Hatch cover Maintenance and Inspection

The most common cause of cargo wet damage claims on dry cargo ships is attributed to leaking hatch covers. Hatches leak for a variety of reasons, but mainly because of poor maintenance or failure to close them properly. Leaking or badly maintained hatch covers can lead to more serious consequences than wet cargo, including flooding, accelerated corrosion or even loss of the ship. It is crucial for safety at sea and protection of the environment to maintain hatch cover weathertightness and strength.

This course is developed specifically for the Deck Officers to acquire knowledge and develop skills relating to Cargo Hatch cover Maintenance and Inspection. This course been designed taking into consideration following industry standards and guidelines.

• SOLAS
• IMO Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing
• IMO resolution MSC.169 (79)
• IACS Requirements: rec14, rec15 & URS21
• International Convention on Load Lines (ICLL), Ch. II, Regs.14,15 & 16
• Right ship Inspection Questionnaire (RISQ)

Objective:

On completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Understand Different types of Hatch Covers and their Functions.
• Understand the factors and the defects that influence the hatch cover maintenance and lead to damages.
• Outline common misconceptions that lead to bad practices in maintaining hatch covers.
• Highlight common problems that result from poor/ bad maintenance of hatch covers.
• Outline good maintenance practices to avoid malfunctions and leakages.
• Understand the purpose of sealing tapes and foam fillers.
• Carry out leak detection tests.
• Prepare standard hatch cover inspection check list and carry out hatch cover inspection and maintenance routine.
• Demonstrate the precautions to be taken during heavy weather.
• Exhibit safety procedures while working on hatch covers.
• Demonstrate the procedures for opening and closing of hatch covers.
• Understand the Ultrasonic weathertightness test of hatch covers.

This is a Value added Course conducted both on line and off line mode with lectures,  audio visuals and table top exercises.