Ships have been essential for trade and exploration for centuries, and as such, have experienced various types of damage while sailing the seas. From collisions with rocks, icebergs and other vessels to adverse weather conditions, even the most durable ships have experienced the occasional repair. Therefore, it has become important to have a system that allows ships to be fixed while out on a voyage.
Historically, among the most common reasons for ships needing repairs when out to sea was due to damages sustained to the hull of the vessel. Hull damages could take a variety of forms, but in most cases, it is the result of the ship making contact with a foreign object. Once the damages have been identified, the ship’s crew would have to act fast to prevent the ingress of water into the ship.
The first step in the repair process would be to remove as much water from the affected compartments as possible. This could be done using buckets and pumps to remove the bilge water. The crew would then assess the extent of the damage before determining the type of materials required to fix the hull.
The next step would be to prepare the ship for the repair. This would involve hauling the ship to a sheltered area to prevent further damages due to the rough seas, and create a dry area to work. The crew would have to stop the ingress of seawater into the compartments containing the damaged area using strong planks and pumping systems.
Once this was done, the crew would start by removing the affected sections of the hull. A patch made of planking material would then be prepared to fit the shape of the damaged area. These patches were often made of oak, teak or similar materials that were denser and stronger than conventional wood. They were then fastened to the damaged area using dowels or spikes in a process known as “spiking”.
Modern-day ships are fixed a bit differently than their predecessors. First, ships are equipped with modern navigation equipment such as GPS and radar enabling easy passage to sheltered areas. In addition, modern ship crew members undergo rigorous training that equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to perform complex repairs.
Oftentimes, modern-day ships carry welding and patching equipment, which can be used for small repairs. Consequently, bulkier repairs, such as damages to the hulls, require technicians when onboard repairs are no longer an option. The damage control team or engineering department would often contact a local shipyard capable of repairing ships while at sea. The yard would send technicians and materials to the ship’s location and perform the repairs when the crew is at sea.
The repair process of ships at sea has come a long way since the days of wooden sailing vessels. As technology continues to improve, so too does the equipment and methods used to repair ships, allowing for quicker and more efficient repairs. However, being prepared, having the right tools and equipment onboard, and an experienced and well-trained crew remain pillars in ensuring the safety of ships and their crew on long voyages.