The video establishes the vital role hatch covers play in ensuring a vessel’s sea and
cargo worthiness during the voyage. In this context the importance of correct
operation, regular inspections and maintenance work is emphasized and the
recommended safe opening and closing procedures.
Special attention is paid to the typical reasons for rubber seals perishing ahead of
their design life. The video then introduces the viewer to the water hose test and the
ultrasonic test to verify hatch cover sealing performance.
Inadequate stowage and securing of cargo is a major problem for the shipping
industry. It can result in injury or even death for those on board and damage to the
ship and the environment. In economic terms, cargo lost or damaged in transit is
one of the major causes of insurance claims. Most of these losses could be avoided
if only greater care was taken while the cargo was being loaded and secured.
The package looks at the different forces acting on the cargo according to the
movement of the ship and at the various methods of stowage and securing including
the use of mats and dunnage to improve friction and systems of securing and lashing
with steel rope, chains or turnbuckles.
The video includes contributions from many of those involved in the cargo operations
including a Cargo Superintendent. He indicates some of the common problems with
particular cargoes and points out the benefit of quayside checks to ensure that,
where possible, some of the problems are resolved before they are brought on board.
This package supports international standards of training based on the STCW Code
Table A-II/1.
Hatch covers are still a major cause of accidents to seafarers and dock personnel,
and cause damage to cargos and even the loss of ships when operational and
maintenance procedures are not carried out correctly.
Recent fatal accidents on ships in the North Sea and Hong Kong have highlighted
these dangers. In one fatal accident case, a Chief Officer was crushed between a
bulkhead and a suspended hatchcover that was being removed. In another case, a
stevedore fell into a cargo hold after his ankle was trapped in the loose end of a tag
line attached to a hatchcover.
This programme expands on the previous popular Videotel training package
"Operation and Maintenance of Hatch Covers" and will consist of a video, a booklet
and a multimedia interactive programme detailing the correct operation and
maintenance procedures, with a heavy emphasis on safety.
With guidance from The Nautical Institute’s latest publication on hatch covers, the
programme makes compulsive viewing and an essential reference tool for all
seafarers.
The audience will see some fatal consequences of incorrect hatch cover operation,
from both the personal and practical point of view.
And, as modern hatch covers are sophisticated pieces of engineering, many will be
featured throughout the programme with animated graphic sequences to explain
their functionality.
All the peripheral items, such as cleats, rubber packing, compression bars and
bearing pads will be illustrated and explained. With the emphasis on how they all
contribute to resist the ingress of water and preserve cargo.
A detailed analysis from a qualified surveyor will point out typical problems that can
arise, with recommendations for corrective action and routine inspections. Testing
will also be covered with hose and ultrasound testing.
This new training package will increase awareness and will provide an underpinning
knowledge for the Safe Operations and Maintenance of Hatch Covers.
Made in association with West of England Shipowners Mutual Insurance Association.
Code No 506
Time: 21 Mins
Time: 34 Mins
Code No 938