Abstract: An improved self-propelled floating dredging apparatus including a buoyant hull structure carrying a pilot house and engine compartment. The buoyant hull comprises a pair of longitudinally aligned parallel pontoons to provide flotation. A rigid boom structure extends forwardly from the medial portion of the hull structure and is adapted to pivot about a horizontal axis, from a horizontal position to a submerged position, in response to the action of a pair of power cylinders and an interconnecting linkage. A diesel engine in the engine compartment drives a centrifugal dredging pump and a hydraulic fluid pump. A hydraulically driven, steerable water jet propulsion assembly is mounted on a transom at the aft end portion of the hull structure. A hydraulically driven cable winch mechanism is also mounted on the hull structure.