Proper maintenance of a vessel is crucial to ensure its performance, safety and longevity. Among the various maintenance practices, periodic inspections stand out as one of the most important. Regular inspections not only prevent costly breakdowns, but also ensure that your boat is always in top condition, ready to sail at any time.
WHY ARE REGULAR SHIP INSPECTIONS ESSENTIAL?
Boats are exposed to extreme conditions: salt water, temperature changes, pressure, and more. These factors, over time, can cause wear and tear on the boat's structure, mechanical systems and electrical components. Periodic inspections allow these problems to be detected early, preventing them from developing into major breakdowns.
- Early detection of problems: Regular inspection allows signs of wear or damage to be identified before they become serious. For example, a small crack in the hull or a problem with the propeller may be easy to repair if detected early, but if ignored, it could result in costly repairs or even the loss of the vessel.
- Long-term cost savings: Prevention is always cheaper than repair. Regular inspections allow you to fix minor problems before they become emergencies. This not only saves money on repairs, but also reduces downtime, allowing you to enjoy more time on the water.
- Compliance with regulations: Depending on the region and type of boat, there may be regulations that require periodic inspections to ensure that the boat meets safety standards. For example, in Spain, a non-professional boat between 6 and 24 metres in length must be inspected at most every 5 years, although it is advisable to have a more frequent inspection between one and three times a year. Compliance with inspections is not only important for the safety of everyone on board, but can also avoid fines and penalties.
- Safety at sea: Safety is the main reason for regular inspections. A well-maintained ship is less likely to fail in adverse conditions, which protects both crew and passengers. Inspections can prevent engine failures, fuel leaks, electrical faults and other problems that could endanger life at sea.
WHAT ASPECTS SHOULD BE INSPECTED REGULARLY?
Periodic inspections should cover all critical aspects of the vessel. Here is a list of items that should not be overlooked:
- Hull and structure: Check the hull for cracks, corrosion or signs of structural fatigue. Damage to the structure can compromise the integrity of the vessel.
- Propulsion system: Inspect the engine, propellers and other propulsion system components to ensure that they are functioning properly and without signs of excessive wear.
- Electrical systems: Check the condition of batteries, cables and connections. A fault in the electrical system could leave you without power in the middle of the sea.
- Security systems: Ensure that all safety equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers and flares, are in good condition and comply with current regulations.
- Anchoring and mooring: Inspect anchors, chains and mooring lines to prevent them from breaking in difficult conditions.
HOW CAN ROVs AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HELP YOU IN PERIODIC INSPECTIONS?
At EONSEA, we use ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), or also commonly known as underwater drones, equipped with high-definition cameras to perform detailed underwater inspections. These devices can access hard-to-reach areas, such as the underside of the hull, without the need to take the vessel out of the water. In addition, our artificial intelligence analyse the captured images to identify potential problems, such as corrosion or biofouling, with an accuracy that surpasses human visual inspection.
This combination of advanced technology not only increases the accuracy of inspections, but also reduces the associated time and costs, providing added value for boat owners who want to keep their boats in perfect condition.
CONCLUSION
Regular inspections are essential to maintain the safety and performance of your boat. Not only do they protect you against potential breakdowns, but they also ensure that your boat is fully compliant and ready for any adventure on the water. With the use of advanced technologies such as ROVs and artificial intelligence, inspections can be more accurate, faster and cheaper than ever before.
Don't let small problems turn into big breakdowns. Invest in regular inspections and surf with complete peace of mind.