Underwater Repairs Welding In Kamsar Port

Ships sometimes suffer damage that cannot wait for a dry dock: cracks, holes, loose fittings or worn plating. Underwater repairs and welding in Kamsar Port allow qualified Divers to repair the ship while she is afloat. The quality and acceptance of the repair depend on the method used, the class society's approval and the nature of the damage.

Wet Welding

In wet welding, the Diver welds directly in the water using specially coated electrodes. It is flexible and fast, and it is widely used for temporary repairs, doublers, pad eyes and lugs. Because water cools the weld quickly, the result is harder and more brittle than a dry weld, so wet welds are normally accepted for non-critical or temporary repairs. The standard AWS D3.6 defines classes of underwater weld quality, and class societies set their own limits.

Dry Welding in a Habitat or Cofferdam

For structural repairs, a dry environment gives better weld quality. A habitat or a cofferdam is built around the damaged area, the water is removed, and a welder works in the dry. This gives a quality close to that of welding in a yard. The cofferdam method is covered in a separate page, and it is often the choice when class requires a permanent repair afloat.

Typical Repairs

• Stopping and sealing cracks in shell plating.
• Fitting patches and doublers over holes or thin plate.
• Repairing damaged sea chest or overboard fittings.
• Welding of pad eyes, anode supports and bilge keel ends.
• Attachment of temporary protection plates after damage.

Class and Insurance Approval

Underwater repairs of the hull usually need the approval of the class society, which may attend the work or review the procedure and testing. Insurers also want to see the plan and the result. Before work starts, we agree the repair procedure, materials, weld method and inspection with the surveyor, and we document each stage with video and photographs.

Quality Control

Welders are qualified for the method, and procedures are recorded. After welding, the repair is inspected visually, and where required tested by ultrasonic or magnetic methods. For leak repairs, we check by inspection from inside the ship. If the class or the owner needs a permanent repair, we record the temporary condition clearly, so that a shipyard can finish the job at the next dry-docking.

Safety

Underwater welding involves electricity, so the equipment, switches and cables must be designed for the work. The Diver is protected by a controlled power supply and a safety switch that cuts current in an emergency. The ship's crew isolates the area and informs the engine room of the work in progress.

Request a Repair Assessment

Send photographs or a damage report. We will propose a method and a plan agreed with class.

Preparing the Ship for Underwater Welding

The ship's preparation matters. The master should provide drawings of the damaged area, confirm that adjacent spaces are gas-free and arrange electrical isolation of equipment near the repair. The engineers should agree a hot work permit. We ask for the class contact and the planned sailing time. With these items in place, the welding team can start quickly and work safely, and the repair can be completed with a minimum of delay.

Post-Repair Corrosion Protection

After welding, the area must be protected from corrosion. We clean the weld, apply underwater-curing coating where suitable and, if the repair affects the local cathodic protection, add anodes near the repair. We note the coating type and thickness in the report. Good protection extends the life of a temporary repair and reduces the risk of repeated work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is wet welding accepted for permanent repair?

Rarely. It is mostly used for temporary or non-critical repairs unless the class society approves a specific procedure.

Q2. What standard covers underwater welding?

AWS D3.6M defines underwater welding classes, and class societies add their own rules.

Q3. How deep can a welder work in port conditions?

Hull repairs at Kamsar are in shallow water, normally less than 15 m.

Q4. How long does a typical patch repair take?

From a few hours for a small patch to 1 to 3 days for a larger doubler or a cofferdam repair.

Q5. Is a class surveyor required?

Normally yes, for structural repairs. The surveyor reviews the procedure and attends or accepts evidence.