Overview 38 aluminium tanks on-board a hovercraft, with the majority being buoyancy tanks, were found to be leaking. They required the weld joints on the tanks to be sealed with a suitable material that could be guaranteed for 10 years. They also required that all the tank surfaces were given a protective coat against the corrosive effect of a salt water environment. Challenge There would be other ongoing work happening on the vessel at the same time as the refurbishment of the buoyancy tanks (including hot work). Working in tight, confined spaces. Grit blasting was also not permissible/ feasible. Solution The surface was hand abraded to provide a keyed surface followed by washing with detergent to remove any oils or other decontamination. One stri

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