Dredge head assembly and related diver-assisted dredging system and methods

A diver assisted dredging system comprising:

• a guide barge;
• a dredging vessel comprising a dredge head support assembly;
• a towing assembly in communication with the guide barge and dredging vessel, the towing assembly configured to reposition the dredging vessel relative to the guide barge;
• and
• a dredge head assembly connected to the dredge head support assembly of the dredging vessel by a flexible hose, the dredge head assembly comprising
• a shroud having a generally open bottom end and a top end;
• a screen structure covering the generally open bottom end of the shroud;
• a suction pipe with a first end connected generally vertically and centrally to the top end of the shroud and a second end configured to be operatively connected with a pump which induces suction;
• a circular ring-shaped handle connected to and extending upward from the shroud and having at least one grasping portion;
• and
• one or more vacuum relief valve assemblies, each comprising a valve, at least one opening configured to be in communication with water, and an actuation mechanism positioned to be accessible to a diver;
• wherein the actuation mechanism of the one or more vacuum relief valve assemblies is in close proximity to the ring-shaped handle.