Care & Maintenance of Mechanical

Steel Hatch Covers

 Watertightness of Hatchcovers is
imperative
 Possible causes of water ingress:
 Improper closing
 Improper battening down
 Poor condition of rubber packing
 Corrosion
 Loss of watertightness due stresses in
rough weather or improper loading
Care & Maintenance of Mechanical
Steel Hatch Covers
 Weekly: Clean & grease wheels.
 Fortnightly: Clean & lubricate all quick
acting cleats, cross-joint wedges, gypsy
drive wheels and other moving parts,
electrical maintenance by electrical officer.
 Monthly: Check hatch coaming non-return
valves and inspect drainage channels that
they are not clogged, hose test the hatch
covers for leakages.
Care & Maintenance of Mechanical
Steel Hatch Covers
 Six-monthly: Remove all corrosion from
internal and external surfaces of hatch
cover. Paint with 2 coats of primer and
finish coat.
 Yearly: Check rubber packing for signs of
cut and wear and tear. Change where cut.
Hose the hatch cover for water tightness.
 Check towing chains– they may need
adjusting.
 General Operational Maintenanace

 Before closing, ensure trackways are clear

of cargo and other debris.
 Before opening, check all securing cleats
are open, cross wedges are removed,
locking pins are removed.
 Restraining wire is in good condition
though modern motorized hatch panels
have a braking system.