Two embankment walls, which usually consist of stable wooden planks or concrete walls, are connected by floating plastic elements. These adapt flexibly to the respective water level using running rails. When the water level rises, the passage under the barrier increases. Water can flow off at a steadily slow rate. Oil or floating debris is retained on the surface by floating bodies.

The embankment walls of the floating diving wall are usually installed offset to the direction of the water flow. This determines where the debris collects and can be more easily skimmed off at a collection point. A floating diving wall takes on its task maintenance-free for around 20 years. A floating diving wall is completely planned, built, installed, and handed over to the customer, ready for operation.