Berto's 
The rig comes to the dock
Getting a vessel to a shop isn't always practical, and pulling parts off can cost more time than the repair itself. Berto's mobile rig is a self-contained welding truck, so when the truck can get close enough to the vessel, we can run leads aboard and do the work at the dock.
We've taken the rig dockside to the commercial fishing vessel Osprey No. 1, where the work included aluminum TIG welding on hatch hinges.
Marine welding we can help with
- Aluminum hatches, hinges and brackets
- Aluminum and steel rails, mounts and fittings
- Steel repairs on commercial vessels
- Brackets and supports for equipment
- Parts fabricated in the shop and fitted at the dock
Every vessel and job is different. Tell us what needs fixing, send photos, and Berto's will tell you plainly what's possible at the dock and what's better done another way.
Why weld at the dock?
For a commercial vessel, time tied up for repairs is time not working. Bringing the welder to the boat avoids hauling parts off, driving them to a shop and waiting to refit them. It also means the repair can be checked in place, with the hatch, hinge or bracket fitted exactly where it has to work. When a part does need to come off for shop work, we'll say so and plan around your schedule.
Working on the water comes with its own conditions: salt exposure, wet surfaces, tight spaces and facility rules. Berto's preps the metal properly, protects the area around the work and follows the dock's requirements for contractors.
Aluminum and steel
A lot of marine work is aluminum, and aluminum takes careful TIG welding to get strong, clean results. See our aluminum TIG welding page for more on how we approach it. Steel repairs are done with the same mobile set-up. For new parts, custom fabrication in the shop is often the quickest route.
Planning a dockside job
- Tell us where the vessel is. Which dock, what parking and vehicle access looks like, and any rules the facility has for contractors.
- Send photos of the work. That helps us bring the right material and consumables.
- Book a mobile visit. Marine work is booked as mobile welding, with a 4-hour minimum.
Waterfront communities we serve
Docks and harbours in Richmond, Vancouver, North Vancouver, New Westminster and Delta are all within our Lower Mainland service area.