ESC Fire Pump Cleaning Koh Si Chang for Underwater Grating Blockage Removal
- MaxiDive
- May 26
- 3 min read
MaxiDive Co., Ltd. completed an ESC fire pump cleaning Koh Si Chang operation for a commercial vessel at Koh Si Chang Anchorage, Thailand. The underwater work was requested to inspect, open, and clean the ESC fire pump grating after blockage was found on the starboard side.
Emergency fire pump intake systems are critical vessel components. When gratings or intake areas are restricted by hard marine growth, water flow can be reduced and pump performance may be affected. Underwater cleaning allows vessel operators to restore intake condition without dry docking and without interrupting vessel operations more than necessary.
ESC Fire Pump Cleaning Koh Si Chang Scope
The ESC fire pump cleaning Koh Si Chang scope included diver attendance, underwater inspection, grating location, opening of the grating, cleaning of the grating interior and exterior, and confirmation of operational condition after cleaning.
The underwater work included:
locating the ESC grating on the starboard side;
inspecting the grating condition;
identifying hard marine growth blockage;
opening the grating underwater;
cleaning the grating interior;
cleaning the grating exterior;
confirming final condition with vessel representatives;
providing photographic and video documentation.
The operation was performed using underwater photo/video equipment and hand tools suitable for controlled cleaning around the grating and intake area.
Underwater Grating Blockage Findings
During the inspection, the ESC grating was found approximately 50% blocked by hard marine growth, mainly compressed barnacle accumulation. This level of blockage can restrict intake flow and may affect the reliability of pump operation if left unaddressed.
The diving team opened the ESC grating and cleaned both the interior and exterior areas. Hand tools were used to remove hard marine growth from the affected surfaces and restore a cleaner intake condition.
After the cleaning was completed, the vessel’s onboard representatives confirmed that the ESC pump was functioning properly.
Importance of Emergency Fire Pump Intake Cleaning
Emergency fire pump systems are essential for vessel safety and compliance. While the pump itself may be located onboard, the underwater intake and grating condition can directly affect water supply to the system.
Marine growth around gratings and intake openings can create several operational risks:
restricted water flow;
reduced pump intake efficiency;
increased risk of pump performance issues;
delayed response during emergency use;
need for urgent maintenance if blockage worsens;
possible operational concern during inspection or port attendance.
For vessels operating in tropical waters, barnacles and other hard marine growth can build up quickly on underwater openings. Regular underwater inspection and cleaning help reduce these risks and support safer vessel operation.
Additional Marine Growth Observations
During the underwater attendance, additional marine growth condition was observed around the vessel. The vertical side was found heavily covered by hard marine growth, and the propeller was also observed with full hard marine growth coverage.
These findings were documented as a technical note for the vessel’s representatives. Although the requested scope focused on ESC fire pump cleaning, reporting additional underwater condition observations helps vessel managers plan future hull cleaning, propeller cleaning, and maintenance activities.
Commercial Diving Support at Koh Si Chang Anchorage
Koh Si Chang Anchorage is one of Thailand’s key areas for commercial vessels requiring underwater inspection, cleaning, and maintenance support while afloat. MaxiDive regularly supports shipowners, managers, charterers, and technical departments with urgent and planned underwater services at this anchorage.
MaxiDive provides underwater grating cleaning, sea chest cleaning, hull cleaning, propeller polishing, underwater inspection, plugging, emergency underwater repair, and class-related commercial diving services across Thailand’s major ports and anchorages.
With 2,111 completed projects, 964 clients, 21 locations, and 5 diving units, MaxiDive supports commercial vessels with reliable underwater service capability throughout Thailand.
Documentation and Technical Reporting
The completed report included vessel attendance details, operational notes, underwater findings, cleaning confirmation, and visual documentation. For underwater maintenance work involving pump intake systems, this type of reporting is important because it provides evidence of the blockage condition, cleaning process, and final result.
The documentation also helps vessel managers maintain clear maintenance records and plan follow-up underwater services when additional fouling is observed on the hull or propeller.
Conclusion
MaxiDive successfully completed the ESC fire pump cleaning Koh Si Chang operation. The diving team located the starboard-side ESC grating, identified approximately 50% blockage by hard marine growth, opened the grating, and cleaned both the interior and exterior using hand tools.
After cleaning, the vessel’s representatives confirmed that the ESC pump was functioning properly. Additional observations of heavy marine growth on the vessel’s vertical side and propeller were documented for future maintenance planning.
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