Marine surveying in the Pilbara.
TK Marine grew out of vessel management in the towage sector and is active in Port Hedland, with work across Karratha, Dampier and the wider Pilbara coast. AMSA-accredited, AIMS-certified and ISO 9001 certified.
What we do in the Pilbara
Pilbara ports run on tugs, workboats and bulk carriers working to tight schedules. Our work there is built around keeping vessels compliant and operational.
- AMSA commercial vessel surveys — initial, periodic and renewal surveys for domestic commercial vessels, with fuel tank pressure testing and BINDT-accredited thickness testing for steel and aluminium hulls. More on commercial surveys.
- On/off-hire and condition surveys — documented condition at hand-over and return for towage and port operators. More on consulting and project work.
- Gap analysis for towage and port operators — fleet and maintenance reviews from a surveyor who has managed tug fleets.
- Marine warranty surveys — packing, stowage and securing of high-value project cargo, including warranty survey work in Karratha.
- Ship inspections — technical and pre-purchase inspections on board larger vessels, up to bulk carrier size.
Technical inspection on board a geared bulk carrier.
A full technical inspection on a geared bulk carrier, with checks chosen around the realities of Pilbara port approaches. The inspection included:
- ECDIS blackout test — simulating a total power loss to confirm the emergency battery backup carries the system through without losing navigational data
- VDR alarm review — working through the voyage data recorder’s fault log with the crew to confirm alarms were understood, logged and being actioned
- Engine room alarm monitoring check — looking for alarms acknowledged but left unresolved rather than investigated and cleared
- Main engine power limiter override — walking the crew through the override procedure and having each officer demonstrate it back individually
That last check matters on the approach into Dampier or Port Hedland. With strong tidal streams, tight channels and heavy traffic, a Master can need full engine response in seconds, and every officer needs to know how to release the power limiter without hesitation.
Common questions
Which Pilbara ports do you cover?
We’re active in Port Hedland and work across Karratha, Dampier and Onslow, as well as further along the coast to Exmouth and Broome.
What kinds of vessels do you survey in the Pilbara?
Tugs, workboats and other domestic commercial vessels for AMSA surveys, plus larger ships for technical, condition and pre-purchase inspections.
Can you take on project or fleet work?
Yes. On/off-hire surveys, gap analysis and warranty surveys are quoted to the brief. See the Consulting & Project Work page or get in touch with the scope.
How do I get a quote?
Call 0448 793 835 or send the vessel details through the contact page, and we’ll come back with a scope and price.
Need a surveyor in the Pilbara?
Tell us the vessel and where it's located, and we'll confirm a time.