Underwater Inspection and Propeller Polishing at Laem Chabang Port
- MaxiDive
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
MaxiDive completed Underwater Inspection and Propeller Polishing for a commercial vessel at Laem Chabang Port, Thailand. The operation included underwater visual inspection of hull plating, appendages, rudder assemblies and propeller assemblies, followed by propeller polishing to improve blade surface condition.
The work was carried out by MaxiDive’s commercial diving team using surface-supplied diving equipment, an HD 4K underwater video system and hydraulic polishing tools. Despite limited underwater visibility, the team completed the inspection and polishing scope with technical photo and video documentation for the vessel’s management team.
Underwater Inspection and Propeller Polishing Scope
The project combined underwater condition assessment with propeller surface treatment. The inspection covered key underwater areas of the vessel, including hull plating, bulbous bow area, flat bottom, appendages, sea chest gratings, bilge keels, ICCP system, bow thruster area, rudder assemblies and propeller assemblies.
The propeller polishing scope focused on reducing blade surface roughness and improving the overall condition of the propeller blades, hub and boss area.
The operation included:
Underwater hull inspection
Appendage and sea chest grating inspection
Rudder and bow thruster area documentation
Propeller assembly inspection
Propeller polishing using hydraulic tools
Rubert Scale surface roughness documentation
Underwater photo and video reporting
Hull and Appendage Condition Documentation
During the underwater inspection, the hull plating was found mostly clean, with light coverage by soft marine growth. Some scattered hard marine growth and barnacles were noted, mainly in localized areas.
The bow area showed coating abrasion consistent with anchor chain contact, with visible bare steel noted at the bulbous bow area. Where visible, the paint condition was generally found in good condition. The flat bottom was documented as free from grounding marks or abnormality, and no structural damage was reported during the underwater inspection.
Appendage areas were also checked as part of the inspection scope. Transducers were found secure, sea chest gratings were secure and fastened in place, discharges were free from abnormality, and visible drain plugs were secure with no leakage noted. Bilge keels, ICCP components and bow thruster areas were documented as being in good condition, with no contact damage or abnormalities noted.
Propeller Polishing and Rubert Scale Result
Before polishing, the propeller blades, hub and boss area were covered by soft marine growth. The propeller surface roughness was measured at Rubert Scale grade D.
MaxiDive carried out propeller polishing using hydraulic tools and polishing discs. Upon completion, the average blade surface roughness was improved to Rubert Scale A, equivalent to approximately 1 micron CLA.
This level of propeller polishing supports smoother blade surfaces and helps reduce unnecessary resistance caused by marine growth and roughness. For vessel operators, regular propeller polishing is an important part of ship husbandry and underwater maintenance.
Rudder and Niche Area Findings
The rudder assembly was documented with soft marine growth coverage, including visible growth on the vertical side area. The paint coating appeared in fair condition, and no contact damage or abnormality was noted on the rudder.
The niche area had heavier barnacle coverage compared with other inspected areas. Rudder hatch and drain plug areas were checked and found secure during the underwater inspection.
Technical Underwater Reporting for Vessel Managers
Underwater inspection and propeller polishing projects provide valuable technical information for vessel managers, technical superintendents and marine operators. Clear underwater documentation helps support maintenance planning, condition review and operational decision-making without requiring dry docking.
MaxiDive prepared photo and video documentation of the underwater condition, inspection points and completed propeller polishing result.
Commercial Diving Services at Laem Chabang Port
Laem Chabang Port is one of Thailand’s key commercial vessel locations, where MaxiDive regularly provides underwater inspection, hull cleaning, propeller polishing, sea chest cleaning, underwater repair and ship husbandry services.
MaxiDive supports commercial vessels across Thailand with professional commercial diving services, technical underwater documentation and 24/7 operational support.
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