In-water inspection of ships
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Marine Environment Protection Committee - Resolution MEPC.207(62) – 2011 Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships' Biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive Aquatic Species – (Adopted on 15 July 2011) - Annex – 2011 Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships' Biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive Aquatic Species - 7 In-Water inspection, cleaning and maintenance - In-water inspection of ships

In-water inspection of ships

  7.2 In-water inspection can be a useful and flexible means to inspect the condition of anti-fouling systems and the biofouling status of a ship. In-water inspections should be undertaken periodically as a general means of routine surveillance, augmented by specific inspections as necessary to address any situations of elevated risk. Specific occasions when an in-water inspection may be appropriate, include the following:

  • .1 before and after any planned period of inactivity or significant or unforeseen change to the ship's operating profile;

  • .2 prior to undertaking in-water cleaning to determine the presence of known or suspected invasive aquatic species or other species of concern on the ship;

  • .3 after a known or suspected marine pest or other species of concern is discovered in a ship's internal seawater cooling systems; and

  • .4 following damage to, or premature failure of, the anti-fouling system.

  7.3 It is recommended that ship operators identify niche areas on the ship that may accumulate biofouling to enable these areas to be effectively targeted during inspections. Areas may include the following:

- propeller thrusters and propulsion units;
- sea chests;
- rudder stock and hinge;
- stabilizer fin apertures;
- rope guards, stern tube seals and propeller shafts;
- cathodic protection anodes;
- anchor chain and chain lockers;
- free flood spaces inherent to the ships' design;
- sea chest and thruster tunnel grates;
- echo sounders and velocity probes;
- overboard discharge outlets and sea inlets; and
- areas prone to anti-fouling coating system damage or grounding (e.g., areas of the hull damaged by fenders when alongside, leading edges of bilge keels and propeller shaft "y" frames).

  7.4 Dive and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surveys can be practical options for in-water inspections although they do have limitations regarding visibility and available dive time compared with the area to be inspected, and difficulties with effectively accessing many biofouling prone niches. Such surveys should be undertaken by persons who are suitably qualified and experienced and familiar with biofouling and associated invasive aquatic species risks and the safety risks relating to in-water surveys. Regulatory authorities may have recommended or accredited biofouling inspection divers.

Parent topic: 7 In-Water inspection, cleaning and maintenance
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