What are test carried out to check weather tightness of hatch cover?

• The hold needs to be empty;
• It cannot be performed in sub-zero conditions;
• It requires the deck scupper drains to be open (potentially causing pollution);
• The test cannot pinpoint leaks on the cross-joint or side joint accurately;
• Two people are needed to supervise the test.

3. Chalk Test –

When performing a chalk test, the top edge of every compression bar is covered with chalk. Hatches are then fully closed and reopened. The rubber packing is examined for a chalk mark, which should run continuously along the packings centre.

Gaps in the chalk mark indicate lack of compression. Chalk testing merely indicates if hatch panels are aligned and compression achieved.

It will not show whether compression is adequate and therefore it is not a test for weather tightness