In-Water Survey Kamsar Anchorage

Ships calling Kamsar frequently wait at the anchorage area before a loading berth becomes free. That waiting time can be turned into productive time. An in-water survey at the Kamsar anchorage lets owners complete a hull examination while the ship is stationary, with no impact on terminal operations and no need to take the ship to a yard.

Why Anchorage Is Often the Best Place

At anchor, the ship is stable and no cargo operations are taking place. There is no berth wall in the way, so a Diver can reach both sides of the hull, the bow, the stern and the rudder. Dive operations at the anchorage do not interfere with terminal schedules, mooring gangs or cargo equipment, and the survey can often begin within hours of the ship dropping anchor.

Managing Tide and Current

The Rio Nunez estuary is tidal, and current at the anchorage can be strong at mid-tide. Diving takes place around slack water, normally for one to two hours either side of the turn, when the current is low enough for a Diver to work safely and for the CCTV camera to stay steady. Our supervisors check the tide table and agree a dive window with the master before the boat leaves.

The Survey Method

• The dive boat comes alongside, and the master confirms propeller lock and no discharge.
• The Diver descends along a shot line or the ship's side, and the supervisor monitors from the boat.
• Hull sections are inspected in a systematic pattern, usually from stern to bow on each side.
• A CCTV camera sends video to the boat and, where required, to the surveyor on deck.
• Thickness Measurement and local cleaning are done as required.
• The Diver confirms the status of rudder, propeller, sea chests and anodes.

Weather and Safety at the Anchorage

Wind, swell and rain squalls can limit work at open anchorage. Our supervisors review the forecast, set go and no-go limits for sea state and keep the standby diver ready at all times. The dive boat has radio contact with the ship and, where required, the port station, so work can stop quickly if conditions change.

What You Receive

After the survey, the ship receives a preliminary summary, followed by a report with time-stamped video, annotated photographs and thickness tables. If damage is found, we propose a repair or cleaning plan that can often be carried out at the same anchorage.

Book an Anchorage Survey

Send us your ship's expected anchoring time and class details. We will check the tide window and confirm the boat, team and equipment.

Preparing the Ship Before the Dive Boat Arrives

The ship's crew can save time by preparing before the boat arrives. The master should confirm the exact position, the heading and the expected swing at anchor, since the ship may rotate with the tide. The pilot ladder and any lines over the side should be cleared, and the deck crew should be briefed on the signals used by the dive boat. A short pre-dive meeting by VHF between the ship, the boat and the surveyor sets out the plan and the emergency stop procedure. With these steps completed, the diver can enter the water as soon as slack water begins.

Recording the Anchorage Position for Reports

Every survey report includes the ship's anchorage position, heading, time, tide state and visibility estimate. This is not paperwork for its own sake. A hull survey in poor visibility may need to be repeated, and a record of conditions helps the surveyor judge how much weight to give each image. It also helps owners compare results from different visits. If a ship is surveyed at the same anchorage position again, differences in fouling or coating condition are easier to relate to actual changes on the hull.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the best time to dive at Kamsar anchorage?

Around slack water, typically 1 to 2 hours either side of the tide turn, when current is lowest.

Q2. Can a loaded ship be surveyed at anchor?

Yes. The loaded draft of a Supramax or Panamax is about 12 to 14 m, and the immersed hull can be fully inspected by a surface-supplied diver.

Q3. How long is the dive boat's transfer time to the anchorage?

This depends on the anchorage position, but boat transfers are usually measured in tens of minutes. The exact time is confirmed with the agent.

Q4. What is the maximum safe current for hull diving?

Divers generally avoid working in currents above about 1 knot. Where current is higher, the dive is postponed to slack water.

Q5. Does the ship need to move for the survey?

No. The ship stays at anchor with engines and propeller secured, and the survey is completed without moving the vessel.