Underwater ship sea chest cleaning is an important maintenance activity that is carried out to ensure that the seawater intake system of a ship is free from debris and marine growth. The seawater intake system is an essential part of a ship’s operation as it is responsible for providing the cooling water required for various ship systems such as the main engine, generators, and air conditioning.

Over time, the sea chest can become clogged with marine growth, sand, silt, and debris, which can reduce the flow of seawater into the ship’s systems. This can lead to a decrease in efficiency and, in some cases, even system failure. Regular cleaning of the sea chest is, therefore, crucial to maintain the ship’s performance and reliability.

There are several methods used for underwater ship sea chest cleaning, including:

• Diving: A diver can be sent down to clean the sea chest manually using specialized tools. This method is labor-intensive and time-consuming and is only suitable for small sea chests or when access is limited.
• ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle): An ROV can be used to clean the sea chest. The ROV is equipped with specialized tools that can remove debris and marine growth. This method is faster and less labor-intensive than diving, and it can be used for larger sea chests.
• High-pressure water jet: A high-pressure water jet can be used to clean the sea chest. The water jet is directed into the sea chest, and the force of the water is strong enough to remove marine growth and debris. This method is effective and can be used for large sea chests.
• Chemical cleaning: Chemicals can be used to dissolve marine growth and debris in the sea chest. This method is effective, but it requires careful handling of the chemicals and disposal of the wastewater.

Regardless of the method used, underwater ship sea chest cleaning should be carried out regularly to maintain the ship’s performance and prevent damage to the seawater intake system. The frequency of cleaning will depend on various factors such as the type of ship, the operating conditions, and the seawater quality. It is recommended that the sea chest is cleaned at least once a year or more frequently if required.