Hull Cleaning and Propeller Polishing for Rapid Marine Growth at Koh Si Chang Anchorage
- MaxiDive
- Jun 15
- 4 min read
MaxiDive completed Hull Cleaning and Propeller Polishing for Rapid Marine Growth at Koh Si Chang Anchorage, Thailand. The underwater work scope included full hull cleaning and PPL for remaining areas, using hydraulic and hand tools to remove marine fouling and support the vessel’s underwater maintenance condition.
The operation was carried out under moderate sea state conditions with approximately 4 meters of underwater visibility. MaxiDive’s commercial diving team documented the hull plating, appendages, sea chest gratings, propeller assemblies, rope guard, stern shaft and rudder assemblies as part of the underwater service and technical reporting process.
Hull Cleaning and Propeller Polishing for Rapid Marine Growth: Project Scope
The requested underwater work was focused on full hull cleaning and PPL for remaining areas. The vessel had previously been cleaned, but the inspection summary showed that marine fouling had developed rapidly again.
MaxiDive’s divers carried out underwater cleaning and inspection using hydraulic and hand tools. The service included marine growth removal from hull and appendage areas, underwater visual inspection, propeller assembly documentation and technical photo/video records for the vessel’s maintenance review.
The main work scope included:
full hull cleaning support;
propeller polishing / PPL support for remaining areas;
underwater inspection of hull plating;
cleaning of flat bottom areas;
inspection of appendages and sea chest gratings;
inspection of propeller assemblies and rope guard;
inspection of rudder assemblies;
photo and video documentation for technical review.
Hull Plating Condition and Cleaning Result
The inspection summary reported light overall coverage by soft and hard marine growth on the port and starboard sides, including slime and goose-neck barnacles. The flat bottom showed heavier coverage by hard marine growth, including barnacles, tube worms and oysters.
Loss of top coat consistent with abrasion from the vessel’s anchor chain was noted in the bow area. Where visible, the paint coating throughout the vessel was generally found in good condition, although some areas of bare steel were also observed.
After cleaning, the flat bottom areas were reported free from marine fouling. No concave weld seams were noted, and no visible damage or structural anomalies were reported.
Appendages and Sea Chest Grating Findings
The underwater inspection also covered vessel appendages and sea chest gratings. The sea chest gratings were reported mostly clean, secure and without movement. No contact damage or abnormality was noted.
The bilge keels were cleaned by divers and reported free from marine fouling. All discharges were also cleaned and reported free from marine fouling. The ICCP system was found in good condition with no abnormality reported.
The transducers were securely in place, and all drain plugs were reported secure with no leakage noted. These findings support the vessel’s ongoing underwater maintenance record and provide useful documentation for the technical team.
Propeller Assemblies, Rope Guard and Stern Shaft
The propeller assembly was documented with less than 1% hard marine growth under 1 mm in thickness, 15–40% soft marine growth around 1 mm in thickness, and calcareous deposits covering the surface at less than 1 mm in thickness.
The propeller surface roughness, excluding marine growth, was reported as “C” on Rubert’s Scale. Minor scratches were observed on the leading edge near the blade tips, but no significant cavitation or cracks were noted.
The rope guard was reported free from marine fouling. The stern shaft showed light scattered coverage by soft and hard marine growth, including slime and goose-neck barnacles.
Rudder Assembly Condition
The rudder assembly was lightly covered by slime and goose-neck barnacles. The paint coat appeared generally in good condition, with areas of missing paint down to bare steel on the leading edge.
The niche area showed light coverage by barnacles. The rudder hatch was reported secure in place, and the drain plug was secure with no leakage noted.
These inspection findings provide the vessel’s technical team with a clearer overview of the underwater condition after cleaning and support future maintenance planning.
Why Rapid Marine Growth Requires Timely Hull Cleaning
Rapid marine growth can affect vessel performance, increase drag and reduce operational efficiency. Fouling on the hull, flat bottom, stern shaft, rudder and propeller-related areas may also create additional maintenance requirements if not addressed in time.
Full hull cleaning and propeller polishing help vessel operators maintain cleaner underwater surfaces, support better hydrodynamic performance and document the vessel’s condition without immediate dry docking.
For shipowners, ship managers and technical superintendents, this type of underwater service provides practical technical value:
marine growth removal while the vessel remains afloat;
clearer visibility of underwater hull condition;
documentation of appendages and propulsion-related areas;
support for maintenance planning;
reduced uncertainty before future operations;
technical photo/video records for review.
MaxiDive Commercial Diving Support at Koh Si Chang Anchorage
MaxiDive supports commercial vessels at Koh Si Chang Anchorage and other Thai ports with hull cleaning, propeller polishing, underwater inspection, sea chest cleaning, rudder and propeller documentation, emergency underwater repair and technical reporting services.
This project demonstrates MaxiDive’s ability to respond to rapid marine growth with professional underwater cleaning, inspection and documentation. By combining commercial diving experience with hydraulic tools, hand tools and underwater reporting procedures, MaxiDive helps vessel operators maintain underwater condition and plan further maintenance efficiently.
Conclusion
The Hull Cleaning and Propeller Polishing for Rapid Marine Growth operation at Koh Si Chang Anchorage provided the vessel’s technical team with cleaned underwater areas, documented inspection findings and practical maintenance information.
MaxiDive’s commercial diving team completed the requested full hull cleaning and PPL support for remaining areas, documented the underwater condition and confirmed key findings across hull plating, appendages, propeller assemblies and rudder components.
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