UW Inspection for Detection of Illegal Substances

At BEVALDIA, we offer specialized underwater inspections to detect and document any foreign or illegal objects that may have been covertly attached to a vessel’s hull, sea chests, or other underwater structures, especially in high-risk ports and regions.

Our professional diving teams operate globally and are trained to identify suspicious items or tampering, which may indicate attempted drug smuggling or other unlawful activities. Upon completion of the inspection, a comprehensive report with embedded high-resolution images and full video is delivered to the client.

1) Legal Protection: Shipowners and operators may be held accountable if contraband is discovered onboard, even if placed without their knowledge. Our inspections help mitigate this risk through proactive detection and documentation.

2) Port Security Compliance: Many ports, especially in high-surveillance zones, require security checks. Our service ensures compliance with ISPS Code requirements and supports smoother port state control clearances.

3) Safety and Liability: Suspicious underwater attachments can pose risks not only legally but also structurally. Our detailed inspections ensure that any anomaly, whether criminal or mechanical, is detected before causing harm.

4) Reputation Management: Being implicated in smuggling activities, even unintentionally, can severely damage a company’s reputation. Routine underwater inspections reinforce a commitment to transparency, safety, and responsible operation.

Our divers focus on all critical underwater areas where illicit materials are typically hidden:

– Sea chests and gratings
– Rudder stocks and stabilizer fins
– Bow thruster tunnels
– Intakes and discharges
– Hull indentations or suspicious external attachments

Each inspection is methodical, video and photo-documented, and carried out with the highest discretion and professionalism.