Hatch Covers
Hatch Covers
Hatch Covers
The efficiency of the safety barriers depends on proper functioning and good condition of a number of key parts: Seals & channels Compression bars Securing devices: Cleats & wedges Drains and non-return valves Pontoons and panels Operating mechanisms Locators/stoppers Bearing pads
Seals & channels Flexible medium between covers and coaming Most important safety barrier
Design compression Avoid overcompression (bearing pads) Permanent imprint Original make
Compression bars
Contact interface with packing rubbers Smooth Strong/thick/rounded contact edge Straight
Securing devices
Secure panels when at sea Should allow for some movement Strong (all component parts) Ensure washer is not overtightened
Drain valves: Last safety barrier in case water infiltrates through packing/compression bar interface. Free/unobstructed N/R device Fire cap
Panels
Cover up the hold opening/hatch way Structurally sound Free of corrosion/holes Free of deformations/damage
Opening mechanisms Ensure proper and correct closing Easy and smooth operation No oil leaks Safe
Locators/stoppers: Guide the panels in correct closing position (locators) Control transversal and longitudinal movement (stoppers) Structurally sound (no fractures/deformation) Correct clearance
Bearing pads
Provide steel to steel contact Maintain panels in correct sealing position Transfer weights in coaming/deck structure Allow movement of panels Properly adjusted Smooth In place Free of defects/damage
We have different types of hatch covers Whatever type of hatch covers we are dealing with, they all have one thing in common: When not maintained/operated properly, they are all vehicles for human and commercial disasters (accidents, loss of life, loss of ship and cargo)
Personal injury
Personal injury
Damage to woodpulp
Damage to fertilizer
Damage to DRI
Explosion/fire
Fumigation problems/fatalities
CODES
CSWP
Other Regulations/Rules
Classification
Code on Alarms and Indicators IMDG Code ISM Code ISPS Code STCW Code CSS Code Statutory (flagstate)
Industry
P&I,
Loadline Convention (LL66) SOLAS Code of Safe Working Practice for Merchant Seamen(CSWP) International Labour (Maritime) Conventions (ILO) Class Rules .
International Convention on Load Lines 1966, Supplement (1981) and Protocol (1988):
Articles Annex I: Regulations for determining Load Lines Annex II: Zones, Areas, Seasonal Periods Annex III: certificates
Other openings, such as machinery space openings, ventilators, airpipes, scuttles, etcLL66 ANNEX I 17-18-19-20-21-22-23-24)
SOLAS
SOLAS Ch. I Reg. 11 Maintenance of conditions after survey Duty to report deficiencies/damages that may impair ships safety to Administration/Class SOLAS Ch. II-1 Reg. 25-10.2 (hatch covers to be of sufficient strength). Minimum strength of hatch covers as per ICLL 66 (Annex I/Reg 15&16) is that required to support a uniform distributed load of 1.75 MT/m for hatchways in position 1and 1.30 MT/m for hatchways in position 2. SOLAS Ch. II-2 Reg. 5.1.4 (fixed firefighting installations) means for closing openings which may admit air or allow gas to escape).
SOLAS
SOLAS Ch. II-2 Reg. 53. (1.2) (exemption for fixed gas fire extinguishing system if steel hatch covers are fitted and in case cargoes which constitute a low fire risk are carried and if all ventilators leading to the cargo spaces can be closed in an effective manner) SOLAS Ch. IX (ISM): esp. Section 7 (development of plans for shipboard operations key operations re-safety & pollution prevention) and Section 10 (maintenance of ship and equipment maintenance procedures re-all items covered by class & statutory surveys)
Note: ISM = safety/environmental friendly operation/avoiding damage to third party property. Hatch covers cover each and every item of the ISM code! SMS are approved by Class but seldom include procedures for hatch cover operation, maintenance, training
Classification societies can be appointed by Flagstates to carry out statutory surveys on their behalf. If appointed, Classification societies may act as Load Line assigning authority. This means that, in many cases, flag state items (safety/security items) are checked according to class methods, against conventional requirements/standards but not taking into account some safety aspects or industry requirements Therefore, a vessel that meets with Class and flagstate requirements might be able to sail, but not be able to trade cargo