Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning a ship hull includes a support frame, at least one articulated arm installed on the support frame having a plurality of members interconnected by hinge connections, a hydraulic cylinder mounted between respective ones of the members about each hinge connection, and a brush head assembly mounted at the free end of the articulated arm so as to be positionable by the articulated arm against the ship hull. The apparatus is installed on a carrier such as a boat. The brush head assembly may include one, two, or three or more brush drums rotatably mounted within a yoke that is installed on the free end of the articulated arm. A monitoring device and a pressure nozzle are mounted on or about the brush head assembly to cooperate in monitoring the location and movement of the assembly relative to the ship hull.