Pt A, Ch 2, Sec 8
2 In-water surveys
2.1 General
2.1.1 The in-water survey is to provide the information nor-
mally obtained from a bottom survey in dry condition. Spe-
cial consideration shall be given to ascertaining rudder
bearing clearances and stern bush clearances of oil stern
bearings based on a review of the operating history, on
board testing and stern oil sample reports. These considera-
tions are to be included in the proposal for in-water surveys.
During in-water survey, cathodic protection potential readings
are to be taken. The amount of readings is to be representative
of the whole immersed part of the structure of the unit.
2.1.2 Proposals for in-water surveys are to be submitted in
advance of the survey so that satisfactory arrangements can
be agreed with the Society.
2.1.3 In principle, no outstanding recommendations are to
exist requiring repair work to be carried out to the underwa-
ter part of the shell plating, the rudder, the propeller or the
propeller shaft, unless the Society is satisfied that such
repairs may be carried out while the unit is afloat.
2.1.4 The in-water survey is to be carried out with the unit
at a suitable draught; the in-water visibility is to be good
and the structure below waterline is to be sufficiently clean
to permit meaningful examination.
The equipment, procedure for observing and reporting the
survey are to be discussed with the parties involved prior to
the in-water survey, and suitable time is to be allowed to
permit the diving company to test all equipment beforehand.
2.1.5 The in-water survey is to be carried out, under sur-
veillance of a Surveyor, by divers or by suitably equipped
remotely operated vehicles (ROV's). The divers are to be
employed by a firm approved as service supplier by the
Society. Upon completion of the survey, the approved div-
ing firm is to submit to the attending Society Surveyor a
detailed report including video tapes, as well as photo-
graphic documentation of the main parts inspected.
2.1.6 The in-water survey scope of work maybe mergeable
over a three months period (weather condition, in-water
visibility, diver's safety...). The overlap and the sequence of
inspection shall be provided at satisfaction of the surveyor.
2.1.7 The Surveyor is to be satisfied with the methods of
localisation of the diver(s) on the plating which should
make use where necessary of permanent markings on the
104 Bureau Veritas - Rules for Offshore Units
plating at selected points and with the method of pictorial
representation. An efficient two-way communication
between the Surveyor and diver(s) is to be provided.
2.1.8 If the in-water survey reveals damage or deterioration
that requires immediate attention, the Surveyor may require
that the unit be drydocked in order that a detailed survey
can be undertaken and the necessary repairs carried out.
2.1.9 The under water marking plan shall be approved by
the Society.
2.2 Arrangements for in-water surveys
2.2.1 It is advisable that both the Surveyor and the divers
are provided with detail drawings of the structure and hull
attachments below the water line, including:
• all shell openings
• stem
• rudder and fittings
• sternpost
• propeller, including the means used for identifying each
blade
• anodes, including securing arrangements
• bilge keels
• welded seams and butts.
The plans are to include all the necessary instructions to
facilitate the divers' work, specially for taking clearance
measurement when applicable.
2.2.2 The unit is to be provided with special constructional
features so as to make the underwater survey easy and effi-
cient, that is:
a) Markings of a water-resistant nature are to be fitted on
the underwater parts of the structure to facilitate the
localisation of inspected parts, showing in particular,
the location of main bulkheads.
b) Sea valves, if needed to be opened up as per [1.1.2],
including valve chests, are to be provided with suitable
blanking arrangements so that cocks, valves and strain-
ers can be examined.
c) Rudder arrangements are to be such that rudder pintle
clearances and fastenings arrangements can be easily
checked.
d) propeller shaft arrangements are to be such that clear-
ances can be easily checked.
2.2.3 The Society is to take into consideration the units
which, for specific reasons, depart from the requirements of
[2.2.1] or [2.2.2].
December 2016