In the maritime transport industry, the watertightness of cargo holds plays a crucial role in ensuring cargo safety—especially for dry bulk commodities that are highly susceptible to water damage, such as coal, cement, rice, flour, and steel. Therefore, conducting a Cargo Hold Watertightness Survey using the Hose Test method is mandatory and strictly required by shipowners, cargo owners, and international insurance companies.
1. Purpose of the Hose Test
The Hose Test method is carried out to verify the watertight integrity of cargo hold hatch covers and associated contact points such as rubber gaskets, compression bars, coaming channels, locking cleats, and division plates. It helps detect any leakage points where rainwater or seawater could penetrate into the cargo hold during transportation.
2. Hose Test Survey Procedure by VM CONTROL
VM CONTROL conducts the Hose Test survey in strict compliance with international standards, ensuring transparency and accuracy in every result:
Step 1: Preparation
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Check weather conditions (testing is not conducted during rain or strong wind).
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Clean the surface of hatch covers and rubber gasket areas.
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Prepare equipment: water hose with minimum pressure of 0.5 bar, water pressure gauge, and stable water source.
Step 2: Performing the Hose Test
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Securely close all hatch covers as they would be during sea passage.
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Spray water evenly over the entire perimeter of the hatch covers, especially at vulnerable areas (joints, locks, gaskets).
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Spray duration: minimum of 1 minute per meter of hatch perimeter.
Step 3: Observation and Recording
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Observe from inside the hold to identify any water ingress or leaks.
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Record the exact location and severity of any leaks using photos, videos, and detailed notes.
Step 4: Reporting
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Prepare a field inspection report with acknowledgment from the ship’s representative and the attending surveyor.
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Issue the official Hose Test Report, which holds legal value and can be used for commercial or insurance claim purposes.
3. Advantages of VM CONTROL’s Hose Test Services
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Experienced surveyors with deep knowledge of vessel structures and cargo hold systems.
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Modern equipment, ensuring proper water pressure and flow rate during testing.
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Bilingual inspection certificates, suitable for international transactions.
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Fast – Flexible – 24/7 services at all major ports across Vietnam.
4. Practical Applications
VM CONTROL has successfully conducted hundreds of Hose Test surveys at key ports such as Phu My, Cai Mep, Vung Tau, Hai Phong, Cam Pha, and Dung Quat, helping to safeguard cargo and enhance the reputation of shipowners and exporters/importers both domestically and internationally.
📞 Contact us today for prompt consultation and on-site support
VIET MARINE CONTROL JOINT STOCK COMPANY – VM CONTROL
Address: 1831/10/9, Huynh Tan Phat Street, Quarter 2, Nha Be Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hotline: +84 981 600 440 / +84 918 114 742
Website: www.vietmarinecontrol.com.vn
Email: info@vietmarinecontrol.com.vn