Digital marine system Marine Services offers advanced 3D laser tracker dimensional control solutions in FPSOs, offshore platforms, yachts, ships, and shipyards for high-quality measurements, alignment surveys, as-built drawing preparations, etc. By using advanced portable-type laser tracker measurements, our dimensional engineers can measure large, heavy components with millimeter accuracy. As a leading provider of offshore shipbuilding laser tracker alignment and inspection services in the UAE, our dimensional measurement capabilities include quick on-site alignment verification, 3D data overlay, and high-accuracy dimensional measurements in shipbuilding and offshore fabrication.
Our laser tracker alignment and its dimensional inspection services reduce crane time by taking measurements in shipyards without cranes. Real-time feedback supports immediate deviation reports for faster decisions and digital documentation for comprehensive as-built dimensional reports in shipbuilding and drydocking facilities, FPSOs and offshore rigs, shipbuilding and ship repair, subsea structures and pipelines, etc. For high precision with tight tolerance inspection in shipyards and marine, our laser tracker inspection services are the right choice for extreme accuracy of up to +/-0.025 mm and as-built geometry 3D visualization, ideal for onshore-offshore environments
Our critical alignment surveying and as-built surveying services include but are not limited to the following:
Pre-Cut and Fit-Up of Ship Unit
Our dimensional ship survey engineers will perform the best fit alignment before and after assembling marine equipment onboard by reducing crane handling time and reworks.
Alignment survey
Our dimensional specialists establish centerline benchmarks for the main shaft, axles, bearings, and propulsion system using precise 3-axis alignments.
Levelling Survey
We are using laser trackers by replacing traditional levelling tools of total station and 3D scanners for aligning machinery foundations, engines, winches, pumps, crane booms, and crane booms with submillimeter alignment accuracy.
Design and Engineering
Creating accurate Scan-to-CAD or Scan-to-BIM models related to ship models, design, and hull design.
Hull Alignment Survey
By verifying hull geometry and orientation in 3D space to ensure correct pitch, hull, and yaw angles prior to the welding and fabrication.
Offshore platform alignment survey
We provide alignment support for topside module integration, turret alignment, and flare tower positioning in FPSOs and offshore platforms.
Shipbuilding Alignment Survey in UAE
Laser trackers are essential for dimensional metrology applications in the shipbuilding industry’s machining and assembly procedures. The primary benefit of using trackers in shipbuilding is that they increase crane time productivity and value. Measured against the drydocked ship unit it would be fitted to, the crane was used to hold a machined item or ship unit in place for up to one or two days. The portion was then released from the crane, brought back into the shop, recut, and the procedure started if more work was required.
Today, a laser tracker can be used to measure these assembled components in the shop. After that, the same tracker can be used to take measurements of the drydocked ship in the yard. The data from the two measurements can be overlaid by software, which will then create a best-fit alignment for the as-built parts. Rework can be performed in the shop, reserving the crane’s valuable time solely for the final welding assembly. Listed below are several surveying and alignment applications that have become standard practice in the shipbuilding industry for laser trackers. Advantages of the laser tracker are its portability, user-friendliness, reliable measured data, ability to measure both short and long distances, and provision of immediate measurement feedback that enables real-time modifications.
Shipbuilding
Alignment
Pre-cut and
Fit up survey
Hull Alignment
survey
Offshore Platform
survey
As-built
documentation
3D Data
overlay
Frequently Asked Questions?
Why are Life Saving Appliance (LSA) and fire fighting equipment inspections mandatory on ships?
LSA and firefighting inspections are required by international law under SOLAS Chapter II-2 (Fire Protection, Detection and Extinction) and SOLAS Chapter III (Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements). These regulations impose a legal duty on shipowners, operators, and masters to ensure all safety equipment is maintained in a state of full operational readiness at all times while the vessel is at sea or in port.
In any maritime emergency — fire, flooding, collision, or grounding — life saving and fire fighting equipment represents the final defense for every person onboard. Equipment that has not been properly serviced, tested, and certified is highly likely to fail at the critical moment it is most needed. Non-compliance can result in vessel detention by Port State Control, invalidation of P&I or H&M insurance, and criminal liability for the Master or responsible officer in the event of an incident.
How often must LSA and fire fighting equipment be inspected?
Inspection intervals are defined by SOLAS and supplemented by flag state and classification society requirements. The main intervals are:
Weekly (Crew-Performed):
- Visual check of all fire extinguishers — condition, pressure gauge, accessibility
- Test of fire detection and alarm systems
- Lifeboat/rescue boat engine test run (minimum 3 minutes in gear)
- Check of lifeboat general condition, gripes, and release gear
Monthly (Officer-Led):
- Full inventory check of all LSA — lifejackets, immersion suits, EPIRBs, SARTs
- Inspection of survival craft, rescue boats, and launching equipment
- Test of all fixed fire suppression system controls
- Check of all fire detection detectors and alarm panels
Annual (Approved Service Provider + Class):
- Full inspection and certification of all fire extinguishers
- CO2 system annual inspection with pressure checks
- Inspection and certification of lifejackets, immersion suits, SCBA, EEBD
- Calibration of gas detectors, pressure gauges and UTI meters
Five-Yearly (Maker-Approved + Class Witnessed):
- CO2 system cylinder hydrotesting
- Foam sample laboratory analysis
- Sprinkler and water mist system five-year survey
- Lifeboat falls wire renewal or end-for-end turning
What are the most common Port State Control (PSC) deficiencies related to fire and LSA equipment?
PSC inspections regularly identify the following deficiencies, many of which result in vessel detention:
- Expired annual service certificates for fire extinguishers or LSA
- Fire extinguishers not accessible, obscured, or missing seals/pins
- CO2 system weight loss beyond permitted tolerance (>5% of total charge)
- Lifeboat engine failure to start during test
- Worn, kinked, or expired falls wire on davit systems
- Immersion suits with cracked seals, broken zips, or expired pressure test dates
- Inflatable lifejacket cylinder not correctly fitted or expired
- SCBA units with low or expired air cylinders
- EEBD units with expired or near-expiry battery/cylinder
- Fire detection system faults showing on main panel — unresolved alarms
- Missing or expired pyrotechnics (flares) in lifeboats
- EPIRB or SART with expired battery or failed self-test
Maintaining a structured planned maintenance system (PMS) linked to your service provider’s schedule is the most effective way to avoid these deficiencies.
Who is authorized to inspect and certify LSA and firefighting equipment on a vessel?
SOLAS and IMO guidelines require that annual and five-yearly inspections of most LSA and fire fighting equipment are performed by qualified, approved service providers, not the ship’s crew alone. The specific requirements are:
- Fire extinguishers and fixed systems: Approved service companies holding the relevant manufacturer authorizations and class society endorsements
- Inflatable lifejackets and immersion suits: Class approved service stations for inflatable equipment
- SCBA and breathing apparatus: Class approved service stations for breathing apparatus inspection & service.
- CO2 fixed systems: Companies approved under classification body and technicians proficient on the make & model of the systens
- Lifeboat and davit systems: Maker & classification body approved service stations as required by MSC/Circ.1206/Rev.1
In all cases, the certifying technician must be able to demonstrate current approval status from the relevant classification society and/or equipment manufacturer. This is the certificate that PSC inspectors and Class surveyors will request.
In practice, most flag states delegate their statutory survey functions to recognized Classification Societies. For LSA and firefighting equipment, the Class surveyor may witness annual or five-yearly service inspections and sign off on service certificates as part of the vessel’s annual or renewal survey.
What types of fire extinguishers are carried on ships and offshore platforms?
The main types of portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers found onboard vessels and offshore installations are:
- Dry Powder (DP) Extinguishers: Available in 2 kg, 6 kg, 9 kg, 12 kg, 25 kg, and 50 kg sizes. Used for Class A (solid), Class B (liquid), and Class C (gas) fires. Extremely common on engine rooms, cargo decks, and machinery spaces.
- CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Extinguishers: Available in 2 kg, 5 kg, and 10 kg sizes. Used primarily for electrical fires (Class E) and Class B fires. Found in electrical switchboard rooms, server rooms, and galleys.
- Foam Extinguishers (AFFF): Available in 9 litres, 45 litres, and 135 litres. Effective for Class A and Class B fires. Common in engine rooms, pump rooms, and cargo handling areas.
- Wet Chemical Extinguishers: Used specifically for Class F (cooking oil/fat) fires. Mandatory in commercial galley spaces on SOLAS vessels.
- Water Mist Extinguishers: Used for Class A and some electrical fires. Increasingly common as an environmentally clean alternative.
Each extinguisher type has specific inspection, testing, and refilling requirements, and must be appropriate for the fire risk in the space where it is located.