In-water ship hull inspection is a crucial practice that has been implemented for years to ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of vessels. Regular inspections help assess the condition of anti-fouling systems and monitor a ship’s biofouling status. Periodic in-water hull inspections should be prioritized as part of routine maintenance and conducted more frequently when the vessel is exposed to high risks.

Nereus Subsea, a leading provider of ship repair and underwater services in Dubai that offers comprehensive in-water ship hull inspection and hull cleaning services

Why Periodic In-Water Ship Hull Inspections Should Be a Top Priority?

1. Ensuring the Safety of the Ship and Crew

The seaworthiness of a vessel is paramount. Regular in-water ship hull inspections are essential to detect and address defects, leaks, cracks, or distortions that could compromise the safety of both the ship and its crew. By conducting these inspections, ship operators can proactively ensure that their vessels remain safe and operational.

2. Monitoring the Condition of Ship Hull Paint

Ship hulls are coated with expensive anti-fouling paints designed to withstand harsh marine environments. Over time, these coating s can degrade, leading to increased biofouling and reduced performance. Periodic in-water inspections allow for the early detection of paint deterioration, enabling localized touch-ups before more extensive and costly repairs are needed. This preventive approach helps avoid significant dry docking and vessel downtime.

3. Controlling and Eliminating Invasive Species

Invasive species pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems and can increase hull resistance, leading to reduced vessel speed and increased fuel consumption. Even with effective anti-fouling systems, biofouling can still accumulate over time. Regular in-water inspections are crucial to identifying and removing invasive species, thereby maintaining optimal vessel performance and protecting the environment.

Nereus Subsea’s expert underwater services in the UAE are designed to help ship operators maintain their vessels in top condition, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with environmental regulations.

When to Conduct In-Water Ship Hull Inspections:

• Before and After Periods of Inactivity: Inspections should be conducted before and after any planned inactivity or significant changes in the ship’s operating profile to ensure no issues have developed.
• Prior to In-Water Cleaning: An inspection before cleaning helps determine the presence of invasive species or other organisms that could be problematic.
• After Hull Damage: If a ship experiences grounding, collision, or any incident that could damage the hull, an immediate inspection is necessary to assess the extent of the damage.
• Following Discovery of Marine Pests: If invasive aquatic species are found in the ship’s internal seawater cooling systems, a thorough inspection of the hull is critical to prevent further spread.

Contact Nereus Subsea today to schedule your next in-water ship hull inspection and take advantage of their comprehensive underwater services. Keeping your vessel in peak condition has never been easier or more essential.