In the past, vessel owners faced a big decision when problems arose below the waterline: take the ship out of the water. This lengthy process involved securing a drydock slot, moving the vessel, and waiting for a thorough inspection. Fixes for underwater issues were often complex and time-consuming due to outdated technology.
Today, however, much of the inspection, maintenance, and repair that used to require drydocking can now be performed underwater by commercial divers. This approach is often quicker, more cost-effective, and less disruptive to schedules.
Improved Tools for Tough Tasks
Divers can now tackle a wider range of tasks underwater than many owners realize, largely thanks to advanced tools. Hydraulic and pneumatic equipment has revolutionized what divers can achieve in a single shift. Tools like grinders, drills, impact wrenches, and hull-cleaning brushes provide significant power and precision, making tasks that used to take days straightforward.
Underwater cutting techniques have also improved. Methods such as oxy-arc and ultra-thermic cutting allow divers to quickly and cleanly cut through steel plates, piles, and structural components, which is crucial for both repairs and emergency situations.
Additionally, underwater welding has progressed. Wet welding, where divers weld directly in the water, was once seen as a temporary solution. Now, standards such as AWS D3.6M govern this practice, ensuring that Class A welds match the quality of surface welds, while Class B is for less crucial tasks. With approved procedures, some repairs that used to require drydock can now be permanent.
Diving for Marine Infrastructure
These advancements are also changing the way marine infrastructure is maintained. Piers, bulkheads, pipelines, and offshore structures all require regular inspections, maintenance, and eventual replacements.
Commercial divers are now equipped to handle complex construction and repair tasks in-water. They can remove piles and caps, install mooring dolphins and catwalks, and seal pipelines. They also drill into the seabed, pour concrete, and make subsea connections for large cranes to position structures. By combining sonar surveys and ROV support, dive teams can assess conditions like corrosion and damage, and perform repairs, often in a single trip. This minimizes downtime for critical assets.
Creating a Complete Digital Picture
Inspection technology has also evolved, expanding what divers can discover. Identifying problems early is key to avoiding major issues. High-definition video and photography allow for quick, clear documentation for classification, insurance, and internal reviews.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is now standard for divers. Techniques like ultrasonic thickness measurement help find plate wear, while other NDT methods can identify cracks and weld defects before they lead to failures. This results in actionable data for engineers. Acoustic tools add further capability, allowing for surveys of hulls and wrecks in poor visibility. ROVs equipped with cameras can operate deeper than traditional divers and enhance safety by monitoring dive operations.
The Real Benefits: Time, Cost, and Schedule
The financial implications of in-water work become clear when considering the true costs of drydocking. For vessels on tight schedules, an unexpected week out of service can significantly exceed the repair costs.
In-water repairs alleviate these costs. A dive team can often mobilize directly at the vessel's dock or anchorage. Many tasks can be performed during scheduled port visits, allowing the vessel to remain operational.
Quick diagnosis is also crucial. If a crew reports issues like vibrations or leaks, uncertainty can be the worst scenario. Owners might hesitate between continuing operations or taking the vessel out of service “just in case.” A swift underwater inspection replaces speculation with facts. Sometimes a simple repair can be done on the spot; other times, it confirms that drydocking is necessary, allowing for better planning and scheduling of the yard.
Not All Dive Contractors Are Alike
It's important to note that while these capabilities exist, they are not universal across the industry. Vessel owners should understand how far in-water technology has advanced and assess the qualifications of specific contractors.
Before hiring a vendor, consider asking a few key questions:
- Track Record: What similar projects have they completed, and what were the results? Can they provide case histories or references?
- Standards and Qualifications: Do they adhere to recognized standards such as ADCI and OSHA regulations? Are their divers certified under AWS D3.6M?
- In-House Capability: Is the diving team their own, or are they subcontracted? How is their dive equipment maintained?
- Technology: Can they provide live video, NDT, sonar support, or just a diver with a camera?
- Support: Do they have engineers and project managers available to interpret results and plan repairs?
- Response Time: How quickly can they deploy, and from where?
A contractor with modern tools but limited engineering support, or a long-established company using outdated methods, may not provide the speed and reliability owners depend on. The best partner combines both.
Rethinking the Approach
With advancements in tools, welding standards, and inspection technologies, commercial divers can conduct faster diagnostics, perform more repairs, and keep vessels operational. For owners, the best initial response to underwater issues might be to contact a dive team rather than immediately heading to a shipyard.
Resolve Marine offers a full range of commercial diving and subsea services globally, including hull inspection, NDT, sonar surveys, underwater welding, cutting, ROV operations, and emergency salvage support. Their teams adhere to ADCI, OSHA, and U.S. Coast Guard standards and are supported by salvage experts, naval architects, and marine engineers. To learn more, visit resolvemarine.com.