Underwater Rudder Cleaning
The rudder is critical to vessel steering and maneuverability. Heavy fouling on rudder surfaces disrupts water flow around the rudder blade, increasing steering resistance and reducing the rudder's effectiveness — which can be hazardous in confined port waters and canal passages.
SIFM's certified divers clean all surfaces of the rudder — both faces, the leading edge, trailing edge, and rudder stock area — using high-performance underwater cleaning equipment. The result is a fully clean rudder that operates at design efficiency, reducing helm loads and improving vessel response.
-
Full CoverageBoth faces + edges
-
In-waterNo dry-dock needed
-
24/7Availability
Our Rudder Cleaning Process
-
Pre-cleaning Assessment
Diver inspection of the full rudder assembly — both faces, leading and trailing edges, rudder stock, pintles and gudgeons — to document fouling condition.
-
Equipment Deployment
Twin brush machines and hydraulic power packs are rigged alongside the vessel. Divers are briefed and safety protocols confirmed before entering water.
-
Face & Edge Cleaning
Systematic cleaning of both rudder faces from top to bottom, followed by careful cleaning of the leading edge, trailing edge, and stock area using brushes and scraping tools.
-
Hardware Inspection
While cleaning, divers visually check pintles, gudgeons, and the rudder stock for signs of corrosion, wear or damage requiring attention.
-
Sign-off & Documentation
Completed service report with before/after photographic evidence provided for vessel maintenance records.
Before & After — Rudder Cleaning
CONTSHIP NEW Po SEADOCK MARINE · Click any photo to enlarge
BEFORERudder — Before (1) 
BEFORERudder — Before (2) 
BEFORERudder — Before (3)
AFTERRudder — After (1) 
AFTERRudder — After (2) 
AFTERRudder — After (3) 
AFTERRudder — After (4)
Ready to Schedule Rudder Cleaning?
Available 24h/7 across West Africa. Fast, expert response guaranteed.