buoys.