Underwater Leak Repair Kamsar Port

A leak below the waterline is a serious problem. Even a small leak can lead to flooding of a hold, void space or engine room if it is not controlled. Underwater leak repair in Kamsar Port helps masters and engineers find the source of water ingress quickly and seal it, so the ship can continue operating safely.

Finding the Leak

Often the crew knows where water is entering but not where it comes from outside. A Diver examines the hull in the suspected area and looks for the entry point. Signs include a stream of water or silt being drawn in, rust staining, cracked welds or damaged plating. In poor visibility, the Diver uses touch, and sometimes dye or a smoke test from inside helps pinpoint the leak.

Types of Leak

• Cracks in plating or welds, often after contact or fatigue.
• Holes from corrosion or impact.
• Leaks around valves, sea chests and hull penetrations.
• Leaks at rudder stock, shaft seals and other seals.
• Failed rivets, bolts or studs in old fittings.

Sealing Methods

The method depends on the leak. Small cracks may be stopped by drilling a hole at each end and then applying a patch. Small holes can be plugged using wooden or soft plugs, wedges and underwater-curing epoxy. Larger holes get a patch bolted or clamped over the hole, with a gasket, and later a welded doubler. Leaks around fittings may be controlled by tightening or replacing studs and gaskets.

Speed Is Important

When a leak is serious, a quick temporary patch buys time. A soft patch, a box patch or a plug can reduce the flow to a level that the bilge pumps can manage, giving the crew time to plan a permanent repair. We carry a range of patches, plugs, wedges and compounds ready for mobilisation, so that we can act quickly when called.

Coordination With the Ship

The ship's crew should keep the pumps running and monitor bilge levels during the repair. The master tells the Diver which compartments are affected and whether any cargo or ballast could change the draft. We keep in close contact with the engine room by radio, and we stop the work if conditions change.

Follow-Up and Class

If the leak affects the hull's integrity, class must be informed. We provide photographs, video and a description of the repair for the surveyor, who will set conditions for permanent repair. For leaks around valves or seals, the report also helps the chief engineer to plan renewal during the next maintenance period.

Report a Leak

Call us with the ship's position, the suspected leak area and the pumping capacity available. We will respond immediately.

Monitoring After a Leak Repair

After a leak is sealed, monitoring continues. The crew should sound the affected compartment regularly, record bilge pump running times and report any change. We recommend a follow-up Diver inspection within a few days if the repair is critical, to check that the patch is holding. If the leak returns or worsens, call us at once. A monitoring routine helps to catch a failing patch before it becomes an emergency.

Leak Reports for Class and Insurers

A leak affecting the hull must be reported. Our leak report includes the position, size, cause if known, the method used to stop it and the effect on the ship's condition. It includes photographs and video of the leak before and after the repair. Class and insurers use this to decide on the follow-up. A clear report also helps the owner explain the incident to the charterer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the first step in a leak repair?

Locate the entry point by Diver inspection, and by dye or smoke tests from inside if needed.

Q2. How can a small crack be stopped temporarily?

By drilling a hole at each end of the crack to stop it spreading, then covering with a patch.

Q3. How quickly can a temporary patch be fitted?

Often within a few hours of arrival, once the leak is located.

Q4. Should the pumps keep running during repair?

Yes. Bilge pumps must continue until the leak is controlled and the compartment is dry.

Q5. Does class need to be told about a hull leak?

Yes. Any leak that affects hull integrity should be reported to the class society.