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HATCHES – Compression bars, coaming and landing pads

During recent inspections on board of our vessels it was observed that the compression bars, coaming top and landing pads are not maintained as required. Corrective maintenance needs to be done by crew.

Compression bars

The compression bars on hatch cover panels and on hatch coaming tops need to be straight and the top edge must be well rounded and have an even surface otherwise this will damage the rubbers and lead to leakages. On older vessels they often have heavy scales of corrosion, and when the scales fall off in sections, the compression bars are left with high and low areas where compression of the gaskets will be unequal. Such compression bars should be chipped, cleaned and maintained by coating (primer and top coat).

Corroded compression bars and coaming. Top of coaming not cleaned during cargo operations

Coaming top and landing pads

It is important that the top of the coaming and landing areas are kept free of rust and debris and well maintained against corrosion (chipping, cleaning, primering and painting). Cleaning of the coaming and pads is part of the deck watch duties during the cargo operations.

Below maintenance steps to be completed in one day and not partly! This means the crew has to maintain (small) areas which can be fully completed in one day.

1.Clean surface

2.Chip, derust surface

3.Clean again

4.Prime surface

5.Paint (topcoat) surface 

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