In-Water Class Survey
Class attendance without opening a dry dock
- Live high-definition video to the surveyor's monitor
- Two-way diver-to-surveyor communication throughout
- Full hull, rudder, propeller, sea chest and anode coverage
Get a quote
Tell us the vessel, the port and the window. Scoped reply, usually the same working day.
Classification societies accept in-water survey in place of drydocking for many vessels and inspection scopes, provided the work is carried out by an approved diving contractor to a defined procedure with the surveyor able to see the structure in real time.
We provide that service — a documented inspection programme, high-definition live video to a surface monitoring station, diver-to-surveyor communications, and a full report package for the class file.
What you get
- Live high-definition video to the surveyor's monitor
- Two-way diver-to-surveyor communication throughout
- Full hull, rudder, propeller, sea chest and anode coverage
- Thickness measurement and close-up inspection where required
- Complete report package for the classification file
Where we deliver this
- Togo
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Liberia
- Sierra Leone
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- The Gambia
- Senegal
Scope of work
What is included as standard. Anything outside this is quoted separately and flagged before mobilisation, never added afterwards.
- 01
Hull structure inspection
Shell plating, welds, bilge keels and openings inspected with continuous video and commentary, with cleaning of areas as needed for meaningful viewing.
- 02
Rudder and steering gear
Rudder plating, pintles, bearings and clearances inspected and, where required, measured.
- 03
Propeller and stern arrangement
Propeller, boss, rope guard and stern tube seal inspected for damage, erosion and leakage.
- 04
Sea chests and openings
Sea chests, gratings, valves and overboard discharges inspected and recorded.
- 05
Anodes and coating
Sacrificial anode wastage assessed and coating condition mapped for planning the next dry docking.
How we deliver it
- 01
Class liaison
The survey scope and procedure are agreed with the classification society and the attending surveyor in advance.
- 02
Setup
Surface supervision, video recording and surveyor monitoring position are established on board.
- 03
Inspection dives
The programme is worked systematically with live commentary, and the surveyor can direct the diver to any area at any time.
- 04
Reporting
A full report with video, stills and findings is issued for the class file.
Frequently asked
What is an In-Water Class Survey?
An In-Water Class Survey (IWS) is a classification society-approved underwater inspection of a vessel's hull, sea chests, propeller, rudder, and appendages, used as an alternative to dry-docking for periodic class renewal.
How does an In-Water Class Survey replace dry-docking?
Classification societies permit in-water surveys in place of scheduled dry-dock inspections for eligible vessels, allowing hull and underwater equipment checks to be conducted by approved divers while the ship remains afloat.
Who is qualified to carry out an In-Water Class Survey?
CleanShip Marine coordinates in-water class surveys using classification society-approved divers and inspection equipment, ensuring the survey meets the documentation and video standards required for class certification.
What does an In-Water Class Survey include?
The survey typically covers hull plating, sea chests, propeller, rudder, bow thruster, anodes, and draft mark verification, with underwater video and photographic evidence submitted to the classifying society.
Which vessels are eligible for In-Water Class Survey?
Eligibility depends on vessel age, class notation, and classification society rules. CleanShip Marine can advise whether your vessel qualifies for an in-water survey in place of dry-dock inspection.
How do I schedule an In-Water Class Survey?
Contact CleanShip Marine with your vessel's class society, survey due date, and port of call, and our team will coordinate diver mobilization and survey documentation in line with class requirements.
How long does an In-Water Class Survey take to complete?
Most in-water class surveys are completed within one to two days depending on vessel size, hull condition, and underwater visibility, with the vessel remaining alongside or at anchor throughout.
What documentation is provided after an In-Water Class Survey?
CleanShip Marine provides a full survey report with underwater video footage, photographic evidence, and measurement data formatted to meet classification society submission requirements.
Does poor underwater visibility affect an In-Water Class Survey?
Visibility can affect video quality, so surveys are typically scheduled during favorable tidal and weather conditions. Our team assesses site conditions in advance to ensure survey footage meets class standards.
What is the difference between an In-Water Class Survey and UWILD?
Both are underwater alternatives to dry-docking, but In-Water Class Survey refers broadly to any class-required underwater inspection, while UWILD specifically denotes inspection in lieu of dry-docking for hull and appendage checks.
We always ready to serve you.
Tell us the vessel, the port and the window. You get a scope, a crew size and an honest duration — usually the same working day.