Comprehensive Guide to Underwater Cleaning
Underwater Cleaning with surface supply for vessels is a method of diving in which divers receive air or gas from a supply system on the surface, typically through a hose. This method is commonly used in commercial diving operations, such as those related to vessel maintenance, underwater inspections, salvage, and construction work.
Surface-Supplied Diving System
Essential components of surface-supplied diving ensure diver safety, communication, and efficiency underwater.
Diver's Helmet or Mask
Provides **air supply, communication**, and often built-in **lighting** for underwater operations.
Air Supply
Compressed air is supplied via **umbilical hoses** from surface-based compressors or **air banks**.
Diving Umbilical
Includes **air supply hose, communication cables**, and support lines for **heating, power, and video**.
Support Vessel
Houses the **compressor, emergency systems, and diving control unit**, managed by a surface crew.
Types of Surface-Supplied Systems
Surface-Supplied Diving Systems
Surface-supplied diving systems provide a continuous air supply from the surface, enhancing safety and extending dive duration.
Closed-Circuit System (Saturation Diving)
Used for **deep or prolonged dives**, this system **recirculates breathing gases**, allowing divers to stay submerged for extended periods. Commonly used in **offshore oil and gas operations**.
Open-Circuit System
The **most common surface-supplied diving method**, where divers breathe from a continuous gas flow provided from the surface, and **exhaled gas is vented into the water**.
Diving Procedures & Safety Measures
Ensuring diver safety through strict procedures, advanced communication, and emergency preparedness.
Pre-Dive Check
- Equipment Inspection: All gear, including the diver's helmet and umbilical, is checked for damage.
- Air Supply Check: Testing pressure and function of the surface-supplied air system.
Diving Procedures
- Voice Communication: Divers stay in constant contact with the surface crew via helmet-integrated systems.
- Task Execution: Divers carry out maintenance, inspections, or debris removal as directed.
Safety Protocols
- Emergency Plans: Standby divers and decompression procedures are always in place.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Surface team tracks divers via video, audio, and depth telemetry.
Decompression & Recovery
- Controlled Ascent: Deep divers follow **decompression schedules** to prevent the bends.
- Emergency Recovery: If a problem arises, divers can be pulled to the surface via umbilical.
Applications for Vessels
Surface-supplied diving plays a crucial role in maintaining and servicing vessels, ensuring their longevity and operational efficiency.
Hull Inspections
Divers inspect vessel hulls for **damage, barnacle accumulation, and corrosion**, ensuring smooth operation.
Underwater Repairs
Critical **thruster, propeller, and pipeline repairs** are performed by divers without dry-docking the vessel.
Seafloor Operations
Divers work on **underwater pipelines, communication cables, and offshore rigs**, ensuring stability and functionality.
Salvage Operations
Specialized divers retrieve **wreckage, lost cargo, and sunken vessels** from the ocean floor.
Advantages of Surface-Supplied Diving
Surface-supplied diving is the preferred choice for deep and long-duration dives, offering greater safety, support, and efficiency.
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✔ Extended Dive Time – Constant air supply allows for longer underwater durations.
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✔ Safety – Divers maintain constant communication with surface personnel.
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✔ Support for Deeper Dives – Ideal for **deep-water operations** requiring mixed gases.
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✔ Emergency Life-Support – Surface personnel can **immediately assist divers in distress**.
IN Water Survey (IWS)
An IN Water Survey (IWS) allows for the inspection of a vessel’s hull and essential underwater components without the need for dry docking, ensuring safety and compliance.
Hull Inspection
Evaluates the hull below the waterline for **cracks, corrosion, coating damage**, and **structural integrity**.
Propeller & Rudder Inspection
Checks for **damage, wear, and fouling** to ensure smooth propulsion and efficient maneuvering.
Sea Chest & Intake Valves
Examines **blockages and corrosion** in water intake systems to ensure proper cooling and efficiency.
Marine Growth
Identifies **biofouling accumulation** that may impact vessel speed, fuel efficiency, and corrosion protection.
Hull Thickness Testing
Uses **ultrasonic methods** to measure hull thickness, ensuring structural integrity and compliance.
Certification & Compliance
Ensures compliance with **classification societies** for renewal and safety certifications.
Methods of Conducting an IWS
Various techniques are used to perform in-water surveys, ensuring accuracy and safety.
Diving Inspection
Professional divers conduct manual inspections with specialized tools.
ROV Inspection
Remote-operated vehicles with cameras and sensors provide detailed imaging.
Ultrasonic Testing
Measures hull thickness and detects structural weaknesses.
High-Definition Sonar
Advanced sonar imaging provides high-precision survey data.
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