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42 MTR May 2006 diving box had been renovated and was ready for installation. It was taken into the thruster tunnel, along with the 4 detached propeller blades. The propeller blades were fitted with new seals, the gearbox refilled with oil and then air vented on the propeller hub monitored by the diver. After completing all mechanical and electrical connections the bow thruster was tested and found working perfectly. Another job was done on a 208 m container ship in Marseilles where Hydrex was called out to repair one bro- ken blade and replace all four-blade seals on a bow thruster. On arrival an underwater inspection was done and it was found that not only had one blade broken off com- pletely, but that this had also caused a crack and deforma- tion in another blade. It was therefore decided to replace the second blade as well. The work then began with the bowthruster grids first being removed. Following this, a flexible mobdocks was installed. Water was then pressurized out from the tunnel and a 'dry space' created. The first part of this operation required taking the securing plates from the blade bolts, removing the bolts and then all blades were taken away from the gearbox. The old seals were then taken off, the area cleaned up and new seals were fitted. After this, the two new blades and the two original ones were installed. The blade bolts were tightened to the right torque according to the specifications and the unit was filled, with oil. As this was a controlled pitch propeller system, the pitch of the blades was tested to ensure there were no oil leakages. This proved to be working smoothly and so the securing plates were welded back over the blade bolts, the thruster tunnel filled de-pressurized and the flexible mobdock removed. After the gratings were fitted back in place a final test was done which showed the unit to be function- ing optimally. Due to the use of flexible mobdocks, this operation - which in the past would have required dry docking the vessel - was carried out in a short time whilst the vessel was in port carrying out its regular duties, demonstrating that significant savings in time and money result from using the Hydrex flexible mobdock system. New Drysuits Offered DUI released a complete line of drysuits designed specifical- ly for warmer waters and cli- mates - the redesigned 30/30, the new 30/30SE and new StretchLiner 100. DUI uses a unique material with M3 Technology that is waterproof and breathable. The 30/30 is designed to be worn with light insulation so it gives the diver a sleek, slim fit. It has ankle seals instead of boots to keep your body tempera- ture regulated on the surface. DUI's 30/30 drysuit is available in two models: 30/30 SE and 30/30 Stretch Liner. Epic Divers Acquired by Tetra Technologies Epic Divers & Marine, headquartered in Harvey, La., was acquired by Tetra Technologies, Inc. for $50 million in cash, which was jointly announced by Julie Rodriguez, owner and CEO of Epic, and by Geoffrey M. Hertel, President and CEO of Tetra. Epic, which also has an office in Houston, TX, has approximately 250 employ- ees and projected revenues for 2006 in excess of $60 mil- lion. Epic will remain headquartered in Harvey, and its management team, staff, divers & marine personnel also will remain with the newly acquired dive company. Rodriguez will serve as President of the newly acquired company. Epic will continue to do business as Epic Divers & Marine, which houses a full-service commer- cial diving company and a fleet of marine vessels with offshore and coastal diving support capabilities, along with production and construction support. Epic Divers was founded in Harvey, LA in 1972, by L. J. "Pie" Rivet. His daughter, Julie Rodriguez, began working for the company Epic Divers Inc., in 1976, and purchased it from her father in 1991. Six years later she launched its marine division, Epic Marine, LLC, which later became established as Epic Divers & Marine. MTR#4 (33-48).qxd 5/8/2006 10:11 AM Page 42
