Hull & machinery

Marine Surveyor detailing repairs that need to be made.

Damage Surveys (Cargo Claims)

Johnson Marine surveyors have both technical and hands-on experience in the repair and maintenance of marine equipment, docks, bridges, and cranes. Our experienced surveyors can provide our clients with practical and innovative solutions to the challenges they are confronted with on a daily basis.  

Our experience gives us the ability to respond to emergency situations with urgency and excellence. Upon our arrival, we are able to quickly recommend and mobilize contractors that are qualified to mitigate the loss in situations involving collisions, groundings, fleet breakaways and mechanical failures.

Johnson Marine surveyors have the knowledge and expertise to determine the nature and extent of damages to marine equipment, docks, machinery. Our detailed reports include the following:

  • Repair specifications

  • The bid process

  • Follow up inspections with the successful bidder

  • Final inspection upon completion of the repair

We review the final repair invoices and assist risk management personnel in closing out their insurance claims.

Barge Maintenance Inspections

From the day a barge leaves the shipyard, it is subject to “Normal Wear & Tear.” The first 10 years in the working life of an inland river barge (working in fresh water) is relatively maintenance free with the exception of fiberglass cover repairs. The years that follow can be critical in extending the useful life of the vessel.

Through the years, we have seen the value of a maintenance tracking system and have created a base program that can be implemented "as is" or incorporated into an existing system.

In order for the system to function properly, accurate and current information is required. This information is best obtained by inspections on the wash docks after discharging and in the fleets after loading.

Our Barge Maintenance Tracking System (BMTS) offers the owners and operators of inland river vessels the opportunity to:

  • Limit/Avoid costly cargo claims and personal injuries

  • Limit/Avoid costly rejection at the loading facilities

  • Increase the working life of their vessels

  • Maintain the value of their vessels

  • Make informed decisions on when and where to make necessary repairs

  • Make timely damage claims against parties responsible for the care and custody of your vessels

Johnson Marine has the experience, knowledge, and manpower to inspect your vessels, assess the conditions, and produce a concise report. Our findings will be forwarded via email upon completion of our inspections.

Ultrasonic Gauging/Non-Destructive Testing

Johnson Marine Surveyors are trained and experienced in gauging tank barges, tow boats, storage tanks, and pipelines. Our state of the art equipment provides accurate thickness readings without disturbing the vessel’s expensive coating systems. The measurements recorded are accepted by regulatory agencies including the United States Coast Guard. 

We have developed easy-to-read formats and diagrams that pinpoint the exact location of each reading. Diminution tables complimenting your report can be provided at your request.

Salvage

Johnson Marine surveyors have extensive experience in salvage operations on the inland river system. We have been involved in major salvage operations involving the recovery of towboats, hopper barges, tank barges, and a variety of cargos.  

We provide experienced surveyors to monitor and document all phases of salvage and have experience in preparation of salvage plans, dive plans, and transit plans for submission to regulatory agencies.

 Johnson Marine surveyors follow up and coordinate the efforts of Naval Architects, Marine Engineers, and Metallurgist while aiding in developing root cause analyses in cases involving buckling, hogging, and catastrophic hull failures. We also assist in gathering information for accident reconstruction and provide aerial photographs and video for 3D presentations that can be used as evidence in negotiations and litigations.