What is Ultrasonic Test of Hatch Cover for Leak Detection ?

Advantages are as follow –

Reliable, Non-destructive, repeatable testing method.

• Allows quick and easy testing, without assistance from ship’s crew (except for supervision and safety aspects).
• Can be used in holds loaded with water susceptible cargo.
• Can be carried out irrespective of weather conditions.
• Can be used for weather tightness and air/gas tightness.

Disadvantages are as follow –

• Requires ultrasonic test equipment and suitably trained operators.
• Requires Class Type approved equipment to be used when acting as class service supplier

You may also know water hose test –

Water hose tests are used to determine weather tightness of hatch covers. If correctly performed, hose testing will show hatch joints that leak.

The general procedure for hose testing is to apply a powerful jet of water from a 20-50mm diameter hose fitted with a 12mm diameter nozzle held at a distance of 1-1.5 metres from a hatch joint, moving along the joint at a speed of 1 metre every 2 seconds.