When a Ship is in Dry Dock – Inspections Carried Out by the Second Engineer

During dry docking, the Second Engineer plays an important role in inspecting and supervising repair and maintenance work. Inspections must be carried out before the work begins, during the work, and after completion to ensure safety, proper workmanship, and satisfactory operation of all systems.

Prior to the Start of Work

Sea Chest Cleaning and Inspection

• Open and dismantle the suction grids of the sea chests located in the machinery space area.
• Thoroughly clean the grids and remove:
  • Marine growth
  • Mud
  • Rust
  • Debris and sediments
• Inspect the internal surfaces of the sea chest and scrape away all fouling and corrosion deposits.
• Carry out thickness gauging of sea chest plating to check for wastage or excessive corrosion.
• Renew any damaged or wasted plates if required.
• Inspect and renew zinc sacrificial anodes inside the sea chest.
• Ensure surfaces are properly prepared for painting according to shipyard or hull coating specifications.

Sea Suction and Overboard Valves

• Open up and overhaul all:
  • Sea suction valves
  • Overboard discharge valves
  • Associated piping connections
• Inspect valve seats, discs, spindles, glands, and sealing surfaces for wear and corrosion.
• Check operation of:
  • Air connections
  • Steam injection arrangements
  • connected to sea suction boxes.
• Overhaul mud boxes, strainers, and intermediate valves if fitted.

Sanitary and Storm Valves

• Dismantle storm valve flaps and inspect them carefully.
• Renew:
  • Leather washers
  • Rubber seals
  • Defective hinge pins
• Inspect soil and sanitary discharge pipes for:
  • Corrosion
  • Cracks
  • Leakage
• Carry out renewal where necessary.

During the Work

Monitoring and Supervision

• Continuously supervise cleaning work to ensure complete removal of marine growth and scale.
• Monitor plate thickness gauging and verify accuracy of measurements.
• Ensure renewal work is carried out according to class and shipyard requirements.
• Supervise installation of new zinc anodes.
• Confirm proper surface preparation and painting procedures.

Valve Overhaul Supervision

• Check dismantled valve parts for wear, pitting, and corrosion.
• Ensure proper lapping and reconditioning of valve seats.
• Verify free movement and correct assembly of valves after overhaul.
• Monitor overhaul of mud boxes and strainers.

Storm Valve Inspection

• Ensure proper renewal of washers and pins.
• Confirm all piping repairs and renewals are carried out correctly.

After Completion of Work

• Carry out operational testing of all valves to ensure smooth opening and closing.
• Confirm all suction grids are securely fitted.
• Inspect painting quality and coating thickness.
• Verify all tools, blanks, and temporary fittings are removed.
• Conduct leak tests where applicable.
• Ensure proper documentation of inspections, repairs, and renewals.

Prior to the Start of Work

• Inspect the forward structure externally for:
  • Cracks
  • Dents
  • Corrosion
  • Hull damage
• Examine:
  • Bulbous bow
  • Stem area
  • Forepeak tank structure
• Inspect anchor and mooring arrangements including:
  • Anchor chains
  • Chain lockers
  • Windlass foundation
  • Spurling pipes and hawse pipes
• Check sounding pipes and air pipes for condition and tightness.

During the Work

• Supervise steel renewal and welding work in damaged or corroded areas.
• Monitor cleaning and coating application in forepeak and chain locker spaces.
• Check alignment and securing of anchor handling equipment.
• Ensure class and safety requirements are followed during repairs.

After Completion of Work

• Inspect all repaired areas visually and verify quality of welding and coatings.
• Ensure anchor chains are correctly ranged and marked.
• Test operation of windlass and anchoring equipment.
• Confirm all compartments are cleaned and free from loose materials.
• Check watertight integrity of repaired spaces.

Prior to the Start of Work

Propeller Inspection

• Examine propeller blades for:
  • Cracks
  • Erosion
  • Cavitation damage
  • Bent or damaged blade tips
• Check blade surface condition and polish if required.
• Inspect propeller nut and locking arrangements.

Stern Bush Inspection

• Check stern bush clearances by taking wear-down measurements.
• Inspect stern tube seals for leakage or wear.
• Examine rope guards and surrounding arrangements.
• Inspect oil lines and lubricating arrangements for stern tube bearings.

During the Work

• Supervise propeller polishing and repairs.
• Monitor non-destructive testing (NDT) such as dye penetrant or crack testing if required.
• Ensure proper removal and fitting procedures during seal replacement.
• Observe measurements of bearing clearances and shaft alignment checks.

After Completion of Work

• Confirm propeller blades are free from defects and properly secured.
• Verify stern tube seals are correctly fitted and leak-free.
• Check stern bush clearances are within permissible limits.
• Ensure rope guards and securing arrangements are properly fitted.
• Confirm lubricating oil system is restored and operational.
• Record all measurements, repairs, and inspection details for future reference.