Cleaning a 400+ Ft U.S. Coast Guard Vessel: Behind-the-Scenes

At Barnacle King, we’ve had the privilege of working on some impressive yachts and vessels, including U.S. Coast Guard ships stationed in Miami. But when the Coast Guard entrusted us with cleaning one of their massive 400+ ft vessels, this was an opportunity to take on an even bigger challenge. This wasn’t just a routine job—it was a massive undertaking that required precision, teamwork, and a whole lot of air tanks.

Here’s a detailed look into how we tackled this beast of a project over the course of two days, with a dedicated team of six divers each day.

Day 1: Prepping and Diving Deep

As with any high-stakes job, preparation is key. Before we even got into the water, we were required to participate in a debriefing and safety evaluation with the U.S. Coast Guard team. Given the size and complexity of the vessel, safety was the number one priority. The Coast Guard had to shut off certain systems before we could begin our dive, ensuring that our divers would be safe while working beneath and around the vessel.

While Barnacle King already cleans smaller Coast Guard vessels regularly in Miami, this 400+ ft ship at Port Everglades brought new challenges. This wasn’t your typical vessel—at 400+ feet long, the size of the vessel meant we had to be strategic in how we approached each dive. The first day started with filling our air tanks, knowing that each tank lasts approximately two hours underwater. However, we quickly realized just how vast the task was. Midway through the day, we ran out of air tanks and had to take a break to fill them back up before continuing. In total, we burned through more tanks than expected, simply due to the sheer size of the job.

One of the most impressive features of the vessel was its 15+ foot propellers. Cleaning something of that scale requires not just skill, but also coordination among divers. These propellers are responsible for powering the vessel on its missions around the world, and any marine growth or barnacle accumulation could significantly reduce its fuel efficiency and speed, which is a critical concern for a vessel of such importance.

Day 2: Full Steam Ahead with Extra Air

After the lessons of Day 1, we came fully prepared for Day 2 with 10+ tanks of air. The second day was all about efficiency, as we knew what to expect. Six divers suited up and dove in with a clear plan: divide and conquer. Each tank allowed for approximately two hours of underwater work, which meant we needed to check in regularly every 30 minutes due to the nature of the job and potential dangers involved. It wasn’t just about cleaning; it was about safety at every step.

One of the more challenging parts of the project was scraping the waterline. The waterline was so large that two divers had to work in tandem—one diver on top of the waterline and the other just beneath it—to ensure we maintained a straight line. The sheer surface area of the waterline made it a task of precision, but with teamwork, it was tackled head-on.

Why This Work Matters: Protecting a Vital Asset

This U.S. Coast Guard vessel came to Port Everglades specifically for us to clean and prepare it for its next mission to Panama. A vessel of this size, importance, and constant travel requires regular, thorough maintenance.

Without proper cleaning, the build-up of barnacles and other marine growth can seriously impact the vessel’s fuel efficiency. Barnacles create a rough surface that increases drag, forcing the engines to work harder and consume more fuel to maintain speed. For the Coast Guard, where fuel efficiency, speed, and performance are critical, this marine growth isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it can impact their mission readiness. Over long distances, like the journey to Panama (a 5 day journey from Fort Lauderdale) any additional drag or inefficiency can cost significantly in fuel and time.

By the end of the two-day project, our team had cleaned the entire hull, propellers, running gear and waterline of this massive vessel. We ensured that the ship was in prime condition to continue its journey, free from any marine growth that could slow it down.

The Challenge of Cleaning a 15-Foot Propeller

The propellers on this vessel were a staggering 15+ feet tall. Scrubbing them clean required detailed attention, as even the smallest bit of marine growth could impact their balance and overall efficiency. When a propeller is unbalanced, it can cause vibrations and other mechanical issues, leading to increased wear and tear. With these propellers powering the ship on long journeys, it was crucial that they were completely clean and smooth.

Working on something of this magnitude is no small job, but our divers handled it with the expertise and care that Barnacle King is known for. Every dive was strategic, and every move was calculated to ensure we left nothing behind.

A Team Effort for a Crucial Mission

With six divers working in rotation, it took precise coordination and teamwork to get the job done. Checking in every 30 minutes was necessary for both safety and keeping the operation on track. The U.S. Coast Guard vessel, an integral part of maritime security and operations, depends on efficient maintenance, and we were honored to contribute to that.

As we wrapped up the final touches on Day 2, the sense of accomplishment was undeniable. Cleaning this vessel was not just a job, but a testament to the level of trust the U.S. Coast Guard placed in Barnacle King. We are proud to have played a role in ensuring this vital asset is ready to continue its mission.

Our Long-Standing Relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard

While this project at Port Everglades was one of the largest we’ve taken on, Barnacle King has a long-standing relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard. We regularly clean their smaller vessels stationed in Miami, ensuring that every ship in their fleet—from the patrol boats to massive 400+ ft vessels like this one—receives the attention and care it needs.

Regular maintenance is crucial for any vessel, but for the Coast Guard, where missions are vital and response time is critical, ensuring that each ship is operating at peak performance is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a routine cleaning of a smaller vessel or a major project like this one, Barnacle King is proud to be a trusted partner for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Final Thoughts: Preparing for Panama

The journey of cleaning this 400+ ft Coast Guard vessel was an incredible experience. As the ship heads to Panama, we’re confident that it’s in top condition, ready to sail with maximum efficiency. From the massive propellers to the detailed waterline work, we left no stone unturned.

At Barnacle King, we understand that vessels of this scale require specialized attention, and we’re proud to offer the expertise needed to get the job done right. Whether it’s a private yacht, a smaller Coast Guard vessel in Miami, or a 400+ ft behemoth, our team is committed to delivering the highest quality of service to ensure every vessel is performing at its best.