Inspection carried out during hull inspection:

(i) Shell Plating

• Common issues with shell plating include corrosion, dents, distortion, bulging, and cracks. Holes or welding defects can also be observed, particularly around deck equipment openings. Corrosion is usually more severe in areas with inadequate protective coatings.

Repairs:

• To address these defects, the shell plating must be cleaned thoroughly, and any corrosion removed before applying a fresh coat of protective paint. Dented or distorted plates can be straightened, and any cracks or holes should be welded. If the damage is extensive, sections of the plating may need to be replaced.

(ii) Fore End of Ship

• Similar to shell plating defects, but specifically focusing on deformation at the bow.
• Corrosion of the bow plating, floors, beams, and stringers due to exposure to seawater and environmental factors.
• Collisions or grounding events causing impact damage to Bow, Plate, Floor, Beams, Stringers, etc
• Defects in welds connecting structural components at the bow.
• Damage to the flared portion of the bow caused by falling of Anchor.

Repairs:

• Damaged components are repaired through welding, followed by cleaning and repainting to restore protection against corrosion. Severely compromised parts may require replacement.

(iii) Openings in Shell Plating

• Openings such as sea chests or overboard discharges may suffer from weld cracks, corrosion, or marine growth. Anodes installed near openings might be worn out or detached.

Repairs:

• Repairs include cleaning and welding damaged areas, renewing sacrificial anodes, and applying protective coatings to prevent future corrosion.

(iv) Rudder

• The rudder can develop cracks or dents in its side or top plates, leading to water ingress. Pintles may experience fractures, corrosion, or wear of sleeved bushes. Damage to threads, loss of securing nuts, or twisting of the rudder stock may also occur. Corrosion, paint fouling, or surface roughness on the rudder plates are common concerns.

Repairs:

• Cracks and dents are repaired through welding, while worn pintles or bushings are replaced. Corroded areas are cleaned and repainted to restore protective coatings. Twisting or bending of the rudder stock may require realignment or replacement if severe.

(v) Propeller and Stern Tube

• The propeller may show distortion, cracks, or loss of blade sections. The propeller cone and coupling bolts may sustain damage, while the stern tube may have worn or damaged seals, liners, or bearings.

Repairs:

• Minor surface defects on the shaft are machined out if the reduction in diameter is less than 3%. Cracks exceeding 15% of the shaft diameter necessitate replacement. Propeller blades are straightened by uniform heating and slow cooling, and minor cracks are repaired by flaring or welding. Damaged seals, liners, bearings, and coupling bolts are replaced, and proper shaft alignment is ensured. Heavily damaged propeller blades may be replaced entirely.