Author: cecilachord

Seaward Marine Services, Inc. has been awarded a firm fixed contract by the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) to perform an underwater hull cleaning and Lamp Ray® survey for the Training Ship Empire State. Seaward's Lamp Ray® is a state of the art submersible Remote Operated Underwater Survey Vehicle capable of taking hull plate thickness, coating thickness, and cathodic potential readings simultaneously with a very high degree of accuracy. T/S Empire State is located at the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College; she is the oldest power vessel to be used by the school and is intended to be in service until 2019(wikipedia).  To meet this commitment to MARAD, Seaward has dispatched Mobile Diving Unit 4 and Lamp Ray Survey Team out of Norfolk, VA.  
 

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Seaward Marine Services, Inc. would like to welcome home one of our own Mrs. MM1 Carolina Hummel, wife of Seaward Mobile 3 East Coast diver Mike Hummel from a long seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group. We thank you for your service to our country and your role in Operation Inherent Resolve.  May you now enjoy your family, friends, and those who supported you during your deployment. We appreciate the sacrifice that you and your family had to bear while you were away.
 

The Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded Seaward Marine Services, Inc. a $53 million firm-fixed-price, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract for waterborne hull cleaning.  The contract includes options which would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $257 million.  Work on this contract will be performed in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and the European, African, and Arabian Peninsula waters.  

Cecil Achord, President of Seaward Marine Services, Inc. stated “Seaward is very proud that we have been awarded this 5 Year Sole Source Underwater Hull Cleaning Contract.  This award was made possible by the excellent work that everyone at Seaward has been doing over the years.  Safety First and Quality and Performance have put us ahead of the rest and I am confident we will not falter in continuing that effort for our government. 
 

Link to official press release:  U.S. Department of Defense, Contracts Press Operations Release No. CR-004-16, January 7, 2016

      

Keystone Shipping Services, Inc. Called on Seaward Marine Services to support a “TURBO” activation of M/V CAPE RACE.  Seaward Divers attached to the Dive Motor Vessel Coastal Pride cleaned the underwater hull, propeller, rudder, sea chest gratings, and appendages in two shifts around the clock from 0600 December 16 through 0600 December 17 to complete all diving within the 24-hr time frame.

Turbo Activations consist of four separate no-notice exercises during the year that measured the activation time and personnel and materiel readiness of selected Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MSC).  DOD conducts these no-notice exercises, called "Turbo-Activations," annually to assess RRF activation readiness. The USTRANSCOM, via MSC, randomly selects and orders the activation of a number of RRF ships on an annual basis to test their capability to be ready-for-sea (i.e., mission-capable) within their assigned readiness time frames of 4, 5, 10, or 20 days.

Seaward Marine Services, Inc takes great pride in being the “go to” diving contractor for Keystone and many other MARAD and MSC Operators when short fused high impact turbo activation diving jobs are required.
 

 

Prior to commencing their latest deployment, the Maj. Stephen W. Pless was cleaned and inspected by Seaward Marine Services, Inc., DMV Coastal Pride. What started out as an inspection and propeller and sea chest cleaning quickly turned into a full underwater hull cleaning once the initial hull inspection was completed.  The dive crew was able to transition seamlessly to accommodate the request, since the Coastal Pride is a floating dive station and carries all required ships husbandry and hull cleaning equipment including two Submersible Cleaning and Maintenance Platforms (SCAMP) multi-brush machines, which are piloted by qualified divers. The SCAMP has the ability to clean a five foot section of the underwater hull with each pass. The USNS Maj. Stephen W. Pless will be able to make and maintain all desired speeds as they deploy. 
 

Pre and Post Condition of Hull

Pre and Post Condition of Sea Chests

Pre and Post Condition of Propeller

 

Seaward’s Mobile Diving Unit 3 completed underwater hull cleanings on two Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV’s). Mobile-3 performed a full underwater hull cleaning on the USNS Trenton (JHSV-5), latest ship of this class and a partial cleaning and inspection of the USNS Choctaw County (JHSV-2) in a three week period of time. Cleaning of this class is made more challenging due to the foul release coating and the detailed cleaning needed on the water jet assemblies and impellers for the two underwater hulls. All cleanings were accomplished using NAVSEA 00C5 approved procedures.  As always the Seaward divers rose to the challenge.
 

Typical preclean conditions found

Seaward Mobile Diving unit 4 mobilized on August 16, 2015 for an extended three city road trip which covered 1620 miles. During the three week excursion four vessels were cleaned and two were certified with an American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Underwater Inspection In Lieu of Dry-Docking (UWILD). The TS State of Maine received a full underwater hull cleaning, ABS UWILD inspection, a Lamp Ray Hull Survey, and a Data Scan. The crew also cleaned and inspected the Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) Barge Oyster Bay. With the work in Castine, ME completed Mobile 4 demobilized and moved two hours south to Rockland ME for a full underwater hull cleaning and ABS UWILD inspection of the Giant Cement Companies Barge MBT-35. Upon completion of Barge MBT-35 the crew packed up and headed 350 miles farther south to Groton CT, the Submarine Capital of the World to provide services to the submarine community.

Matt O’Donnell, Port Engineer/Marine Surveyor with the United States Department of Transportation – Maritime Administration stated, “Tom, your crew did an excellent job. It was a pleasure working with such professionals.”

Capt. Dana Willis, Marine Operations Manager for the Maine Maritime Academy writes “Tom, Thanks for putting this whole operation together for us on short notice, and your entire crew was helpful and easy to work with through the project.”

Seaward Marine Services would like to commend the entire Mobile 4 dive crew and the Lamp Ray team for their professionalism and willingness to go where the work takes them on short notice. A job well done!

TS State of Maine with Mobile 4 and Lamp Ray crew alongside.

MMA Barge Oyster Bay

Giant Cement Companies Barge MBT-35

   
Submarine base at Groton, CT

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Underwater Repairs of the Cathodic Protection system on a Navy ship were completed in August, with the waterborne replacement of six ICCP system anodes by Seaward’s Mobile Diving Crew 2 in Norfolk VA.  A Cathodic Protection system helps to slow and combat the electrochemical effects of corrosion to a ships underwater hull, a condition which is always present due to the variations in the chemistry of metal, both within the hull, and between dissimilar metals.

The repair work included not only replacing the external anodes, fasteners, and dielectric shielding material around the anodes, but also the components on the vessels interior. The faring material, which is traditionally a two part capastic material installed as a dielectric shield, could not be used in an underwater environment so Seaward Divers used the U.S. Navy NAVSEA approved Hycote 461 faring compound on the areas where the capastic had to be removed.  Hycote 461 fairing compound is the preferred method when installing CP anodes in-water.

 By doing this work waterborne a significant savings was afforded the Navy.  Additionally, Seaward personnel completed the project three days ahead of schedule and 18% under budget, giving our customer a substantial savings. The Project manager and Mobile 2’s crew showed great professionalism, and did an exceptional job ensuring the ships underwater hull and appendages were protected once again against all forms of corrosion.

Great Job!
 

Typical Damaged Anode

Typical New Anode Installed using Hycote 461
 

Seaward Marine Services Mobile Unit 4 transited to Wilmington North Carolina during the July 4 weekend to clean the underwater hull of JPO Aquarius.  The crew mobilized the evening of July 2nd and started work the morning of July 3rd.  The dive crew worked through a hostile environment with a very swift non-stop current continuously for 18 hours to get the hull cleaning complete and the ship underway as soon as possible in the early morning hours of July 4.  As the dive crew was pulling away from the pier so was JPO Aquarius on to its next destination. We appreciate the dedication and commitment our divers put in to complete a task when asked, especially on Independence weekend. 
 

As part of Seaward Marine Services, Inc.'s continuing contract with the MIDWAY Museum in San Diego, CA, divers completed an underwater hull cleaning using SCAMP, coating of bare metal areas on the underwater hull using HYCOTE underwater coatings, and a hull potential survey on the EX-USS MIDWAY (CV-41).  Divers then completed an inspection and documented the hull conditions for future planned maintenance.  This most recent maintenance period was completed in June 2015.

The full hull cleaning using Seaward's SCAMP multi-brush platform was performed in accordance with NAVSEA’s Naval Ships’ Technical Manual Chapter 081, Hull Cleaning Guidelines.  Afterward, bare metal areas were identified and the dive crew applied approximately 250 sq. ft. of HYCOTE underwater coating to the underwater hull, running gear, and seachest blank box attachment areas which required repair.  HYCOTE is a superior underwater coating approved by the U.S. NAVY for the preservation of bare metal areas in high humidity and underwater environments.  The underwater hull potential survey was done at the completion of the underwater coating of bare metal areas, and utilizes a handheld silver-chloride probe measures hull potential values or the ability of the underwater hull to protect itself from corrosion.  The survey documented an increase in hull potential values in the mid-ship and bow areas of the hull. This reporting allows the ship’s engineers to monitor and track both current and historical data for hull preservation.

Seaward Marine Services, Inc. is proud to be a part of the ongoing preservation program for EX-USS MIDWAY which started in January of 2010.

Seaward Marine Services Divers took some time Friday evening on May 29^th to prepare the Naval Air sea plane ramp for the 24^th annual Breezy Point Triathlon at Naval Station Norfolk.  The event is the only triathlon in the area and is a popular race for first time and beginner triathletes because of the manageable distances.  Seaward Divers arrived Friday prior to start of the race to clean the sea plane ramp of any marine growth and debris that has accumulated on the ramp giving the athletes a safe area to enter and exit the swimming portion of the event.

Seaward employees wish all Triathletes good luck in completing the 2015 Breezy Point Triathlon.
 

Seaward Divers and Breezy Point Staff at Sea Plane Ramp

Seaward Divers readying equipment for the ramp cleaning
 

Seaward Marine divers completed hull cleaning on three JHSV class ships in Norfolk, VA, Cape Canaveral, FL, and Honolulu, HI.  Divers completed full hull cleanings on the FALL RIVER and CHOCTAW Co while completing cleaning of the water jet assembly, impellers, and sea chests on the MILLINOCKET.  All three USNS ships were completed within the contracted time estimate, which also included additional Hycote work on MILLINOCKET’s leading edges of the keel and ride control surfaces, which were mechanically prepped and the underwater paint Hycote 461 was applied to these high abrasion surfaces.  

PRE AND POST CLEAN CONDITIONS OF IMPELLERS

TYPICAL BARE METAL FOUND AND COATING REPAIR USING HYCOTE 461
 

As of April 2015, the Seaward Marine Services, Inc. NDT Division has now completed more than 100 hull surveys using the Lamp Ray® ROV, recently including three LPD class ships and two USNS ships in Norfolk, and a CG in San Diego.

LAMP RAY® is a robotic scanning system that gives a complete picture of the ships underwater hull condition including hull plate thickness, paint dry film thickness, cathodic hull potential, and visual inspection.  This is accomplished using accepted and approved techniques and practices by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and classification societies.  The ROV “is a underwater NDT laboratory” whose location is tracked using a high precision acoustic tracking system that records this data in ships coordinates with high precision (±15cm = ±6in),.all data is time stamped which permits post-survey verification and validation of data.  All of this allows NDT technicians to process and review this data and generate a survey report in an html format which uses standard internet browser to view the report.  This allows for an easy to read report thus giving the ships manager the ability to identify potential problems that can be planned for and addressed.
 

Patriot Contract Services awarded Seaward Marine Services the contract to complete the hull inspection, hull cleaning, and propeller cleaning for USNS WATSON (T-AKR-310).  Seaward divers, using the Diving Vessel "Coastal Pride", completed the 950-foot roll-on/roll-off ship in an 8-day period, of which included approximately 18 hours of multi-brush hull cleaning.  The overall tasking included the cleaning and polishing of the propellers and two bow thrusters, the cleaning of the rudders and underwater hull, and the performing of an internal underwater inspection and cleaning of all sea chests according to the requirements specified in the U.S. Navy Ships' Husbandry Manual Chapter 17 and Chapter 28, and the U.S. Navy Technical Manual Chapter 81.  Pre and post cleaning video documentation of all sections of the hull was also completed as required by PCS contract.

PRE AND POST CLEAN CONDITIONS OF SEA-CHESTS

PRE AND POST CLEAN CONDITIONS OF HULL

 

Marine Transport Lines Inc. requested Divers to support the TURBO activation of USNS CAPE EDMONT (AKR-5069).  The CAPE EDMONT is part of the National Defense Reserve Fleet in Charleston, SC and must periodically “reactivate” to access the crew and ship's readiness.  Seaward Divers mobilized to Charleston, SC and completed hull cleaning utilizing Seawards SCAMP multi-brush cleaning platform.  The Divers also completed the propeller polish, cleaning of the shaft, rudder, sea-chests, bilge keels, and the bow and stern thrusters on the 682’ ship within 24 hours of diving.  For all the hard work and long days, a job well done for the Divers and Crew of Seaward Mobile Unit One. 

Typical Hull Pre and Post Clean Example

Typical Thruster Pre and Post Clean Example

 

Seaward Marine Services completed underwater hull cleaning and inspection on the USS CONSTITUTION (IX-21) on April 7, 2015 in support of an upcoming Dry-Dock period in May 2015.  USS CONSTITUTION is one of six Frigates authorized for construction in 1794, was named by President George Washington after our U.S. Constitution and is the oldest fully commissioned U.S. Navy ship. Seaward Marine Divers completed a pre-clean assessment, the hull cleaning and post-clean documentation report within sixteen working hours.  The Divers Hull Inspection Data report with photos was delivered to the Naval History and Heritage Command Detachment and the NAVSEA Director of Ocean Engineering Supervisor of Salvage and Diving on site Representative.

As recognition to Seaward’s involvement in the preparation of the dry-docking Seaward’s Divers were given the opportunity to sign a sheet of the copper cladding that will be used to replace sheeting installed during the CONSTITUTION’s previous docking in 1992.

Click here for the SUPSALV.org writeup for more on our cleaning of the USS CONSTITUTION.
 

Seaward MOB-4 next to the USS Constitution
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Seaward MOB-4 next to the USS Constitution

Left to right:  Dean Womack, Noel McCully, Eric Bartlett, Matt Russell, Jesse Swinko, Steve Saunders, Mike Charles
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USS Constitution Hand-Held Cleaning Demo from Seaward Marine Services, Inc. on Vimeo.
Can't view the video on Vimeo?  Click here for the youtube version.

 

Keystone Services awarded Seaward Marine Services the contract to complete the propeller and bow thruster cleaning and polish, sea chest cleaning, and forward hull cleaning for USNS Maj STEPHEN W. PLESS (T-AK-3007).  Seaward divers using the Diving Vessel "Coastal Pride" completed all work within a 3-day period including 4 hours of multi-brush hull cleaning of the ship’s forward hull sections (an area approximately 25,000 sqft).  The contract, based on best value and price, completed within the estimated time and was performed according to the requirements specified in the U.S. Navy Ships' Husbandry Manual Chapter 17 and Chapter 28, and the U.S. Navy Technical Manual Chapter 81.
 

PRE AND POST CLEAN CONDITIONS OF SEA-CHESTS

PRE AND POST CLEAN CONDITIONS OF PROPELLER

Bath Iron Works has awarded Seaward Marine Services a 10 year Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) for services to help support Post Delivery planned, corrective and emergent work on board LCS class vessels.  This is an acknowledgement that Seaward Marine Services has special skill knowledge and abilities in the work performed under this agreement.  Seaward Marine will use such skills, specific knowledge, ability, best efforts, ingenuity and due diligence in performance of work and services agreed upon in this BOA. 
 

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In September, Seaward Marine NDT Division completed its eleventh Lamp Ray hull survey within a five-month period ending an intense but rewarding effort by the division’s staff.  A few of these surveys can take as long as two weeks depending on the size of the unit being gauged, but all hulls were completed on time and on approved budget including a four ship run in August that began with the USNS CAPE RACE in Portsmouth VA and ended with three ships in San Diego CA.  The list included seven U.S. Navy warships, two Naval Reserve ships and the Display Ship BARRY.

After finishing three ships in May and early June Crowley Maritime requested a underwater hull cleaning, ABS inspection and hull survey services for the Ready Reserve Ship S.S. WRIGHT home ported in Baltimore M.D.  The Lamp Ray Crew transited back to Norfolk to complete a U.S. Navy asset then traveled to Washington D.C. to complete the Display Ship BARRY at the Washington Navy Yard (see July 8 posting). 

The NDT Division is scheduled to complete two more Lamp Ray hull surveys before the end of this year.

 

Seaward Marine Services Mobile Unit 4 got the call for an immediate need to clean the underwater hull of MV Frisia Bonn for Independent Container Lines of Wilmington, NC. Our customer said the ship was experiencing 20% “slippage” referring to efficiency lost in the thrust of the propeller. In the case of MV Frisia Bonn this was due to moderate marine growth on the hull and propeller causing more shaft turns required to make desired speed which dramatically increases the fuel consumption rate.
 
Independent Container Lines authorized the work on Wednesday 10/1 in the afternoon, the crew mobilized out of Norfolk VA on Thursday, and met the ship at the terminal 0700 on Friday 10/3 to begin dive operations. Despite diving in a hostile environment with a very swift non-stop current Seaward Mobile 4  crew pushed through continuously for 20 hours to get the hull cleaning complete and the ship underway as soon as possible. “Thanks very much for your quick response and hard work; I understand the conditions, at times, were less than favorable” said  Rob Frazier Sr. Director US Ports & Warehouse Operations Independent Container Line.