Building trust across borders is a milestone for any specialized marine service provider. Recently, Oceaneers, a South Korean company, approached HHA Diving Services seeking a reliable and capable local partner to support their operations in the UAE and the region. Their requirement was highly specialized: a Test Patch Paint Inspection carried out to evaluate paint samples applied on vessel hulls during dry docking.

Recognizing the opportunity to expand our technical exposure, we accepted the challenge—executing a new form of inspection involving underwater evaluation of paint test patches in Salalah, Oman.

Test patch paint inspection is a critical process in paint testing and sampling. Selected coating systems are applied to marked zones on a vessel’s hull during dry docking, and their performance is later assessed under real operating conditions. While the concept may appear straightforward, the inspection itself is highly demanding. It requires strict adherence to international paint and coating standards, precise documentation, and detailed visual assessment of coating behavior underwater.

To ensure accuracy and compliance, the paint company auditor and Oceaneers CEO, Mr. DS Kim, traveled from South Korea to support the operation on site. Their presence provided direct technical guidance and ensured the inspection methodology met global requirements. Throughout the process, our team demonstrated strong adaptability, efficiency, and a rapid ability to learn and execute this specialized task.

The inspection involved:

• Identifying and confirming designated test paint zones

• Conducting detailed underwater visual inspections and filming

• Comparing test patches against surrounding hull conditions

• Documenting coating performance in line with international specifications

The feedback received reinforced our capabilities as a trusted regional partner. The project not only strengthened our technical skill set but also marked an important step in our international collaboration journey.

This successful operation reflects our commitment to continuous learning, global standards, and delivering reliable inspection services—even in complex and unfamiliar scopes. As we continue to work with international partners, HHA Diving Services remains focused on precision, compliance, and excellence beneath the surface.