Drydock Extension - A 1980 Underwater Technology Survey for Extension of Time between Drydocking

摘要

The results are presented of a feasibility study to extend the time between drydocking of commercial vessels under U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction. The existing drydock inspection requirements are documented and then compared to underwater technology. It is demonstrated that with trained divers, underwater closed circuit television, and color photography, the Coast Guard inspector can be provided with the visual information he needs. Problems with water turbidity can be alleviated by careful selection of the sea port and matching the camera and light sources. Use of blanking flanges and listing and tipping of a vessel allow for a complete inspection. Underwater preservation, maintenance, and repair are all possible with existing underwater technology. (Author)