In-Water Survey Kamsar Port

Some ships cannot wait for the anchorage. When a bauxite carrier is already alongside in Kamsar Port, an in-water survey must be fitted around the loading operation. This is possible when permits, positions and timing are agreed in advance and the diving team is experienced in working beside a busy terminal.

Planning With the Terminal

A survey alongside needs the terminal's consent. We provide the dive plan, the expected duration and the work area, and agree with the terminal how to handle ship movements, tug use and conveyor operation near the working position. In practice, the survey often takes place during a quieter period in the loading sequence or in short windows between hold changes.

Access to the Hull Alongside

The berth side of the hull is the most difficult to reach. The Diver must work between the ship and the berth structure, so we assess the fendering, the gap and the current before the dive. Where the berth side cannot be reached safely, the class surveyor may accept inspection of the offshore side, with the berth side inspected on a later occasion.

Safety Requirements

• Written dive plan, permit to work and agreement of the master.
• Propeller and thrusters locked out, with no sea chest discharge in the work area.
• Notice to the terminal control room and, where required, the pilot station.
• Standby diver and boat on station at all times.
• Clear stop-work signals shared between ship, terminal and dive team.

Inspecting and Measuring Alongside

Once the Diver is in position, the work is the same as at anchor: hull plates, rudder, propeller, sea chests and anodes are examined with CCTV, and Thickness Measurement is taken at class-specified points. The ship's Draft and list are monitored, because changes during loading alter the position of the draft marks and the exposed hull.

Keeping Loading on Schedule

The goal of an alongside survey is to leave the loading plan unchanged. Our team prepares equipment in advance, enters the water as soon as clearance is given and completes the key examinations first. Any additional work, such as cleaning or small repairs, is scheduled after loading, either at the berth or at the anchorage.

Request an Alongside Survey

Send the ship's berth, class, scope and loading schedule, and we will coordinate with the agent and terminal.

Documenting Hull Condition for Charterers

Beyond class, an alongside survey is also valuable for charterers and P&I clubs. A video record of the hull before and after a loading call, or before redelivery, gives all parties a factual baseline. It shows whether a dent, scrape or coating loss existed before the ship called at Kamsar or occurred during the call. We provide neutral, time-stamped records and keep the original files secure, so that they can be used in a claim or a discussion between owner and charterer. This type of evidence often prevents long disputes about responsibility for hull damage.

Combining Alongside Survey With Draft Surveys

Many bulk carriers at Kamsar undergo a draft survey to confirm the weight of cargo loaded. A Diver can support this by cleaning and reading draft marks, and by checking that the hull is free of obstructions that distort readings. Combining a hull survey with draft mark verification saves a separate Diver call and gives the ship a record of the exact condition of the marks. The charterer, shipper and owner all benefit from accurate draft readings.

Weather and River Traffic

Alongside work is also affected by river traffic and weather. Passing barges, pilot boats and tugs create wash that can move the dive boat, so we agree a quiet period with port control and keep a lookout during the dive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can a ship be surveyed while loading bauxite?

In many cases yes, if the terminal agrees and the dive is planned around loading sequences. The ship's draft changes during loading, so the plan must allow for it.

Q2. What isolation is required before a dive alongside?

Main engine and thrusters stopped and locked, propeller secured, and no sea chest or overboard discharge in the work area.

Q3. How wide is the usual gap between ship and berth?

This varies with fendering and ship size, so a diver assesses the actual gap on site. If it is unsafe, the berth side is deferred.

Q4. How long does an alongside survey take?

About 1 to 2 working days for a full hull survey of a Supramax or Panamax, with shorter spot checks taking 2 to 4 hours.

Q5. Is the same report format used as at anchor?

Yes. The report includes video, photographs, thickness tables and a defect list referenced to the ship's plans.