Around 90% of global imports and exports travel by sea, making the maritime industry one of the world’s most important infrastructures.
Many national economies rely on this industry for the transport of goods and services, and any disruption could lead to significant financial upheaval and shortages of resources, food, medicine and other essentials.
Maintaining operational security and consistent supply chains is crucial to keep the world fed and the wheels of global trade turning. Well-maintained ships and vessels also ensure safer conditions for those who work, live and travel on them.
That’s why underwater marine services are so essential. These services conduct underwater inspections that help prevent and address issues with potentially far-reaching impacts.
But what exactly are underwater marine services? And what advantages do these inspections offer to the marine industry?
What Are Underwater Marine Services?
Just like regular check-ups keep people healthy, vessels need routine inspections to stay in good condition. Underwater marine services involve highly-qualified, experienced divers who go below the waterline to inspect submerged areas of vessels and other underwater structures. Their expertise helps shipowners, managers and financiers detect underlying issues early on, allowing for preventive measures and necessary repairs.
These professionals undertake a variety of essential tasks, including hull cleaning to prevent marine growth, taking underwater photos or videos for documentation, using sonar to map underwater areas, inspecting ballast tanks for damage and performing general maintenance. These services ensure that vessels and underwater structures remain safe, efficient and operational for their intended purposes.
The Importance of Underwater Inspections
Regular dry docking for inspections and maintenance is not only costly but also causes significant downtime, leading to higher overall maintenance expenses. Dry docking involves taking a vessel out of the water, which can disrupt operations and incur substantial expenses for labour, equipment and facility use.
In response, underwater inspections have become a popular and cost-effective alternative. By conducting inspections while the vessel remains afloat, downtime is minimised and operational disruptions are reduced. This approach not only saves on immediate costs associated with dry docking but also allows for early detection of issues below the waterline.
But what are the additional advantages of underwater inspections?
To Ensure the Safety of a Ship
It only takes one or two structural issues hidden below the waterline to significantly affect a ship’s safety and performance. Problems like cracks, dents, leaks or irregularities have the potential to weaken the hull over time, putting everyone on board at risk. By detecting these issues early, inspectors prevent them from escalating into serious problems that could lead to catastrophic failures. Regular inspections also help identify hazards such as debris, sediment shifts or marine growth that could affect navigation and safety.
Alongside routine checks, emergency inspections are necessary after a ship collides with something in the water. Ensuring the vessel hasn’t sustained damage is essential for maintaining its seaworthiness and keeping the crew and passengers safe. In essence, thorough underwater inspections help shipowners and operators maintain their vessels’ safety, reliability and peak performance throughout their journeys.
To Extend the Lifespan of a Vessel
Over time, vessels are exposed to harsh marine conditions, including saltwater, strong waves and corrosive elements that can compromise the structural integrity of the ship. For shipowners, regular underwater inspections are essential for ensuring that their vessels remain in good condition. During these inspections, highly-skilled divers meticulously inspect the ship’s hull and submerged components to detect signs of wear, corrosion or damage below the waterline.
Addressing these issues promptly prevents minor problems from developing into major structural issues that could compromise the vessel’s integrity over time. This helps preserve the overall strength and durability of the vessel, ensuring it remains seaworthy for a longer period. As a result, shipowners and operators benefit from reduced downtime and fewer unexpected repairs, ensuring continuous vessel operation and maximising their return on investment.
To Minimise the Environmental Impact of Maritime Operations
Vessels have significant potential to harm the marine environment, especially in cases of oil spills, waste discharge or the release of ballast water containing invasive species. Oil spills can kill wildlife, contaminate water and cause long-term damage to marine ecosystems. Improperly managed waste discharge introduces pollutants and toxins into the ocean, disrupting aquatic life and degrading water quality. Ballast water can inadvertently transport invasive species across regions, where they may outcompete native species and disrupt local ecosystems.
Regular underwater inspections are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure vessels operate in an environmentally responsible manner. These inspections verify the functionality of a ship’s waste management systems, including sewage treatment plants and oil-water separators, ensuring they work correctly and comply with environmental regulations. Keeping vessels in optimal condition allows ship operators to actively protect and preserve our oceans, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable maritime practices.
To Reduce Operational Costs and Enhance Productivity
While underwater inspections come with their own costs, they can lead to substantial long-term savings for shipowners. Identifying wear on the hull allows for timely maintenance, avoiding the need for more expensive replacements down the line. Additionally, preventing major failures or accidents can save on potential legal fees, compensation and loss of cargo, which can be financially devastating.
Underwater marine services play a crucial role in identifying areas where performance might be lagging. For example, inspecting propellers and rudders for signs of marine growth or components needing replacement ensures that these parts are in optimal condition. Addressing these issues promptly helps the vessel operate at peak efficiency, resulting in fuel savings and optimised voyages.
Final Thoughts
Underwater inspections have become indispensable in the maritime industry, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional dry docking. As the demand for continuous operation and global trade grows, the need for regular underwater marine services will only become more critical. These services not only ensure the safety, efficiency and longevity of vessels but also play a vital role in protecting the marine environment.
By investing in underwater inspections, shipowners and operators can cut operational costs, enhance productivity and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable shipping practices. The future of the maritime industry relies on innovative and proactive approaches, like underwater inspections, to navigate the depths safely and responsibly.
