Independent Ship Steel Inspection & Ultrasonic Thickness Measurements

Pre-dock steel condition surveys, rope access inspections, and technical reporting for shipowners worldwide.

ISO 9001 certified. DNV, RINA, ClassNK approved.

Reports accepted by major classification societies. Independent third-party inspections you can trust.

Fast Mobilization

Worldwide capability

Detailed Reports

Class-compliant docs

Rope Access

Hard-to-reach areas

Expert Team

Experienced inspectors

The Pre-Dock Problem

Many shipowners enter dry dock without knowing the true condition of their vessel's steel structure. This uncertainty creates cascading operational and financial challenges that impact budgets, timelines, and negotiations with repair yards.

Unexpected Steel Renewal Scope

Hidden corrosion and structural degradation discovered during docking force sudden scope changes. What was planned as routine maintenance becomes major steel renewal, derailing project timelines and budgets.

Delays During Docking

Unplanned repairs extend docking duration, blocking the repair yard's schedule and delaying your vessel's return to service. Each day in dock represents lost revenue and operational disruption.

Increased Steel Repair Costs

Emergency repairs discovered during docking cost significantly more than planned work. Labor, materials, and expedited services inflate final bills well beyond initial estimates, straining capital budgets.

Difficult Shipyard Negotiations

Without independent data on steel condition, you negotiate from a position of weakness. Shipyards control the narrative, making repair scope and pricing decisions that favor their interests over yours.

The root cause: Lack of independent, technical assessment of your vessel's true steel condition before entering dry dock. Without this clarity, you face uncertainty, scope creep, and budget overruns.

Our Solution

NDTest provides independent steel condition inspections that let you understand your vessel's true structural condition before entering dry dock. Gain clarity, control, and the data you need to negotiate confidently with shipyards.

Plan Steel Repairs with Confidence

Our comprehensive UTM and visual inspections identify exactly which areas require renewal. You'll have precise scope definition before docking, eliminating guesswork and scope creep.

Reduce Unexpected Findings During Docking

Pre-dock inspections surface structural issues before you enter the yard. No more costly surprises mid-project. Our rope access and RIT capabilities reach areas others can't assess.

Prepare Accurate Repair Budgets

Detailed inspection reports include steel renewal estimates and weight calculations. You'll know your costs upfront and avoid budget overruns during docking.

Negotiate Using Independent Data

Our independent, third-party reports carry weight in shipyard negotiations. Class-society-accepted documentation supports your position and prevents unreasonable scope expansion.

Trusted by Maritime Professionals Worldwide

ISO 9001

Certified Quality

DNV Approved

CP-0620 UTM

RINA Certified

Ships & Offshore

ClassNK Approved

Worldwide Coverage

Our Core Inspection Services

Comprehensive maritime inspection and NDT capabilities tailored for shipowners, ship managers, and repair yards worldwide.

Ultrasonic Thickness Measurements

Precise hull structure thickness measurement according to classification society requirements. Detect corrosion, define steel renewal scope, and support class surveys with DNV CP-0620, RINA, and ClassNK compliant data.

→ Thickness tables, corrosion analysis, structural sketches

Rope Access Close-Up Inspections

IRATA-certified technicians access hard-to-reach areas without scaffolding. Inspect cargo holds, ballast tanks, under-deck spaces, and hull overhangs safely and efficiently with detailed photo documentation.

→ Visual testing, photography, condition assessment

Pre-Dock Steel Condition Surveys

Comprehensive inspection before dry docking to define steel renewal scope, avoid unexpected findings, and prepare accurate repair budgets. Negotiate with shipyards using independent inspection data.

→ Complete condition assessment, repair estimation

Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT)

Advanced inspection of confined and difficult-to-access spaces using remote techniques. Detect defects in areas where conventional access is challenging or unsafe.

→ Confined space assessment, advanced defect detection

Technical Reporting

Comprehensive reports with thickness tables, corrosion analysis, steel repair estimation, structural sketches, and photo documentation. Accepted by major classification societies.

→ Class-compliant documentation, professional standards

Multi-Method NDT Services

Complete non-destructive testing capabilities including Visual Testing (VT), Penetrant Testing (PT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Eddy Current Testing (ET), and Ultrasonic Testing (UT).

→ Comprehensive defect detection, multiple methods

Why Shipowners Choose NDTest

Class-Compliant Inspections

DNV, RINA, and ClassNK approved. Reports accepted by major classification societies.

Independent Third-Party Assessment

No conflicts of interest. Objective, professional inspection and reporting.

Experienced Marine Inspectors

Practical expertise with ship structures, steel repairs, and dry dock planning.

Fast Worldwide Mobilization

Based in Tallinn, Estonia. Ready to respond globally to inspection requests.

Ready to understand your vessel's true steel condition? Explore our full service capabilities or request a customized inspection quote.

Why Choose NDTest

We differentiate ourselves through technical expertise, practical maritime experience, and unwavering commitment to class-society compliance. Here's what sets NDTest apart.

Independent Third-Party Inspection

No conflicts of interest. Our independent assessments give you unbiased, objective evaluation of your vessel's steel condition—crucial for confident decision-making and shipyard negotiations.

Experienced Marine Inspectors

Our team combines certified NDT expertise with practical ship repair knowledge. We understand not just how to measure—but what measurements mean for your vessel and repair planning.

Rope Access for Hard-to-Reach Areas

IRATA-certified technicians access confined spaces, cargo holds, ballast tanks, and overhangs without expensive scaffolding. Faster, safer, more cost-effective inspection of critical areas.

Fast Worldwide Mobilization

Based in Tallinn with global reach. We respond quickly to inspection requests anywhere in the world, minimizing delays and keeping your docking schedule on track.

Detailed Technical Reports Accepted by Class Societies

DNV, RINA, and ClassNK approved. Our reports include thickness tables, corrosion analysis, repair scope estimation, structural sketches, and comprehensive photo documentation.

Practical Steel Renewal Scope Definition

We help you define renewal scope with precision. Our practical experience with ship repairs means accurate scope estimation, preventing budget surprises and enabling confident shipyard negotiations.

NDTest combines technical expertise, practical maritime experience, and class-society compliance to deliver independent inspections you can trust. We're not just measuring steel—we're solving your pre-dock uncertainty and protecting your budget.

Professional NDT Training & ISO 9712 Certification

NDTest Training Center provides hands-on NDT training and certification preparation for maritime and industrial professionals. Courses combine theoretical instruction with practical laboratory training and comprehensive exam preparation. All certificates are internationally recognized and issued through accredited certification bodies.

NDT Courses Offered

Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Level 2

Detection and evaluation of internal defects using ultrasonic waves. Comprehensive training for maritime and industrial applications.

Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT) Level 2

Precision thickness measurement of materials and ship structures. Essential for hull condition assessment.

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) Level 2

Detection of surface and near-surface defects using magnetic fields. Critical for structural integrity assessment.

Visual Testing (VT) Level 2

Comprehensive visual inspection techniques and standards. Foundation for all NDT practitioners.

Eddy Current Testing (ET) Level 2

Detection of defects in conductive materials using electromagnetic induction. Advanced defect detection capability.

Our Training Methodology

Theoretical Instruction

Comprehensive classroom instruction covering NDT principles, methods, standards, and real-world maritime applications.

Practical Laboratory Training

Hands-on exercises using real NDT equipment in a controlled laboratory environment. Learn by doing under expert supervision.

Certification Exam Preparation

Focused preparation for ISO 9712 certification exams. Experienced instructors guide you toward successful certification.

Why Train with NDTest?

Experienced Maritime Instructors — Practical expertise in ship inspections and NDT applications.

Small Class Sizes — Personalized attention and mentoring for each participant.

Internationally Recognized Certificates — Issued through accredited certification bodies, recognized globally.

Hands-On Laboratory Training — Real equipment and practical exercises prepare you for certification exams.

Course Location

All NDT training courses are conducted in:

Tallinn, Estonia

Modern training facilities with fully equipped NDT laboratory.

Certification Standards

All courses prepare you for:

ISO 9712 Level 2 Certification

International standard for NDT personnel qualification and certification.

Ready to Start Your NDT Training?

View our complete course schedule, dates, and registration information. Our training team is ready to answer your questions and help you enroll in the right course for your career goals.

View Training Courses & Schedule