Hatch cover testing is a critical procedure in the shipping industry, aimed at safeguarding cargo, ensuring vessel safety, and complying with international regulations. Protecting bulk carriers from water ingress or inspecting for damaged cargo caused by leaking hatch covers, the importance of comprehensive hatch cover testing methods cannot be overstated.
At Coltraco Ultrasonics, we specialise in ultrasonic hatch cover testing systems that deliver pinpoint accuracy and reliability under all weather conditions, including sub-zero temperatures.
Portascanner® WATERTIGHT PRO is a handheld, tablet-based integrity testing system that is able to detect the exact location and size of multiple leaks simultaneously on a single structure. Portascanner® WATERTIGHT PRO records leak flow rate and location to its database and can export these to a USB to record and report the test results electronically.
P/N: 509004-PRO
NSN: 6625-99-257-8336
IMPA MSG P/N: 652778
KD983 CAGE code – COLTRACO LIMITED
Portascanner® WATERTIGHT PLUS is a handheld watertight integrity tester for inspecting the watertightness and weathertightness of hatch covers, watertight doors and multi cable transit seals in marine environments. It is a portable, handheld solution which can be used by a single operator to test a large number of different hatches and seals in one quick and easy inspection.
P/N: 509004-WTPLUS
NSN: 6625-99-257-8336
IMPA MSG P/N: 652778
KD983 CAGE code – COLTRACO LIMITED
Hatch covers are crucial barriers against water ingress, preventing water from entering the cargo hold during transport. Their function is maintaining watertight integrity across the ship’s hatches, preserving the cargo and supporting ship safety.
However, water ingress can lead to costly consequences without proper maintenance of hatch cover structures, including damaged cargo and vessel instability.
Marine surveyors and ship owners employ various techniques to test hatch covers effectively. These techniques identify potential leaks and evaluate the hatch’s weather tightness. Standard hatch cover testing methods include visual inspection, ultrasonic testing, hose testing, and the chalk test.
Each suits different scenarios and vessel conditions, ensuring every cargo hatch maintains its integrity.
Among the various methods available, ultrasonic hatch cover testing has become a preferred choice due to its accuracy, non-invasiveness, and efficiency. Utilising ultrasonic sound technology, this method detects leaks with remarkable sensitivity.
A standard ultrasonic test hatch cover setup consists of an ultrasound generator placed inside the cargo hold and a receiver unit used externally to detect sound waves escaping through faults in the hatch sealing system.
When conducting an ultrasonic test hatch cover assessment, the generator emits high-frequency sound waves that permeate the compartment. If the hatch cover is intact, no sound escapes. However, any breach, whether through worn rubber packing, damaged compression bars, or misaligned hatch coamings, allows sound to pass through.
The receiver unit, often equipped with a flexible microphone and an extension arm for hard-to-reach areas, then detects the leak and precisely marks the exact location.
The open hatch value (OHV) measured during ultrasonic testing helps determine the severity of the leakage.
A zero dB OHV indicates a watertight seal, while higher values signal potential weaknesses. This method is integral for vessel maintenance, particularly in inspecting watertight doors and cargo hatches under challenging conditions.
At the heart of this approach is our Portascanner® range, advanced hatch cover ultrasonic testing equipment designed to deliver results with pinpoint accuracy. Portable and user-friendly, the equipment allows a single operator to assess multiple ship hatches quickly and effectively.
Each hatch cover tester is housed in a durable carry case and includes an ultrasonic generator, receiver, and flexible microphone extension for accessing narrow or elevated compression joints.
This ultrasonic tightness test confirms the watertightness of hatch covers and serves as an essential tool for maintaining regulatory compliance.
It reduces reliance on more invasive or weather-dependent methods and avoids creating a false sense of security, often associated with less reliable techniques.
Another traditional method is the hose test in the ship environment. This technique involves spraying high-pressure water directly onto the closed hatch covers to identify visible leakage.
Known formally as the hatch cover hose test procedure, it simulates harsh weather conditions to test the resilience of hatch coamings and rubber packing under low-pressure area stress.
While effective, those tests are best suited for conditions where a dry hold can be maintained and there is no risk of cargo damage.
Despite its limitations, the hatch cover hose test remains vital to comprehensive hatch cover testing, mainly when conducted alongside ultrasonic verification.
The chalk test, or chalk test ship inspection method, is a simple yet powerful diagnostic tool. Chalk marks are applied along the gasket and compression bars to conduct a chalk test for hatch covers. When the hatch is closed and reopened, the chalk test procedure reveals any contact gaps, highlighting potential leaks.
Often used to supplement other inspection methods, the chalk test is a watertight door inspection technique that provides quick and visual confirmation of the weather-tightness. Chalk test the hatch cover is handy for bulk carriers before long voyages, where early leakage identification can prevent costly incidents.
Visual inspection remains the first line of defence before employing advanced tools like ultrasonic equipment or water spraying systems. It is essential to check for misaligned hatch coamings, corroded metalwork, and worn rubber packing.
This simple but effective approach ensures that the hatch cover is not compromised before deeper testing begins.
The maintenance of hatch cover systems involves identifying and preventing issues. Regular inspections and routine testing help ship owners uphold the integrity of their vessel’s hatch covers, minimising risks related to water ingress and damaged cargo.
Compliance with SOLAS regulations and IACS standards demands that hatch cover testing be carried out regularly using reliable and certified equipment. Ultrasonic hatch cover testing provides a measurable, verifiable result that supports documentation required by authorities.
Coltraco Ultrasonics ensures that every ultrasonic hatch cover test conducted with our equipment meets DNVGL and IACS criteria. The data gathered from these tests supports compliance, audit readiness, and safety assurance for the vessel and crew alike.
From commercial shipping fleets to naval vessels, hatch cover testing is central to operational safety. The Portascanner® line of ultrasonic hatch cover testing equipment has been deployed across various sectors, including oil and gas, defence, and international cargo transport. Its ability to function in sub-zero temperatures and challenging environments makes it indispensable.
Air test alternatives like the ultrasonic method eliminate risks associated with light test variability and hose testing exposure. Whether inspecting a cargo hatch before loading or validating watertight doors in older vessels, the Portascanner® ensures quick, safe, and highly accurate testing.
At Coltraco Ultrasonics, we pride ourselves on our technology and the people behind it. Our friendly team supports marine surveyors, shipping operators, and safety officers with technical advice, training, and the latest industry news to stay ahead of evolving maritime safety standards.
Many ship owners ask, “What are the best methods to detect leaks in a ship’s hatches?” The answer lies in using a combination of techniques, such as ultrasonic testing, hose testing, and chalk testing. Each method offers distinct advantages and contributes to understanding hatch performance.
Another common question relates to the difference between light and ultrasonic tightness tests. While a light test involves observing external light passing through gaps, the ultrasonic method uses scientifically measured sound reflection to detect even the most minor breaches, providing a more accurate and dependable result.
Maintaining hatch cover integrity also involves knowing when to retest. Factors such as age, exposure to rough seas, and previous damage all influence test frequency. Regular inspection and proactive repair can prevent high leakage and water ingress costs.
As the shipping industry evolves, so must its safety and inspection practices. Hatch cover testing remains at the heart of maritime safety and cargo preservation.
Whether through chalk testing the hatch cover, hose testing in the ship, or an ultrasonic test using Coltraco’s world-leading hatch cover tester, the goal remains the same: ensuring that each vessel can carry its cargo safely across oceans, ports, and all weather conditions.
Choose Coltraco Ultrasonics for your hatch cover testing needs. Safety, precision, and compliance should never be compromised. Get in touch today for more information!
The primary methods for leak testing are ultrasonic testing, chalk testing and hose testing.
Ultrasonic Testing: This method involves using ultrasonic equipment to detect air leakage through gaps or defects in the hatch cover seals. Ultrasonic waves are emitted, and the equipment measures the time taken for the waves to return after bouncing off surfaces, identifying leakage areas.
Chalk Testing: Chalk is applied along the hatch cover seals, and the hatch is closed. After reopening the hatch, any smudges or breaks in the chalk line indicate potential leakage points.
Hose Testing: A high-pressure hose sprayed water onto the closed hatch cover seals. Any water ingress or leakage observed on the inner side of the hatch indicates potential seal failures.
The three types of hatch covers commonly used on ships are:
Inspecting hatch covers before leaving the berth or port is crucial to ensure the vessel’s safety and cargo protection during the voyage. Conducting a thorough inspection can identify and rectify any issues with the hatch covers, gaskets, or securing mechanisms before encountering adverse weather conditions or rough seas. This proactive approach minimises the risk of water ingress, cargo damage, and vessel stability compromises.
Monitoring ensures the vessel remains afloat, protects cargo, and contains any water ingress, preventing catastrophic incidents that could endanger the ship and its crew. It also helps comply with safety regulations and standards, minimising the risk of accidents and ensuring the ship’s seaworthiness for safe navigation.
IACS Mandate Z28 mandates the examination of cable transits on ships to confirm their satisfactory condition. This is significant because cable transits are recognised as key failure points in maritime incidents, impacting vessel safety and operation. Compliance with this mandate helps enhance ship safety and reduces the likelihood of incidents due to cable transit failures.
Examples include the grounding of HMS Nottingham, the flooding of the Emma Maersk, and the sinking of HNoMS Helge Ingstad. These incidents illustrate the severe consequences of compromised watertightness in ships, leading to financial losses, environmental damage, and risks to crew safety. Proper watertight integrity management could have prevented or mitigated these incidents.
Ultrasonic testing offers accuracy and reliability without damaging the vessel or its cargo. Unlike outdated methods like the Chalk Test or Hose Test, ultrasonic verification provides a noninvasive solution for detecting leaks effectively. It allows for precisely identifying leak points, enabling timely maintenance and repair actions to maintain watertight integrity and prevent potential hazards.
Our air leakage detection systems use ultrasound to monitor the airtight integrity of any room or compartment.
Our watertight integrity leak detectors use ultrasound to monitor the watertight integrity of any room or compartment
Acoustic, non-invasive pressure monitoring systems.
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