When is the underwater hull report performed?

• A. 18-24 months prior to CNO avail
• B. On deployment
• C. After every voyage
• D. Once a year

Answer: (A)

The timing of the underwater hull report is about planning ahead for hull maintenance. This survey checks the hull below the waterline for corrosion, fouling, and any damage, and it identifies what cleaning or repairs are needed so those tasks can be included in the upcoming maintenance work package.

It is performed 18–24 months before the ship’s Chief of Naval Operations availability. This window gives enough lead time to schedule divers, obtain parts, coordinate contractors, and finalize the work plan so the hull work can be completed during the availability without delaying it.

Deployments or voyages aren’t the right moments for this planning-focused inspection, and waiting until every voyage or just once a year doesn’t provide the necessary lead time for proper maintenance sequencing.