Overview

This unique illustrated guide explains the fundamental importance of weathertight hatch covers to the safe and profitable operation of cargo ships. Poorly maintained or secured hatch covers can result in total losses in heavy seas and are one of the principal sources of cargo damage claims.

The guide describes the various types of hatch cover in use today and explains how they should be inspected, maintained and operated to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety. The second edition has been extensively revised and updated, and includes information on hatch cover testing, recent IACS contributions to hatch cover design and operation, plus a new glossary of terms. The guide is intended for ship’s officers, ship operator’s technical staff, surveyors, lawyers and claims handlers.

Content

FOREWORD

BENEFITS OF KEEPING GOOD HATCH COVERS

HATCH COVER DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Types of hatch cover

Basic design features

Recent changes to hatch cover design rules

Importance of steel-to-steel geometry

Sealing arrangements

Drainage

Securing

Locators

Problems from new

OPERATION

Safety

Closing and opening

Securing

Common problems

Inspection by onboard staff

Surveys

Testing methods

Use of hatch cover sealing tape and other temporary sealants

Checklists and reporting

Other watertight closures

Authorised User (see Terms of Use): Member of North of England P&I Association

MAINTENANCE

Routine upkeep and maintenance in service

The importance of cleats and seals

Corrosion

Keeping the drainage operational

Operating gear

Spares

Temporary repairs

Permanent repairs

IMPLICATIONS OF POOR HATCH COVER CONDITION

Seaworthiness and cargoworthiness

Records and evidence

Use of sealing tape and other sealants

APPENDICES

I Hatch cover survey checklists for weathertightness

II Note on IACS Z17 (1997) procedural requirements for service suppliers

III Glossary of terms

INDEX

Introduction

The first edition of this loss-prevention guide, published in 1997, has been widely distributed in the marine industry with the objective of helping to control the substantial level of claims associated with hatch covers. The guide continues to be found useful and so a second edition has been produced. This new edition brings the guide up to date with the addition of some new material; the opportunity has also been taken to revise the presentation.

The objective of the guide remains as before: to provide information in a simple and straightforward way to those onboard ship and those ashore who have an interest in the voyage. The aim is to provide practical guidance to the target audience of ship’s officers, ship operator’s technical staff, surveyors, lawyers and claims handlers.

The guide deals with hatch cover design principles, operation, maintenance and safety. Appendices are included which provide checklists for routine onboard inspections, notes on recent IACS contributions to hatch cover design and operation, and a glossary of terms.

Details

Title: Hatch Cover Maintenance and Operation: A Guide to Good Practice (Second Edition)
Edition: Second
Number of Pages: 64
Product Code: WS1710K
ISBN: ISBN 13: 978-0-9546537-2-9 (9780954653729), ISBN 10: 0-9546537-2-6 (0954653726)
Published Date: August 2019
Weight: 0.70 kg
Author: The North of England P&I Association Ltd