Marine & Offshore Inspection Equipment
Ultrasonic thickness gauges, flaw detectors, and NDT instruments for hull surveys, corrosion monitoring, weld inspection, and structural assessment on vessels and offshore structures.
Built for Marine and Offshore Inspection
Marine inspection operates under a structured survey regime governed by classification societies, flag state requirements, and the commercial pressures of drydocking and in-service maintenance. Hull thickness surveys, weld integrity assessment, and corrosion monitoring are not discretionary activities on commercial vessels - they are mandatory elements of the survey cycle that determine whether a vessel receives class certification. The instruments used need to be accurate, durable enough for harsh environments, and capable of producing results that satisfy the requirements of DNV, Bureau Veritas, Lloyd's Register, and RINA survey programmes.
Offshore infrastructure inspection has its own requirements. Platforms, jackets, risers, and topside facilities are subject to corrosion in some of the most aggressive environments in the industry, and inspection access is often constrained by height, confined spaces, or the need to work without disrupting operations. Equipment needs to perform reliably in these conditions and produce documented results that meet asset integrity programme requirements.
Our range includes the Cygnus ultrasonic thickness gauge series - which carries endorsement from all four major classification societies for the Multiple-Echo through-coating measurement technique, alongside Dakota corrosion gauges with A-Scan capability, Sonatest ultrasonic flaw detectors, and magnetic particle inspection equipment suited to marine and offshore applications.
Common Testing Applications
Hull Thickness Surveys and Classification Society Compliance
Hull thickness surveys are a mandatory requirement at each special and intermediate survey, and the instruments used must satisfy classification society requirements for the measurement method employed. The Cygnus Multiple-Echo technique measures remaining metal thickness directly, ignoring protective coatings and antifouling paint without requiring their removal. This is explicitly recognised and endorsed by DNV, Bureau Veritas, Lloyd's Register, and RINA as a compliant method for thickness surveys on classed vessels.
Our Cygnus range covers four instruments suited to different survey requirements. The Cygnus 4 Mk5 is the standard field gauge for general hull survey work, supplied as a complete ready-to-use kit. The Cygnus 4+ Mk5 adds Echo-Echo and Single-Echo modes for heavily corroded and pitted surfaces, along with A-Scan display and sequential data logging for documented survey records. The Cygnus 6+ PRO is the flagship instrument, with a dual display: Front LCD for standard operation and end-mounted OLED for hands-free measurement. Comprehensive data logging, B-Scan, Bluetooth connectivity, and a high-temperature probe option is also featured. The Cygnus 2+ Mk5 is specifically configured for rope access and hands-free inspection, with an end-mounted display and three measurement modes for challenging access conditions.
Corrosion Monitoring with Through-Coating Measurement
Beyond mandatory classification surveys, ongoing corrosion monitoring of ballast tanks, cargo spaces, void spaces, and structural members is part of responsible asset management on commercial vessels and offshore installations. The Dakota CMX series provides ultrasonic corrosion monitoring with a capability the standard Cygnus range does not include: Simultaneous measurement of both the base material thickness and the protective coating thickness in a single measurement pass, without removing the coating.
The CMX2-DL and CMX3-DL add a full A-Scan waveform display alongside the thickness reading, allowing inspectors to confirm echo identification and detect pitting or lamination within the wall thickness. DakMaster PC software is included for data management and reporting. The CMX3-DL adds a colour AMOLED display for improved readability in the varied lighting conditions typical of ballast tank and void space inspection. All CMX models include NIST and MILSTD-45662A traceable calibration and a 4GB data logger with grid and sequential recording formats.
Weld Inspection and Structural Integrity
Weld quality on hull structure, deck fittings, pressure vessels, and offshore topside fabrication is assessed by ultrasonic testing as the primary volumetric inspection method. Our Sonatest flaw detector range covers the full span from entry-level portable broadband instruments through to advanced field units with Dryscan capability for composite inspection. The Sitescan D-50 provides an accessible entry-level option for general UT weld inspection to EN 1714, ASME, and JIS requirements. The Masterscan D-70 adds a 450V pulser for better penetration in thick sections and attenuative materials, along with composite inspection capability via the Dryscan option.
Magnetic Particle Inspection
Magnetic particle inspection is the established surface inspection method for detecting cracks and surface-breaking discontinuities on steel hull components, welds, propeller shafts, rudder pintles, bracket welds, and other ferromagnetic structural elements. The AC electromagnetic yoke generates a localised magnetic field that draws magnetic particles to any surface-breaking or near-surface discontinuity, making cracks and weld defects visible under UV or white light. Our MPI range includes the A2 Lightweight Yoke for field use under AS 1710, compatible with wet or dry magnetic particle media. The MTU-3 ISO 9934-2 Reference Block Type 1 is the standard daily verification tool used before each inspection shift to confirm that the MPI medium, lighting, and field strength are performing to the required sensitivity level.
Component and Material Hardness Verification
Material verification on marine components: Shafting, castings, forgings, fasteners, and structural plate, is a routine requirement in both new build and in-service maintenance contexts. Portable Leeb rebound hardness testing provides rapid in-situ hardness values without the need to bring components to a bench tester, making it practical for use in workshops, engine rooms, and on-deck locations. Our QualiTip range covers standard Leeb instruments in multiple configurations including a pen-style integrated unit at 120g for maximum portability, and the QualiTip III with an integrated printer for on-site documentation of hardness records. For components where the Leeb method is unsuitable due to thin sections, finished surfaces, or coated components, the UCI-4100DM motorised ultrasonic contact impedance tester provides an alternative method with automatic probe force control for consistent results.
Why Choose TestingCore
Instruments Suited to Marine and Offshore Conditions
The operating environment on a vessel or offshore platform is not comparable to a workshop or laboratory. Instruments need to tolerate humidity, salt air, confined working conditions, and intermittent power supply while continuing to produce accurate, documented results. The products in our marine range are built for field deployment, carry IP and MIL-STD ratings where applicable, and are supplied with calibration certificates traceable to recognised standards.
We supply marine and offshore inspection equipment to vessel operators, marine surveyors, port authorities, and offshore inspection contractors across New Zealand. Whether you are sourcing instruments for a drydocking survey programme, equipping a shipyard NDT team, or specifying inspection tools for an offshore asset integrity programme, our team can provide product specifications, calibration documentation, and standard compliance confirmation on request.
Classification Society and Standards Compliance
The Cygnus Multiple-Echo thickness gauge range carries endorsement from DNV, Bureau Veritas, Lloyd's Register, and RINA for use in hull survey applications. Other products across the marine range meet ASTM, ISO, EN, and AS/NZS standards as specified on individual product pages. Calibration certificates are supplied with all instruments. Contact us for technical documentation where required for survey or audit purposes.
