Cargo holds are fitted with hatch covers to prevent the contact of cargo with air, moisture, weather and water and to avoid cargo from getting wet.
Hatch covers of cargo hold generally made from lightweight steel or high tensile steel are fitted over a steel bar of the hold with a rubber packing inserted in between them to avoid water ingress.
A proper routine maintenance to be performed by qualified officer on ship which must includes-
Before leaving port, the crew should inspect the hatch covers to ensure they are in a weather tight condition.
Ensure that gaskets and coamings are in good condition.
It is important that records are kept about what maintenance and service has been completed in the Planned Maintenance System (PMS).
The crew can ensure that the paint is intact, which will give good protection against corrosion. Corrosion on the hatch cover might cause a hole in the steel construction.
It is essential that cargo hatch covers are inspected and tested at regular intervals to ensure that the weathertight integrity is maintained and that the vessel is in a cargo worthy and seaworthy condition.
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