Why there is a need for a proper maintenance and testing of cargo hatches before a ship loads its cargoes?
Maintenance and Repair. Poor maintenance of hatch covers causes leakage to cargo damage and represents a hazard to the ship and its crew . Although hatch covers are simple and durable , their sealing gaskets are easily damaged. The quality of sealing is affected by lack of alignment and poor gasket compression.
Who are not particularly trained to care for the cargo with the result that cargo hatch covers approved during a load line inspection may fail during AP & I condition survey?
Class surveyors are not particularly trained to care for the cargo, with the result that cargo hatch covers approved during a load line inspection may fail during a P&I condition survey.
What are cargo hatch cover on a ship?
A large steel structure fitted over a hatch opening to prevent the ingress of water into the cargo hold. It may also be the supporting structure for deck cargo.
What are the basic procedures in maintaining cargo hatch covers?
GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND ROUTINES
- Before closing the hatch covers, ensure that the hatch coamings and double drainage channels are swept clean of any cargo debris.
- Whilst cleaning, check for any damage to the coaming area, paying particular attention to the compression bars, wheels, wheel tracks and landing pads.
How do you test and maintain cargo hatch cover of a dry ship?
Chalk Test: A layer of chalk powder is applied all over the steel back of the hatch and then the hatch cover is closed and tightened to its normal values. The impression of chalk on the rubber packing is then studied to check lack of compression point shown by gap in the chalk marks.
Why does cargo hold clean matter?
Inadequate cleaning can cause cargo contamination, leading to cargo damage claims from the receivers. For instance, if contaminated by residues, cement loses its binding capacity, salt becomes liquid and sugar can ferment. A single piece of coal left behind can get the hold failed.
What should you look for when inspecting a cargo space?
Items to be inspected
- Check that the designated compartments are clean and ready to receive cargo.
- Check that the drainage and bilge suctions are working effectively and that bilge wells are dry.
- No leakage from ballast tanks present.
- Sounding pipes and air pipes passing from holds are clean and rust free.
What is the importance of cargo space inspection?
Why inspection and preparation of holds is important? Cargo spaces intended to be used for loading should be inspected to ensure that the compartment intended to be loaded with cargo is clean, dry and ready in all respect to receive the cargo being offered. Holds are Taint free.
Why it needs to trim the bulk cargo when it reach the hatch cover?
Dry bulk cargoes with an angle of repose greater than 35 degrees are less prone to surface shift, but these cargoes need trimming sufficiently to cover the entire tank top area out to the ship’s side. Thus, reducing the pile height and distributing the cargo weight evenly over the hold bottoms.
Is it necessary to always clean the cargo hold bilges?
Hold bilges must always be cleaned out thoroughly and bilge suctions tested before loading another bulk cargo. Bilge covers are to be wrapped in burlap, replaced in position and secured.
