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A rope or net around the propeller is a common problem, and it often happens just when the ship is trying to leave. At the Nagoya anchorage area, a fouled propeller can delay sailing, strain the engine and damage the shaft seal. Propeller rope and net removal in Nagoya is a quick job when the team is ready.
Ships pick up ropes from mooring lines, fishing gear, floating debris and plastic. At anchor, a ship swings with the tide and may drift over lines or nets in the water. When the propeller turns, the material winds around the blades and the shaft, pulls tight and can stall the engine. Even a ship at rest can pick up material when the tide carries it past.
If the propeller is fouled, stop the engine and do not try to turn it. Tell the owner and the agent. Note the position and the time. If the ship is at anchor, make sure the anchor holds and keep watch for drift. Call us with the ship's name, anchorage position and a description of the problem.
We go out by workboat with diving gear, cutting tools and CCTV. The agent arranges permission and tells the ship our ETA. The master prepares a pilot ladder or gangway on the lee side and a safe place for the supervisor. Weather and sea state decide whether the dive can start. Wind above about 17 to 21 knots or strong tidal current can stop the work.
The supervisor checks that the propeller is locked and the thrusters isolated. The Diver inspects the propeller and finds the entangled material. He cuts it with hook knives, hydraulic cutters or saws, working carefully to avoid damage to the blades and the seal. Cut pieces are lifted to the surface. This usually takes 2 to 6 hours, depending on the amount of material.
Once the propeller is clear, the Diver inspects the blades, the boss, the cone and the stern seal area. Rope can cut into the seal lip or bend blades. The video record is passed to the master and the engineers, who can decide whether the shaft and seal need further checks.
We bring the removed rope and net on board our workboat or hand it to the ship for disposal according to port rules. Nothing is left in the water.
Check the surroundings before the ship swings. Report floating lines to the port. After entanglement, avoid running the engine until the Diver has cleared the propeller.
Q1. How long does it take to clear a propeller of rope or net?
Usually 2 to 6 hours, depending on the amount of material and how tightly it is wound.
Q2. Should the engine be turned if the propeller is fouled?
No. Stop the engine and do not turn the propeller until the Diver has cleared it, to avoid further damage to the shaft and seal.
Q3. What weather stops an anchorage dive?
Wind above about 17 to 21 knots (Beaufort 5) or a tidal current stronger than about 1 knot will usually stop the work.
Q4. What does the Diver check after clearing the propeller?
The blades, boss, cone and stern seal area, for cuts, bends and leaks that the rope may have caused.
