Apex
Diving & Marine
SHIPS SURVEY & HUSBANDRY
What is Ships Husbandry Diving?
Ships husbandry diving involves professional divers performing underwater maintenance, inspection, and repair tasks on vessels to ensure their operational efficiency, safety, and compliance with maritime regulations. Conducted in UK coastal waters, harbours, and inland waterways, these services focus on the upkeep of ships, yachts, and other marine vessels. Our expert diving teams support shipowners, operators, and maritime industries across the UK, ensuring vessels remain seaworthy and environmentally compliant.
Our Ships Husbandry Services
We offer specialized ships husbandry diving solutions tailored to meet the needs of vessel maintenance and maritime operations, adhering to UK regulations, including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Diving at Work Regulations 1997.
Our key services include:
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Hull Inspections and Surveys: Comprehensive underwater inspections of ship hulls, propellers, rudders, and thrusters to assess condition, detect damage, or identify fouling that impacts performance.
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Hull Cleaning and Biofouling Removal: Removing marine growth, such as barnacles and algae, from hulls to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and maintain vessel speed, while ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
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Propeller and Rudder Maintenance: Polishing, repairing, or clearing entangled debris from propellers and rudders to optimize vessel performance and manoeuvrability.
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Underwater Welding and Repairs: Conducting precise welding, patching, or sealing of hull damage, sea chests, or other underwater components to extend vessel life and prevent leaks.
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Anode Replacement and Cathodic Protection: Installing or replacing sacrificial anodes to protect vessels from corrosion, ensuring long-term structural integrity.
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Seawater Intake and Discharge Maintenance: Inspecting and clearing blockages in seawater intake systems, cooling systems, or discharge pipes to maintain operational efficiency.
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Salvage and Debris Recovery: Recovering lost equipment, anchors, or debris entangled in underwater components to restore safe vessel operation and comply with environmental regulations.- Also see Vessel Salvage
Why Choose Us for Ships Husbandry Diving?
When it comes to maintaining your vessels, our expertise and commitment set us apart. Here’s why we’re the trusted choice for ships husbandry diving across the UK:
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Nationwide 24/7 Callout Service: We offer round-the-clock availability with a rapid-response callout service, ensuring your vessel’s needs are addressed promptly, anywhere in the UK, day or night.
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Specialists in Large Fast Cat Vessels: With over 10 years of experience, we specialize in maintaining high-speed catamarans, including vessels like Condor and DFDS, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with maritime standards.
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Expertise with Border Force and Military Vessels: Our team is highly experienced in servicing specialized vessels, including Border Force and military ships, delivering precise and secure underwater maintenance tailored to stringent requirements.
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Trusted by General Commercial Shipping: We provide reliable ships husbandry services to a wide range of commercial vessels, supporting shipowners and operators with efficient, high-quality underwater solutions.
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Compliance and Safety First: All our operations adhere to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Diving at Work Regulations 1997, ensuring safe, professional, and environmentally responsible services.
Choose us for unparalleled expertise, rapid response, and a proven track record in keeping your vessels seaworthy and operational.
DFDS intake impeller redressing in confined space Case Study: Emergency Propeller Clearance and Repair for DFDS Levante Jet Project Overview At our UK-based commercial diving company, we specialize in underwater inspections, repairs, and maintenance for maritime vessels, ensuring minimal downtime and compliance with stringent safety regulations. In this case study, we highlight a challenging project undertaken for DFDS, a leading ferry operator, involving their high-speed vessel, the Levante Jet. The ship encountered a critical issue when heavy fishing gear was ingested into the outer port intake impeller tunnel, leading to operational disruptions. Our team was called in to perform an underwater intervention, demonstrating our expertise in confined space diving and on-site repairs. The Challenge The Levante Jet had sucked up substantial fishing debris, including ropes, buoys, and metal shackles, which became entangled around the propeller shaft within the impeller tunnel. This caused: Severe Fouling and Damage: The gear wrapped tightly around the shaft, resulting in deep gouging to the tunnel walls from the metal shackles and damage to the impeller blades along their leading edges. Confined Space Constraints: The impeller tunnel was an extremely tight and restricted environment, requiring specialized access and equipment modifications to allow safe entry and operations. Regulatory Compliance: All work had to adhere to UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines, including risk assessments for confined space entry, equipment adaptations, and diver safety protocols. Operational Urgency: The vessel needed to remain in service without the costly and time-consuming option of dry docking, which could have led to significant revenue loss for the client. The situation demanded precise inspection, debris removal, and repairs in a high-risk underwater setting, all while minimizing vessel downtime. Our Solution Our experienced diving team mobilized quickly to the site, equipped with modified diving gear tailored for the confined impeller tunnel—ensuring full compliance with HSE standards. The project unfolded in a structured, phased approach: 1.Initial Inspection: We conducted a thorough underwater dive to assess the extent of the fouling. Using high-resolution cameras and specialized lighting, we documented the entanglement and damage, providing a detailed report to the client for informed decision-making. 2.. Debris Clearance: With the inspection complete, our divers carefully cut away the ropes, buoys, and other debris using precision tools designed for confined spaces. This step required meticulous coordination to avoid further damage to the vessel's components. 3.Re-Inspection and Consultation: Once the area was cleared, we performed a follow-up inspection to evaluate the remaining damage to the tunnel and impeller blades. In close consultation with DFDS engineers, we developed a repair plan focused on restoring functionality without full replacement. 4.On-Site Repairs: Utilizing underwater air tools, our team ground down and re-dressed the damaged impeller blades to smooth out the leading edges. This process reduced the risk of cavitation (the formation of vapor bubbles that can cause further erosion and inefficiency), effectively restoring the propeller's performance. Throughout the operation, we prioritized safety, employing surface-supplied air systems, real-time communication, and emergency protocols to manage the confined space hazards. Results and Benefits The project was completed successfully within a tight timeframe, allowing the Levante Jet to resume operations without the need for dry docking. Key outcomes included: 1.Cost Savings: By avoiding dry dock, DFDS saved an estimated tens of thousands in docking fees, lost revenue, and logistical expenses. 2.Minimal Downtime: The vessel was back in service swiftly, maintaining schedule reliability for passengers and freight. 3.Enhanced Safety and Efficiency: The repaired impeller reduced cavitation risks, improving fuel efficiency and extending the component's lifespan. 4.Client Satisfaction: Our detailed reporting and collaborative approach ensured transparency, building trust for future partnerships. This intervention not only resolved the immediate issue but also prevented potential long-term damage, showcasing our ability to deliver innovative solutions in challenging underwater environments. Conclusion This case study exemplifies our commitment to excellence in commercial diving services across the UK. Whether it's emergency fouling clearance, structural repairs, or routine maintenance, our team combines technical expertise, regulatory compliance, and client-focused strategies to keep your operations afloat. If you're facing similar maritime challenges, contact us today to discuss how we can support your needs.
Condor liberation 6 weekly inspections Case Study: Long-Term Underwater Inspection and Maintenance for Condor Liberation Project Overview Our UK-based commercial diving company was contracted by Condor Ferries to conduct regular underwater inspections and maintenance for their high-speed vessel, the Condor Liberation. Over a period exceeding six years, our team performed comprehensive inspections every six weeks, ensuring the vessel remained in optimal condition for safe and efficient operations. This long-term partnership highlights our expertise in routine maintenance, precise documentation, and proactive monitoring to support critical maritime assets. The Challenge The Condor Liberation, a high-speed ferry operating in demanding conditions, required meticulous underwater inspections to maintain performance and safety standards. The key challenges included: •Comprehensive Scope: Inspections covered the entire vessel from bow to stern, including critical components such as the T-foil, thrusters, intake tunnels, and jet propulsion buckets. •Hairline Stress Fractures: The buckets, integral to the vessel’s waterjet propulsion system, had developed hairline stress fractures, requiring careful monitoring to assess progression and ensure operational integrity. •Frequent and Consistent Inspections: The six-week inspection cycle demanded a highly organized approach to scheduling, diving operations, and reporting, all while minimizing disruption to the vessel’s busy schedule. •Preparation for Dry Dock: Detailed documentation of findings, particularly regarding the stress fractures, was essential to inform remedial works planned for the vessel’s annual winter dry dock maintenance. The project required precision, reliability, and adherence to strict safety protocols under UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations, given the high-stakes nature of the ferry’s operations. Our Solution Our team developed a systematic approach to meet the client’s requirements, leveraging our expertise in underwater inspections and advanced documentation techniques. The process included: 1.Routine Inspections Every Six Weeks: Our divers conducted thorough underwater surveys using high-resolution cameras and non-destructive testing tools to examine the hull, T-foil, thrusters, intake tunnels, and buckets. Special attention was given to the jet propulsion buckets to monitor the progression of hairline stress fractures. 2.Detailed Documentation: Each inspection was accompanied by comprehensive reports, including photographic and video evidence, measurements of fracture progression, and recommendations for maintenance. These reports were shared with Condor Ferries’ engineering team to support decision-making. 3.Proactive Monitoring: By tracking the hairline fractures over time, we provided critical data to predict maintenance needs, allowing the client to plan targeted repairs during the winter dry dock period. This proactive approach minimized the risk of unexpected failures during peak operational seasons. 4.Safety and Efficiency: All diving operations were conducted in full compliance with UK HSE guidelines, utilizing surface-supplied air systems, real-time communication, and robust risk assessments to ensure diver safety and operational efficiency. Our team’s ability to maintain a consistent schedule over six years ensured seamless integration with the vessel’s operational demands, minimizing downtime and maintaining passenger and freight schedules. Results and Benefits The six-year contract delivered significant value to Condor Ferries, ensuring the Condor Liberation remained a reliable asset in their fleet. Key outcomes included: •Enhanced Vessel Safety: Regular monitoring of the buckets’ stress fractures prevented potential propulsion failures, ensuring passenger and crew safety. •Optimized Maintenance Planning: Our detailed documentation enabled Condor Ferries to execute precise remedial works during dry dock, reducing costs and downtime compared to reactive repairs. •Operational Continuity: The six-week inspection cycle allowed the vessel to maintain its rigorous schedule, supporting Condor Ferries’ reputation for reliability. •Long-Term Partnership: The success of this contract, spanning over six years, underscored our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality services, fostering a strong relationship with the client. Conclusion This case study demonstrates our expertise in providing long-term underwater inspection and maintenance services for high-speed maritime vessels. Our commitment to precision, safety, and client collaboration ensured the Condor Liberation operated at peak performance while addressing critical structural concerns. If your maritime operations require reliable, expert diving services, contact our team to learn how we can support your fleet’s maintenance needs.
Jack-Up Rig collision inspection Case Study: Underwater Damage Assessment for Jack-Up Rig Collision Project Overview Apex Commercial Diving was engaged by a local shipping class inspector to conduct an urgent underwater inspection and survey of a jack-up rig following a collision at sea. The incident resulted in suspected damage to one of the rig’s eight legs, a critical structural component. Our team deployed a 3.2U-qualified diver equipped with a Cygnus underwater ultrasonic thickness reader to assess the extent of the damage, providing detailed data for insurance and classification purposes. This case study showcases our expertise in specialized underwater surveys and precision diagnostics for offshore structures. The Challenge The collision posed significant risks to the jack-up rig’s structural integrity and operational safety, requiring immediate and accurate assessment. Key challenges included: Critical Structural Damage: The suspected damage to one of the rig’s eight legs needed thorough evaluation to determine if it compromised the rig’s stability or required immediate repairs. Specialized Equipment: Accurate measurement of the leg’s material thickness was essential to assess dents, cracks, or material loss, necessitating the use of advanced tools like the Cygnus underwater ultrasonic thickness reader. Regulatory and Insurance Requirements: The inspection had to meet stringent standards set by the shipping class inspector and provide comprehensive documentation for insurance claims, including precise measurements and visual evidence. Harsh Offshore Environment: The operation took place in challenging underwater conditions, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols under UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines. The urgency of the situation demanded a rapid response, expert personnel, and reliable data to inform repair decisions and insurance evaluations. Our Solution Apex Commercial Diving mobilized a highly skilled 3.2U-qualified diver to the offshore site, equipped with specialized tools and a clear plan to address the client’s needs. The operation followed a structured approach: Rapid Deployment: Our team responded promptly to the shipping class inspector’s request, deploying to the rig with all necessary equipment, including the Cygnus underwater ultrasonic thickness reader, within hours of the callout. Comprehensive Inspection: The diver conducted a detailed underwater survey of the affected leg, using high-resolution cameras to visually document any dents, cracks, or deformations. The Cygnus thickness reader was employed to measure the material thickness at multiple points, identifying any areas of thinning or structural compromise caused by the collision. Data Collection and Reporting: All findings were meticulously recorded, including ultrasonic measurements, photographic evidence, and video footage. A comprehensive report was compiled, detailing the extent of the damage and providing clear, actionable insights for the class inspector and insurance assessors. Safety and Compliance: The operation adhered to UK HSE regulations, utilizing surface-supplied air systems, real-time diver communication, and robust risk assessments to ensure safety in the challenging offshore environment. Our team’s expertise in offshore diving and precision diagnostics ensured accurate data collection and seamless coordination with the client’s requirements. Results and Benefits The inspection provided critical insights into the rig’s condition, enabling informed decision-making for repairs and insurance claims. Key outcomes included: Accurate Damage Assessment: The Cygnus thickness reader identified localized thinning and structural damage, allowing the client to prioritize targeted repairs without compromising the rig’s overall stability. Insurance and Classification Support: Our detailed report, complete with ultrasonic measurements and visual documentation, met the stringent requirements of the shipping class inspector and insurance providers, facilitating a smooth claims process. Minimized Downtime: By conducting the survey underwater, Apex avoided the need for immediate rig relocation or decommissioning, saving significant time and costs. Client Confidence: Our rapid response and professional execution reinforced Apex’s reputation as a trusted partner for offshore emergency inspections. Conclusion This case study demonstrates Apex Commercial Diving’s capability to deliver specialized underwater surveys for critical offshore assets. Our deployment of a 3.2U-qualified diver and advanced tools like the Cygnus underwater thickness reader ensured precise, reliable results under pressure. If your offshore operations require expert inspection or emergency response, contact Apex to discuss how we can safeguard your assets with tailored diving solutions.