3 Inspection of hatch covers and hatch opening, closing, securing and sealing systems
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Maritime Safety Committee - Resolution MSC.169(79) - Standards for Owners' Inspection and Maintenance of Bulk Carrier Hatch Covers - (Adopted on 9 December 2004) - Annex - Standards for Owners' Inspection and Maintenance of Bulk Carrier Hatch Covers - 3 Inspection of hatch covers and hatch opening, closing, securing and sealing systems

3 Inspection of hatch covers and hatch opening, closing, securing and sealing systems

  3.1 Statutory surveys of hatch covers and their coamings are 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 and in accordance with the requirements for Enhanced Surveys contained in resolution A.744(18), as amended. However, the continued safe operation is dependent on the shipowner or operator instituting a regular programme of inspections to confirm the state of the hatch covers in between surveys.

  3.2 Routines shall be established to perform checks during the voyage, and inspections when the hatch covers are opened.

  3.3 Voyage checks shall consist of an external examination of the closed hatch covers and securing arrangements in anticipation of, and after, heavy weather but in any event at least once a week, weather permitting. Particular attention shall be paid to the condition of hatch covers in the forward 25% of the ship's length, where sea loads are normally greatest.

  3.4 The following items, where provided, shall be inspected for each hatch cover set when the hatch covers are opened or are otherwise accessible on each voyage cycle, but need not be inspected more frequently than once per month:

  • .1 hatch cover panels, including side plates, and stiffener attachments of opened covers for visible corrosion, cracks or deformation;

  • .2 sealing arrangements of perimeter and cross joints (gaskets, flexible seals on combination carriers, gasket lips, compression bars, drainage channels and non-return valves) for condition and permanent deformation;

  • .3 clamping devices, retaining bars and cleating for wastage, adjustment, and condition of rubber components;

  • .4 closed cover locating devices for distortion and attachment;

  • .5 chain or wire rope pulleys;

  • .6 guides;

  • .7 guide rails and track wheels;

  • .8 stoppers;

  • .9 wires, chains, tensioners and gypsies;

  • .10 hydraulic system, electrical safety devices and interlocks; and

  • .11 end and inter-panel hinges, pins and stools where fitted.

As part of this inspection, the coamings with their plating, stiffeners and brackets shall be checked at each hatchway for visible corrosion, cracks and deformation, especially of the coaming tops and corners, adjacent deck plating and brackets.

Parent topic: Annex - Standards for Owners' Inspection and Maintenance of Bulk Carrier Hatch Covers
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