The work of the ship carpenter is today mostly concerned with experiments to insert new bolts in the ship in preparation for full-scale replacement of the bolts inserted in the 1960s. These bolts are corroding and must therefore be replaced with a new material. The work involves developing a gentle but effective method for extracting the existing bolts and replacing them with bolts more suited to the ship’s needs today.

Besides undertaking the semi-annual geodetic measurements, the carpenters also make regular checks of the other measuring devices on board the ship. In order to monitor movements in the ship hull, vertical yardsticks have been installed at three stations on board, and strain gauges have been placed on the cables supporting the stern and the beakhead. Together, these devices provide important information about the ship’s stability and complement the geodetic monitoring. If there are noticeable changes in the hull’s stability, then it is the carpenters’ job in consultation with other experts to take the practical measures to counteract and prevent further negative movement.

Regular inspection of the ship’s sculptures and gun ports is also done to establish their condition and to check their fastenings. If anything is considered to be in too poor a condition to remain in situ, it is the carpenters’ duty to remove it. Together with a conservator, an assessment is made of whether and how it should be remounted.

The carpenters also examine and adjust all the ca 450 wedge packets that support the hull’s exterior. This is a complicated job, since each wedge packet is individually tailored to its position on the hull and consists of 3-5 wedges.