Robotic Ship Hull Inspection For Damage Repair

In this paper, we investigate the methods to be used in the inspection of damaged ship hulls in water at sea, as part of the European Union (EU) Robotic Survey, Repair and Agile Manufacture (RESURGAM) Project. Employing underwater robotics equipped with camera or laser sensors, along with robust control and positioning systems, 3D models of the damaged section(s) can be produced with a goal of providing sufficient information for the subsequent design of repair patch(es), and ultimately the application of this repair to the ship. This work will allow damaged ships at sea to seek repair without the need for access to a dry dock. Preliminary results from recent field operations are included in this paper, with further field research to be carried out later this year.