Underwater Class Inspection Kamsar

A class inspection is the formal check that a ship still meets the rules of her classification society. For ships calling at Kamsar, an underwater class inspection can support several types of class survey without taking the vessel out of service. This article explains what those surveys are, what the surveyor expects to see and how KamsarUnderwater.com provides the evidence.

Types of Class Survey That Involve the Underwater Hull

IACS members define surveys in broadly similar ways. The annual survey checks general condition. The intermediate survey takes place around the half-way point of the five-year cycle. The special or renewal survey, every five years, is the most complete and includes bottom examination. In addition, a damage survey follows grounding, contact or any event that could have affected the underwater hull. In each case, the surveyor may accept an underwater inspection for some or all of the underwater items.

What the Surveyor Needs to See

• Shell plating condition, coating condition and any visible deformation.
• Rudder, pintles and bearing clearances where measurable.
• Propeller blades, hub, and the propeller shaft seal area.
• Sea chests, gratings and overboard valve inlets.
• Zinc anodes and their remaining mass.
• Thickness Measurement results at the points required by class.

The Diver as the Surveyor's Eyes

In an underwater class inspection, the Diver is the surveyor's eyes. A good Diver describes what the camera shows, positions the camera so that scale and location are clear, and wipes a clean window through the growth when needed. Our divers are experienced in this kind of work, and our supervisors keep a log of video timestamps so the report matches what was seen.

Evidence the Society Accepts

Class societies value evidence that can be checked later. We provide time-stamped video, high-resolution photographs and thickness tables with positions marked on the ship's plans. Where the surveyor asks for repeat measurements, we repeat them at the same point and record the results.

After a Grounding or Contact Event

If a bauxite carrier touches the bottom or a structure, an underwater damage inspection is usually required before the ship sails. We can reach the ship at anchor or alongside, inspect the bottom and sides, and report dents, cracks, coating loss or deformation, so that the surveyor and owner can decide on temporary or permanent repairs.

Coordinate With Us Early

Tell us which class survey you need and which society is involved. We will prepare a scope that matches the society's requirements.

Working With Different Class Societies

Each IACS member has its own forms, terminology and acceptance practices. Some societies publish detailed guidance for in-water survey, including the equipment, the communication and the qualification of the diving company. Our team reviews the guidance of the relevant society before every job and, where required, provides information on equipment, personnel and procedures in advance. If the society needs an approved service supplier, we confirm this at the time of enquiry. Close contact with the local surveyor also helps: the surveyor tells us what must be seen, and we plan the dive and the video accordingly, rather than discovering gaps after the dive.

Preparing the Ship for a Class Underwater Inspection

The ship can help the inspection by preparing records and access. Prepare the class survey status, the last hull report, the thickness measurement plan and any outstanding conditions of class. Make sure the crew can safely isolate the propeller and thrusters. Tell us the expected draft. Inform the class surveyor of the planned time and location. With these steps, the inspection can be completed efficiently, and the surveyor can focus on the findings rather than waiting for missing information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How often does a special survey take place?

Every five years under the class cycle.

Q2. When does the intermediate survey happen?

Around the second or third annual survey, roughly halfway through the five-year cycle.

Q3. Can a damage survey be done underwater?

Yes, if the surveyor accepts it. Underwater CCTV and Thickness Measurement are common for an initial assessment.

Q4. How many anodes are normally inspected?

All accessible anodes should be checked. The surveyor often wants to see a representative sample photographed with a scale.

Q5. What resolution is video evidence recorded at?

We record at 1080p or higher and capture still images of 12 megapixels or more for documentation.