A Comprehensive Guide to Efficient Boat Inspection and Reporting with UTM Reporting App


Context:

a Marine Surveyor is using the UTM Reporting app for efficient NDT inspection management, tasked with a comprehensive thickness survey for a boat, targeting hull plating, and structural member. This thorough survey will particularly hone in on bottom plating, deck plating, bilge plating, side shell plating, Bulkhead, and its structural member, Aft peak, Forepeak, and Ballast Tank. The goal is to assess the structural integrity and thickness of these critical areas, underlining the paramount significance of this maritime inspection.


Part 1: Preparation

Launch the UTM Reporting app and create a new project specifically for this boat survey.
Input essential general project details encompassing customer information, vessel particulars, inspection specifics, and the designation of the inspecting controller.

a. Organize the project and create Hull items to define the inspection areas and Hull components to survey: bottom plating, deck plating, bilge plating, side shell plating and Bulkhead name.


b. Create precise measurement points by establishing Sub Hull Items for accurate thickness mapping.
•When examining hull plating during a survey, it's beneficial to establish sub hull items using plate references (A1, A2, A3..., B1, B2, B3) for efficient organization and referencing.
•In the inspection of critical hull components like Bulkhead, which consists of multiple structural members, defining these structural elements as Sub Hull aids in streamlined organization and referencing.


c. Consider differing diminution thresholds based on specific criteria. Acknowledge that the acceptable percentage diminution may vary for each inspected item, contingent on classification society or local authority requirements. Modify the diminution thresholds for substantial and excessive diminution at both the Hull Item and Sub Hull Item levels if they deviate from the thresholds established for the entire project.

a. To precisely locate thickness points, ensure you create transverse items in the app. Think of these items as markers along a line from the boat's forward section to its aft, aiding in pinpointing positions across the boat's length. Utilize the boat's frames and number them sequentially from the back (rudder stock) to the front (stem/bow) to serve as these transverse markers, similar to transverse ribs spanning the boat's length.


b. To accurately pinpoint positions along the boat's width, it's essential to create longitudinal items, which can take various forms such as shell plates, structural beams, keel, or longitudinal stiffeners. Think of these items as markers akin to points along a road, guiding you from Port to Starboard. For example, shell plates are a type of longitudinal item and are denoted by a combination of a letter and number. The letter signifies the level (e.g., A, B, C...), indicating its height or deck level, while the number represents its position along the boat's width. Establishing these longitudinal items, be it through shell plates or other structural elements, allows for precise marking of thickness points along the boat's width.

To represent thickness for specific rooms or spaces like Aft peak, Forepeak, and Ballast Tank, the initial step involves linking measurements obtained on plating and structural members to the respective room. This approach provides a holistic view of the thickness within these spaces, offering valuable insights for effective decision-making during the survey and subsequent analysis. By associating the measurements with designated spaces, you ensure a comprehensive understanding of structural integrity and thickness distribution throughout the vessel, aiding in thorough inspections and informed assessments.

Upload the boat's plans and images into the app, ensuring the size adheres to a 2:1 ratio, like Width: 1500px and Height: 750px for optimal display. It's crucial to rename and reorder plans appropriately as this information will be visible in the final report. Additionally, arrange the positioning of each plan accurately within the app to ensure they are displayed correctly in the final report, similar to arranging hull items. Use the drag-and-drop feature to position the plans accordingly.

Review the uploaded plans to identify and define specific measurement points for each inspection area.

In summary, Part 1 guides effective preparation for the boat inspection using UTM Reporting. It emphasizes precise mapping through inspection points and varying diminution thresholds. Creating transverse and longitudinal items enhances accurate thickness measurement across the boat's width and length. This meticulous setup ensures precise thickness points, boosting accuracy and efficiency in the inspection process.


Part 2: On-Site Thickness measurement Survey

To start, open the UTM Reporting app. Ensure you activate the offline mode for your project, guaranteeing seamless work even without internet on the jobsite—please note that this feature is exclusive to the subscription engineer or captain plan.

Next, navigate to the plans tab, where you'll find all the vessel blueprints and images uploaded. From there, commence your planned survey procedure, including your thickness gauge calibration.

Use appropriate ultrasonic gauging tools to gauge thickness at specified points.
Utilize the plans uploaded as a reference to accurately survey the designated areas.
Begin measuring the plate thickness — typically, our users measure between 5 to 20 points and then input and locate these measurements within the app. Some of our users also prefer to note these measurements directly on the plating to maintain proof and facilitate accurate record-keeping.

1.Select Location on Blueprint:
- Tap the screen at the desired location on the blueprint where you want to place the marker.


2.Input Basic Information:
- Choose a hull item and select the side (port or starboard).
- Input the thickness measurement value.
- Optionally, input the origin of the measured plate's thickness for automatically calculation the diminution (recommended).


3.Refine Location (Optional):
- Select a sub hull item, a general location item, a transverse location item, a longitudinal location item, and a room/space to precisely define the marker's location. These items can be set up in the 'Advanced location' tab.


4.Additional Details (Optional):
- Add notes for additional information.
- Select an existing picture or take a new photo to mark corrosion.


5.Confirm and Apply:
- Review the marker's information.
- Click 'Apply' to confirm and add the marker will be added to the plan.


This process allows for accurate recording of thickness measurements and associated details on the blueprint, streamlining the inspection and reporting process.

1. Diminution Highlighting:
When diminutions, or reductions in thickness, are clearly marked and highlighted on the vessel plan within the UTM Reporting app, they serve as visual cues for surveyors. This visual highlighting prompts a focused inspection of these potentially structurally concerning areas. Surveyors can efficiently investigate zones with significant diminution, ensuring a targeted and thorough inspection, ultimately enhancing safety and structural integrity.


2. Precise Location Identification:
The UTM Reporting app offers precise location identification for each measurement. This accuracy ensures that surveyors know exactly where each measurement was taken. Such precision aids in accurate analysis during the survey and provides essential reference points for subsequent surveys. In case of repair or replacement needs, knowing the precise location minimizes errors and facilitates efficient area sizing for repair or plating replacement.


3. Detailed Information Capture:
The app allows for comprehensive data capture, including measurement values, origin of plate thickness, and optional additional details such as notes and pictures. This detailed information gathering ensures a thorough record of each measurement. It contributes to a comprehensive inspection report, facilitating informed decision-making during and after the survey.


4. Efficient Data Management:
The UTM Reporting app streamlines data management by automating the process of carrying over previous information when adding new markers. This automation significantly reduces redundant data entry, ultimately saving valuable time and effortq during the survey, especially when dealing with multiple measurements simultaneously. Efficient data management allows for a smoother and more productive surveying process.


Part 3: Thickness measurement Reporting

Following the thorough thickness measurement survey of bottom plating, deck plating, bilge plating, side shell plating, Bulkhead, and its structural member, with additional precise thickness measurements taken in the boat's compartments such as Aft peak, Forepeak, and Ballast Tank using the UTM Reporting app, the crucial next step is generating comprehensive reports specifically tailored to highlight the structural integrity of these critical areas.

Tailor PDF report templates to suit specific survey types, aligning with your company's color identity. Whether it's an annual survey, pre-purchase/sale survey, special survey, intermediate survey or a transfer of class, varying report titles and terms of use are essential.
We provide the flexibility to customize PDF report templates according to your business needs to ensure a clear and professional representation of the survey results.
Additionally, you can incorporate your company's logo to personalize the reports further.

When utilizing the UTM Reporting app for conducting a comprehensive thickness survey covering bottom plating, deck plating, bilge plating, side shell plating, Bulkhead, and its structural member, as well as measurements within boat compartments like Aft peak, Forepeak, and Ballast Tank, you have the option to select from a variety of tailored report formats, each catering to different situational needs.


Full Report Format:
Choose the Full Report format for a comprehensive overview of the thickness measurements.
In this format, you'll find a comprehensive summary of measurements, an overview of thickness diminutions, tables presenting thickness measurements organized by surveyed hull items, tables showcasing measurements from various angles like transverse, longitudinal, and room/space views, blueprints with thickness measurements, pictures and notes

It provides a holistic view of the survey, ensuring all essential data is presented clearly and concisely. Utilize this format for regular daily reports to track survey progress or as a final, comprehensive report upon completion of the survey.


Plan Report Format:
Opt for the Plan Report format when tracking progress throughout the survey. This format primarily focuses on blueprints, integrating measurements to illustrate the evolving state of the vessel's thickness. It allows for efficient tracking of changes and facilitates better planning for the remaining survey.


Raw Data Report Format:
In scenarios where a more detailed and structured data record is needed, the Raw Data Report format is ideal. It provides a comprehensive account of survey records in CSV files, allowing for in-depth analysis and data processing beyond the standard report formats.


By choosing the appropriate report format based on the situation, you ensure that the generated reports align with the specific objectives of the survey, providing valuable insights for efficient decision-making and effective communication.

Before finalizing the report, meticulously review all data related to bottom plating, deck plating, bilge plating, side shell plating, Bulkhead, and its structural member, as well as measurements within boat compartments like Aft peak, Forepeak, and Ballast Tank. Cross-verify the accuracy and completeness of measurement data, notes, and any additional details captured during the survey. Ensuring precision in the report is essential for assessing the structural soundness of these critical elements and compartments.

Utilize the UTM Reporting app to effortlessly export the finalized report in your preferred format—CSV or PDF, with a focus on the measurements of bottom plating, deck plating, bilge plating, side shell plating, Bulkhead, its structural member, and measurements within boat compartments like Aft peak, Forepeak, and Ballast Tank.
Share the report with stakeholders, underlining the crucial findings of the thickness survey for these essential areas. Ensuring a clear and concise report is vital for effective communication regarding the structural integrity of these critical hull components..

1. Efficiency and Time Management:
UTM Reporting streamlines the process, eliminating manual data entry, resulting in significant time savings and a more efficient report generation.

2. Cost-Effective Solution:
Automation and reduction of paperwork through UTM Reporting lead to cost savings associated with manual reporting methods.

3. Enhanced Accuracy and Clarity:
The app ensures precise mapping of thickness measurements, providing clear visualizations for accurate and reliable reporting.

4. Comprehensive Data Handling:
UTM Reporting enables detailed data capture, including measurement values, notes, and images, creating a comprehensive dataset essential for thorough reporting.

5. Automated Consistent Report Formats:
UTM Reporting automates report generation, ensuring a consistent and professional report format, reducing the risk of errors in the reporting process.