4.1 Statutory surveys of hatch covers and their
coamings are to be carried out by the Administration as part of the
annual survey required by article 14 of the International Convention
on Load Lines, 1966, as modified by the 1988
Protocol relating thereto. On ships subject to the Guidelines on the
enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers
and oil tankers (resolution A.744(18),
as amended), these should be surveyed taking into account the guidance
in paragraph 3.3 of Annex A to the said Guidelines.
4.2 A thorough survey of hatch covers and coamings
is only possible by examination in the open as well as closed positions
and should include verification of proper opening and closing operation.
As a result, at least 50% of hatch cover sets should be surveyed open,
closed and in operation to the full extent in each direction, at each
annual survey. The closing of the covers should include the fastening
of all peripheral, and cross joint cleats or other securing devices.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of hatch covers
in the forward 25% of the ship's length, where sea loads are normally
greatest.
4.3 If there are indications of difficulty in
operating and securing hatch covers, additional sets above those required
by 4.2, at the discretion of the surveyor, should be tested in operation.
4.4 Owners and operators should ensure that facilities
and personnel are available to perform the required hatch cover movements
during each annual survey.
4.5 It is implicit that if the hatch securing
system cannot be properly operated, the ship will be obliged to effect
repairs under the supervision of the Administration. Where hatch covers
or coamings undergo substantial repairs, the strength of securing
devices should comply with IACS UR S30.
4.6 Owners and operators should be made aware
that partial replacements in cleating systems have the potential to
introduce imbalance between old and new cleats. This could result
in isolated cleats being subjected to excessive loads, which may then
lead to sequential failure.
4.7 For each hatch cover set, at each annual survey,
the following items should be surveyed:
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.1 cover panels, including side plates, and stiffener
attachments of opened covers, by close up survey (for corrosion, cracks,
deformation);
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.2 sealing arrangements of perimeter and cross
joints (gaskets for condition and permanent deformation, flexible
seals on combination carriers, gasket lips, compression bars, drainage
channels and non return valves);
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.3 clamping devices, retaining bars, cleating
(for wastage, adjustment, and condition of rubber components);
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.4 closed cover locating devices (for distortion
and attachment);
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.5 chain or rope pulleys;
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.6 guides;
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.7 guide rails and track wheels;
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.8 stoppers;
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.9 wires, chains, tensioners and gypsies;
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.10 hydraulic system, electrical safety devices
and interlocks; and
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.11 end and interpanel hinges, pins and stools
where fitted.
4.8 At each hatchway, at each annual survey, the
coamings, with plating, stiffeners and brackets should be checked
for corrosion, cracks and deformation, especially of the coaming tops.
4.9 Where considered necessary, the effectiveness
of sealing arrangements may be proved by hose or chalk testing supplemented
by dimensional measurements of seal compressing components.