Seagoing vessels, like cars and all other machinery, require periodic inspection, maintenance and repair. However, the characteristics of such work are quite different from carrying out a car repair in a warm and dry workshop. Depending on the conditions and situation, ship repairs are carried out either in dry dock or while moored in port - on the water.
What the services cover ship service, provided by specialised companies?
Welding work - ships generally consist of a huge number of welds. They ensure that all the components that make up the ship's structure are solidly, permanently and tightly joined. To ensure safe navigation, all welds must be checked regularly and areas of weakness repaired. Welding work on ships requires experience and precision. This is because the lives and health of seafarers and passengers depend on the correct execution of welds.
Hatch covers - the ship's deck is extremely often flooded with water. In order to prevent it from entering the ship's interior, tight and robust hatch covers are very important. These are hatches that protect the hatches leading below deck. They are made of heavy-gauge steel and fitted with rubber seals. Hatch covers can be closed manually or automatically. The condition of the seals and the way the hinges and automatics work, determines their tightness. Repair work therefore includes replacing the seals, making ad hoc repairs to the lids, lubricating the hinges and adjusting the automatics. All this is done to make the lids as easy to operate as possible and to ensure absolute resistance to water penetration.
Electrical work - ship repairs is also work on electrical installations. There are kilometres of cables and wires on every ship. These provide the energy needed to light corridors, cabins and engine rooms. In addition, electricity is needed to power navigational apparatus, communication and location systems, as well as pumps. It is therefore important to ensure that the installations function properly and are safe for use under heavy loads.
