Propeller Rope and Net Removal Kamsar Anchorage

Fishing nets, ropes and plastic are common in river estuaries and coastal anchorages, and they can easily wrap around a ship's propeller. A fouled propeller causes vibration, loss of power and damage to seals. Propeller rope and net removal at Kamsar anchorage by a Diver is quick, relatively cheap and avoids bigger problems.

Signs of Entanglement

Sudden vibration or noise from the stern when the engine is started.
Higher engine load and lower speed than normal.
Reduced propeller revolutions or inability to reach normal RPM.
Ship drifting while at anchor after a line was seen near the stern.
A fishing net or line seen in the water near the propeller.

Why Prompt Action Matters

A line wrapped around the shaft can tighten as the propeller turns, damaging the stern tube seal and allowing oil to leak or water to enter. Starting the engine with a fouled propeller can bend the blades, overload the shaft or stall the engine. The master should avoid turning the shaft until a Diver has checked the propeller.

How We Clear Lines

The shaft is locked and the engine isolated before the Diver enters the water. The Diver first inspects by CCTV to see how the line is wrapped. He then cuts it into sections with sharp cutters or a hook knife, working from the outside in, and removes each piece. Heavy wire needs hydraulic cutters. All removed material is brought to the surface and disposed of on shore.

Checks After Removal

Once the line is cleared, the Diver examines each propeller blade, the hub and the shaft seal area. He looks for bent blades, cracks, nicks and signs of oil leakage or a damaged seal. If damage is found, we report it with photographs. The ship's engineers can then decide whether the engine can be used and whether further inspection is needed.

Working at the Anchorage

At Kamsar anchorage, work is planned around slack water and weather. The ship should remain at anchor with the engine stopped until the Diver arrives. The master should give us the position, heading and a description of the entanglement, and keep a watch for other vessels. We usually clear a typical entanglement in 1 to 4 hours.

Prevention

Keep lookouts for nets and floating lines at the anchorage, avoid starting the main engine when a line has been seen nearby, and use propeller inspections after every long anchor stay. For tugs and workboats working among fishing boats, propeller guards or line cutters can help reduce the problem.

Call for Propeller Clearing

Reporting and Disposal

After clearing, we report the type and amount of material removed, the damage seen and the time taken. Photographs show the propeller before and after. All material is disposed of ashore, and we do not leave nets or rope in the water. For environmental reasons, ghost nets are particularly harmful, and removing them also helps the local fishery and marine life.

Cost and Time Expectations

A typical entanglement clearing costs far less than a damaged seal or bent blade. We quote a fixed rate for the first few hours and a day rate beyond that, with a minimum charge for mobilisation. Owners should weigh this against the risk of starting the engine with a fouled propeller. A short Diver visit is almost always the cheapest option, especially when combined with an inspection of the blades and seal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Should the engine be turned if a propeller may be fouled?

No. Turning the shaft can tighten the line and damage seals or blades.

Q2. How long does it take to clear a typical entanglement?

Usually 1 to 4 hours, depending on the amount and type of material.

Q3. What damage can a wrapped line cause?

Damaged shaft seals, oil leakage, bent blades and overloaded shafts.

Q4. Is a CCTV inspection needed after clearing?

Yes, to check blades, hub and seal for damage.

Q5. Can wire rope be cut underwater?

Yes, with hydraulic cutters designed for wire and chain.

Propeller Rope and Net Removal Kamsar Anchorage