The most important part of your boat is the part you never see. A wasted anode, a bent propeller, a weeping shaft seal, a mooring chain eaten by corrosion: caught early, these are minor maintenance items; ignored, they become expensive damage or a boat adrift. As founder of SeaBIOSe, a company specialized in underwater inspection and intervention, I carry out these checks right at your dock or mooring - no haul-out, no travel-lift fees.
Every inspection is documented: underwater photos and video delivered with a clear account of what was observed. For a buyer, that is valuable support before closing a deal; for a seller, it is proof of good maintenance that reassures and speeds up the sale.
What I check underwater
- Hull: antifouling condition, visible blistering, impacts, through-hulls and water intakes
- Running gear: propellers, shafts, struts, seals, cutless bearings and rudders
- Sacrificial anodes: wear rate and replacement planning
- Permanent moorings: mooring blocks, chain, shackles and swivels
- Keels, trim tabs, transducers and other submerged equipment
- Clearing rope or line wrapped around the propeller - fast on-site response
- Recovery of items dropped overboard (keys, glasses, tools, anchors)
Who it is for: owners at a dock or on a mooring, marinas, buyers and sellers before a transaction, and waterfront associations in the Gatineau, Ottawa and Thousand Islands area.
Frequently asked questions
There is a rope caught in my propeller - can you come quickly?
Yes, this is one of the most common calls. Cutting and clearing a line underwater avoids straining the transmission, damaging the shaft seal or paying for an emergency haul-out. Call me before you try restarting the engine.
Does your inspection replace a marine survey?
No. I provide a documented visual inspection with photos and video - a factual record of what is observable underwater. It complements the work of an accredited marine surveyor rather than replacing it, and many buyers use both.
How often should a mooring be inspected?
Once per season, ideally in spring before launch. Chain, shackles and swivels work all summer and rust all winter; that is almost always where the weak link is - literally.
Will I receive photos of the inspection?
Yes, always: underwater photos and video clips, along with a clear account of my observations and the items to watch or address.
What area do you cover?
The Ottawa River, the Gatineau-Ottawa region and the Thousand Islands, where I spend my summers. Travel elsewhere in Quebec and Ontario is possible - costs are set out in the estimate.
Know what is happening below the waterline
Quick reply, clear written estimate, and a confirmed agreement before any work begins.
Schedule an underwater inspection