Reasons Why Regular Underwater Hull Inspections Are Necessary

 

Ship engineers and marine experts emphasize regular ship maintenance, inspections, and repair. These steps are vital to ensure fuel efficiency, damage prevention, and operational productivity of marine vessels, boats, and ships. Marine engineers can perform some of these routine maintenance tasks themselves; however, some inspections are best left to the experts.

A ship sailing in the sea


Since frequent stops at dry docks aren’t feasible, operators and owners utilize underwater hull inspections and repairs while the ships are still afloat. This technique requires precision and a high level of professionalism, hence, your best bet is to rely on an experienced team of underwater service providers such as Thai Subsea Services.

Underwater Hull Inspections: Diving Deeper

Also known as in-water ship inspections, an underwater hull examination requires qualified and licensed professionals who can check all the parts of a ship during their port calls. The vessel is adequately checked for potential damages that need immediate repairs.



Sun shining on a ship anchored in water

 

Performing underwater repairs might not be a ship engineer’s first choice, but it’s one of the most efficient ways to avoid costly ship repairs. In an underwater hull inspection, commercial divers are employed to inspect the ship's structure that's exposed to daily wear and tear.

Here are two main reasons to get regular underwater hull inspection:

1.   Safety of the Ship

The primary reason to conduct underwater hull inspection is to ensure the safety of the ship. There is a large portion of the ship’s hull that is located beneath the waterline,thus,constantly exposed to harsh elements. It’s vulnerable to developing cracks, denting, corrosion, and leaks that can compromise its structural integrity.

A hull that needs repairs and maintenance also increases the risk of inefficiencies and may accumulate debris and other biofouling residual particles on the hull. Therefore, it’s vital to inspect a ship’s hull for possible damage for timely repairs.

2.   Reduce Environmental Impact

Environmental experts and marine biologist say that the marine impurities and corrosive particles released from a damaged or dirty hull pollutes the ocean and negatively impacts sea life. This ultimately impacts water quality, local marine life, and even seafood stocks.

Therefore, the responsibility of saving the world’s oceans and keeping coasts clean falls on ship owners as well. They must conduct periodic hull inspections to ensure marine life isn’t exposed to harsh chemicals, fuel spills, and invasive species.

Step by Step In-Water Hull Inspection

Following are the steps involved in an underwater hull inspection:

·         A general in-water survey of the vessel. This includes identifying damaged propellers, clogged sea grids, leaking stern tubes, and deficient anodes.

·         Next up are the pre and post-sale and charter surveys. These include the operational valuation of a vessel, followed by an elaborate, detailed performance report.

·         A pre-dock inspection is conducted in which the financial implications of a damaged hull are calculated. This detailed survey helps ship engineers detect issues in the ship’s underwater mechanisms so that preparations may be made for its stay in dry-dock.

·         A post-grounding inspection may be carried out after a suspected collision or incident. This inspection would encompass a detailed assessment of the vessel in order to ascertain the extent of damage in order to plan for repair works.

Thai Subsea Services Conducts Inspection on All Ship Types

Thai Subsea Services is approved by many international classification societies (IACS) to conduct an examination on Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU). These include semi-submersibles, vessels, jack-up rigs, and several other ship types.

This ship repair company guarantees outstanding underwater hull cleaning results,ship inspections and repairs while ensuring anti-fouling coating loss remains at bay.

Contact them today.

 

 

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