Underwater Overboard Pipe Plugging in Vietnam

Underwater Overboard Pipe Plugging with Inflatable Rubber Plugs in Vietnam.

When a vessel requires the replacement of an overboard valve or the repair/replacement of an overboard scrubber pipe, and the system is located below the waterline, the first challenge is stopping seawater from entering the system during the job. This is where underwater overboard pipe plugging becomes essential.

Bacviet Ship Repair specializes in plugging overboard pipe using inflatable rubber plugs, installed and removed by certified commercial divers at the sea side of the hull. 

This service allows ships to carry out essential maintenance while afloat, avoiding costly and time-consuming dry-docking.

Why Overboard Pipe Plugging is Necessary

Overboard discharges are vital to many onboard systems, including cooling water, ballast, bilge, and exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers). Over time, overboard valves and overboard piping can suffer from corrosion, mechanical damage, or leakage. When these components fail or require renewal, the hull opening must be isolated from the sea.

Without proper isolation, removing a valve or pipe would result in uncontrolled seawater ingress—creating safety risks, potential flooding, and environmental hazards. By plugging the overboard pipe with an inflatable rubber plug, Bacviet ensures that the inboard team can work in a completely dry and safe environment.

The Bacviet Ship Repair Method

1. Job Planning and Safety Preparation

Before starting, Bacviet develops a method statement and risk assessment, covering:

• Diving conditions (depth, current, visibility)
• Communication procedures
• Safety protocols for underwater work
• Coordination with the ship’s crew, Port Authority, and Class Surveyor (if required)

We also prepare all necessary tools, inflatable rubber plugs of the correct size, and backup equipment to ensure uninterrupted operation.

Image underwater plugging overboard pipe in Haiphong Terminal

2. Internal System Isolation

The vessel’s crew isolates the system from inside:

• Closing upstream valves
• Lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures
• Depressurizing and draining the system
• Preparing workspaces for valve or scrubber pipe replacement

3. Diver Deployment and Hull Location

Certified Bacviet divers enter the water with full communication to the dive supervisor. Using vessel drawings and surface references, they:

• Locate the correct overboard outlet
• Clean marine growth from the outlet’s sealing surface
• Inspect the outlet for damage or irregularities

4. Inflatable Rubber Plug Installation

The diver positions the inflatable rubber plug into the overboard outlet. Once in place:

• The plug is inflated to create a tight seal against the inner walls of the pipe
• Pressure inside the plug is carefully controlled and monitored
• A safety securing line is attached to prevent accidental loss

This method allows sealing even if the outlet has minor ovality, surface pitting, or roughness.

5. Seal Verification

With the plug set externally:

• The inboard team slowly opens a bleed point to check for water ingress
• If no water appears, the work area is confirmed safe
• If minor leakage is detected, the plug can be adjusted or re-inflated until fully sealed

6. Internal Repair or Replacement Work

Once the seal is confirmed, the inboard engineering team can:

• Remove and replace the overboard valve
• Repair or renew the overboard scrubber pipe
• Dress flange faces and replace gaskets
• Install new studs, bolts, and nuts with proper torque values

All work is carried out following marine safety standards and, where necessary, under Class supervision.

7. Plug Removal and Final Checks

After the internal work is complete:

• The inboard system is pressure-tested for leaks
• The diver deflates the rubber plug and carefully removes it from the outlet
• The outlet is visually inspected to ensure unobstructed flow
• Final reports, including photographs, are delivered to the vessel owner or manager

Image underwater plugging overboard pipe at Cam pha anchorage

Advantages of Using Inflatable Rubber Plugs

1. Flexibility – Suitable for outlets with irregular shapes or slight damage.
2. Quick Deployment – Faster than mechanical cofferdams or dry-docking.
3. Minimal Hull Impact – No cutting, welding, or permanent changes required.
4. Cost Efficiency – Maintenance can be performed while the vessel remains in service.
5. Reliability – Properly installed plugs provide a watertight seal for the duration of the work.

Service Coverage – Ports and Anchorages Across Vietnam

Bacviet Ship Repair provides overboard pipe plugging services at all major ports and anchorages in Vietnam, including:

• Hai Phong Port
• Cai Mep – Thi Vai
• Vung Tau
• Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai, Hiep Phuoc)
• Dung Quat
• Quy Nhon
• Da Nang
• Nghi Son
• Cam Pha / Ha Long

Our 24/7 mobile teams can respond to emergencies or planned maintenance anywhere along the Vietnamese coast.

Image underwater plugging overboard pipe in Vietnam

Typical Situations Where We Help

• Replacement of corroded or seized overboard valves
• Renewal of damaged scrubber discharge pipes
• Repair of pitted or worn flange connections at the hull
• Emergency isolation of hull penetrations below the waterline

Why Choose Bacviet Ship Repair?

• Expertise – Experienced in all aspects of plugging overboard pipe with inflatable rubber plugs
• Safety – Full compliance with ISM Code, port regulations, and Class requirements
• Availability – 24/7 service at ports and anchorages nationwide
• Documentation – Clear, detailed service reports for owners, managers, and surveyors
• Cost Savings – Eliminates the need for dry-docking in most cases

Conclusion
If your vessel requires overboard valve replacement or scrubber pipe repair below the waterline while in Vietnam, Bacviet Ship Repair can provide fast, safe, and reliable underwater overboard pipe plugging with inflatable rubber plugs. Our professional divers and repair teams ensure minimal downtime, maximum safety, and compliance with all relevant standards.

Contact Bacviet Ship Repair today for expert service at Vietnamese ports and anchorages.

Service Areas: Hai Phong | Phu My | Dung Quat | Nghi Son | Cam Pha | Nationwide
 Hotline: +84 904125520- Mobile/ WhatsApp/ Wechat/ Zalo ( 24/7)
 Email: Bacviet@haiphongshiprepair.com
 Website: https://haiphongshiprepair.com/

Copyright of this article belongs to Bacviet Ship Repair Company.