Underwater camera survey
An underwater camera survey lets a ship's hull, propeller, rudder and sea chests be inspected without drydocking. A diver films and photographs the underwater body while a surveyor on board or ashore watches and reports.
When it is needed
- After a grounding or contact, to see whether the hull, rudder or propeller is damaged before the ship sails.
- In-water survey in lieu of drydocking, when the classification society accepts an underwater inspection at an intermediate survey. The class surveyor attends and the diving company must also be approved by that class.
- At delivery or redelivery under a time charter, to record hull fouling and propeller condition, which affect speed and fuel claims.
- Before or after hull cleaning and propeller polishing, to show the result.
What is recorded
The diver follows a plan agreed in advance: shell plating and welds, bilge keels, rudder and pintles, propeller blades and hub, stern tube seal, anodes, sea chests and gratings. The video is recorded with a running commentary, and the report lists findings with still images and their positions on the hull.
Who may do it in Turkey
Companies need the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure's certificate for underwater surveys with a camera, issued by a harbour master. Portiva lists the companies holding a valid certificate, by region, in the underwater survey directory. For class work, also check the company's approval with the ship's classification society.
Finding a surveyor
Choose the port on Portiva to see every authorized company there. To get quotes, send one request and we pass it to companies working in that port. Survey companies abroad looking for a local surveyor to attend on their behalf can use the attending surveyor request.