What is Underwater Ship Inspection and When Are These Inspections Carried Out?

Ships require numerous checks and inspections to ensure maintenance, damage repair, and risk mitigation. These inspections are carried out periodically according to the strategies established by the ship owners. Examining the submerged areas of a ship without taking it to a dry dock is complicated. Since this is practically unfeasible, marine engineers have found another solution to evaluate vessels: Underwater Ship Inspection.

Importance of Underwater Ship Inspection

Underwater ship inspection is fundamental to determining the overall condition of a maritime asset. Shipowners need to conduct this inspection to understand the state of their vessel. Whether in a pre-purchase context or during a financial transaction, the submerged areas of the ship must be examined to detect possible damage.

What Does an Underwater Ship Inspection Involve?

Underwater ship inspections involve qualified divers, approved by classification societies, who descend below the waterline to examine the submerged areas of the vessel. This practice allows shipowners, managers, and financiers to identify underlying problems and take preventive and corrective measures. Additionally, as underwater inspections help detect problems in time, prolonged and costly repairs are avoided in the future.

When Are Underwater Inspections Carried Out?

In Panama, underwater inspections must be carried out under the supervision of a classification society inspector, who will provide details about the vessel’s underwater condition. The appropriate times to contact underwater inspection service providers like Aquadivepanama are:

• Before taking the ship for scheduled repair.
• When evaluating the condition of the vessel for sale, purchase, or lease.
• During adverse weather conditions, after grounding on a sandbank, or after a collision with another transport object.
• When renewing or obtaining a license for the transportation of goods, passengers, or an operational permit.

Preparations for Underwater Inspection

Before performing an underwater ship inspection:

• Aquadiver Panamá divers are equipped with video equipment and special instruments according to the approved inspection program, allowing them to dive to the required depth.
• In situations where a detailed examination is required, defects are documented through video recordings and photographs.
• Propellers are thoroughly examined to assess their condition, the presence of corrosion on surfaces, and the existence of cracks.
• Repair work is carried out simultaneously with underwater inspections, helping to prolong the vessel’s operational reliability and significantly minimize risks.

During the inspection, the designated inspector adjusts the divers’ work and directs their actions. Parts of the hull, bottom and side openings, bilge keels, and many other submerged parts are examined to check for required repairs. With underwater inspections, it is easier to detect any violations in the ship’s underwater structure and rectify them.

Connect with Aquadiver Panamá for Underwater Ship Inspection

Aquadiver is a leading maritime company in Panama that offers quality and cost-effective underwater inspections to the marine industry. We fully comply with local and international safety and health standards. Our team of trained engineers, divers, inspectors, and supervisors is dedicated to safety and getting the job done right.

At Aquadiver Panamá, we ensure that all services are conducted professionally according to the standards and requirements of our clients. We use methodologies that make the operation smooth and effective. Connect with us to learn more about our maritime services.