UWILD
Survey credit earned without leaving the water
- Complete UWILD programmes to classification society requirements
- Diver and ROV inspection capability
- Hull marking and reference gridding for accurate location
Get a quote
Tell us the vessel, the port and the window. Scoped reply, usually the same working day.
UWILD — Underwater Inspection In Lieu of Drydocking — lets a vessel satisfy a survey requirement that would otherwise mean a dry docking, at a fraction of the cost and with none of the off-hire. For vessels on a five-year cycle it is one of the most significant savings available to a technical department.
The requirements are exacting. The contractor must hold class approval, the vessel must be eligible, hull markings and reference points must allow the surveyor to locate features precisely, and the inspection must be delivered live with a documented record. We handle the whole programme, from eligibility discussion through to the final report package.
What you get
- Complete UWILD programmes to classification society requirements
- Diver and ROV inspection capability
- Hull marking and reference gridding for accurate location
- Live video with surveyor attendance and two-way communication
- Report package formatted for direct submission to class
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
Eligibility and planning
Vessel eligibility, survey scope and the society's specific requirements are established and agreed before mobilisation.
- 02
Hull preparation
Reference markings and cleaning of inspection areas so structure and features can be located and viewed unambiguously.
- 03
Systematic inspection
Shell plating, welds, rudder, propeller, sea chests, openings, anodes and appendages inspected to the agreed programme.
- 04
Measurement and NDT
Clearance measurement and underwater NDT carried out where the survey scope requires it.
- 05
Documentation
Video, stills, measurements and findings compiled into a report package suitable for submission to the classification society.
How we deliver it
- 01
Class approval and scope
The programme is agreed with the society and the surveyor, and the vessel's eligibility is confirmed in writing.
- 02
Mobilisation and setup
Dive spread, video system and surveyor monitoring station are established at the agreed location.
- 03
Inspection execution
The programme runs with the surveyor watching live and able to direct additional inspection at any point.
- 04
Report and credit
The report package is issued and submitted so the survey credit is recorded against the vessel.
Frequently asked
What does UWILD mean?
UWILD stands for Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry Docking - a diver-based underwater hull and equipment survey accepted by classification societies and flag states as a substitute for a physical dry-dock inspection.
What is included in a UWILD survey?
A UWILD survey covers the hull structure, sea chests, propeller, rudder, bow thruster tunnel, cathodic protection anodes, and other underwater fittings, all documented with video and photographic evidence.
Why do shipowners choose UWILD over dry-docking?
UWILD allows vessels to remain in service while completing a required class survey, avoiding dry-dock costs and off-hire time, making it a cost-effective option for eligible vessels.
Who performs a UWILD survey?
CleanShip Marine's certified diving teams carry out UWILD inspections in accordance with classification society requirements, ensuring the survey is properly documented and accepted for class and statutory purposes.
How long does a UWILD survey take?
Duration depends on vessel size and underwater conditions, but most UWILD surveys can be completed within one to two days while the vessel remains alongside or at anchor.
Is UWILD accepted by all classification societies?
Most major classification societies accept UWILD for eligible vessels under specific age and class conditions. CleanShip Marine can confirm requirements with your classification society before scheduling the survey.
What are the eligibility requirements for a UWILD survey?
Eligibility generally depends on vessel age, class notation, and prior survey history, with most societies requiring the vessel to be under a certain age and free of major outstanding hull conditions.
What equipment is used during a UWILD inspection?
CleanShip Marine uses diver-operated cameras, underwater lighting, and measurement tools to capture detailed footage of the hull, sea chests, propeller, and rudder for class-compliant UWILD documentation.
Can UWILD be combined with hull cleaning or propeller polishing?
Yes. Many shipowners schedule UWILD inspections alongside underwater hull cleaning or propeller super polishing in the same mobilization, reducing costs and downtime by combining services in one dive operation.
How do I arrange a UWILD survey for my vessel?
Contact CleanShip Marine with your vessel's class society, survey due date, and port of call, and our certified dive team will coordinate the UWILD survey and prepare full class-compliant documentation.
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.


