Hatch Covers: Operation,Testing and Maintenance

Hatch Covers. Operation,Testing and Maintenance

This book from the Witherby Seamanship stable provides a definitive study of hatch cover testing and maintenance. The book was written by Mike Wall, Managing Director of Kiwi Marine Consultants Limited and a qualified mediator. Mike has 20 years experience in hull, machinery, cargo and condition surveys in the USA, New Zealand, Fiji and South East Asia and proved an excellent commentator on the matter.

During the publication process the book was reviewed by a number of experts and interested parties, including the SKULD P&I club, who provided access to their archives to obtain a number of case studies, and past and current Masters of bulk carriers. The Macgregor group kindly provided up to date design and equipment graphics.

Preface
Foreword
The Author
Acknowledgements

1 Why Hatch Covers are Fitted to Ships

2 Background to the Design of hatch Covers

3 Ship Construction to Accommodate Hatch Covers

4 Different Designs for Different Cargoes
4.1 Bulk Cargoes
4.2 Containers
4.3 General Cargoes
4.4 Refrigerated Cargoes
4.5 Timber Cargoes
4.6 Other Cargoes

5 Hatch Cover Types
5.1 Pontoon and Tarpaulin Covers
5.2 Direct Pull Covers
5.3 Folding Covers
5.4 Roll Stowing Covers
5.5 Side and Rolling Covers
5.6 Life and Roll Covers (Piggy – back)
5.7 Sliding Tween – deck Covers
5.8 Pontoon Covers
5.9 Reefer Vessels
5.10 Other Sealing Systems
5.11 Other Hatch Cover Designs
5.12 Other Cleating Methods

6 The Differences Between Watertightness and weathertightness
6.1 Ram – nek Tape and Foam

7 Care and Maintenance of Hatch Covers

8 Reasons for Hatch Cover Testing by Various Organisations and the Role of the Marine Surveyor in these Tests
8.1 National Based Survey Organisations
8.2 Classification Societies
8.3 Independent Surveyors
8.4 Insurance Surveyors
8.5 Cargo Surveyors
8.6 On/Off Hire Surveys
8.7 Pre – purchase Condition Surveys

9 The Various Hatch Cover Testing Methods
9.1 Chalk Test
9.2 Light Test
9.3 Hose Test
9.4 Air Test
9.5 Putty or Moulding Clay Test

10 The Use of Ultrasound Testing Equipment, Principles and Operation of the varied Equipment Available on the Market
10.1 What is ultrasound?
10.2 Advantages of Ultrasound
10.3 The Equipment
10.4 Miscellaneous
10.5 Comparison of the Equipment
10.6 Hatch Cover Testing Protocols and Procedures

11 Client Approval of Ultrasound testing equipment and Operators
11.1 Client Approval

12 Common Defects Found when Hatch Cover Testing

13 Repairs to Hatch Covers

Case Studies
Case Study 1: Hatch covers leaking in gale force winds
Case Study 2: Leaking hatch covers – damaged steel coils cargo
Case Study 4: Port of refuge required
Case Study 5: Oil leakage from the hatch hydraulic system on to the cargo
Case Study 6: Water damage due to leaking hatch covers
Case Study 7: Alleged wet damage to frozen krill
Case Study 8: Water damage to fishmeal cargo
Case Study 9: Steel cargo damage – ship sweat and sea water
Case Study 10: Water soaked cargo

Appendices
Appendix 1: Resolution MSC 169 (79)
Standards for Owners ‘Inspection and Maintenance of Bulk Carrier Hatch covers
Appendix 2: Table Showing Comparison of Ultrasound Equipment Index