When wet cargo is discovered at the discharge port, heavy weather is often the first explanation. In many cases, however, the root cause existed long before the vessel encountered rough seas.
After more than 20 years attending loading operations and hatch inspections, one lesson remains consistent: A closed hatch cover is not necessarily a watertight hatch cover.
Before signing a Hatch Closure Report, there are three critical areas we always inspect:
- Non-Return Valves & Drain Channels
A clean drain channel alone is not enough. If a non-return valve is seized or blocked by cargo residues, water cannot drain effectively, increasing the risk of moisture ingress into the cargo hold.
- Rubber Gaskets
Visible damage is only part of the picture. Loss of elasticity, permanent deformation, and uneven compression can significantly reduce sealing performance, even when a gasket appears intact.
- Compression Bars
A gasket can only perform as well as the surface it seals against. Corrosion, wear, or distortion of compression bars can compromise watertight integrity and increase the likelihood of cargo damage.
Why These Components Matter
At the loading port, these findings rarely delay a vessel. At the discharge port, they often become the first items examined during a cargo claim investigation.
- A blocked valve.
- A hardened gasket.
- A worn compression bar.
Individually, each may appear insignificant. Together, they can create the conditions for costly cargo damage.
The VM Control Approach
Our hatch cover inspections focus on identifying potential weaknesses before the vessel sails. Through detailed examination and proper documentation, we help shipowners, operators, charterers, and cargo interests reduce the risk of avoidable cargo claims.
Because a hatch cover does not become watertight simply because it is closed.
It becomes watertight only when every component of the sealing system performs as designed.
🚛⚓EVERY GATEWAY – ONE SPEED
📍 Ho Chi Minh City ➔ Ba Ria – Vung Tau ➔ Cai Mep ➔ Quy Nhon ➔ Da Nang ➔ Hai Phong….
⚡ 4 HOURS: On-site Attendance ⚡ 12 HOURS: Survey Completion ⚡ 24 HOURS: Certificate Issuance
CONTACT INFORMATION
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: survey@vietmarinecontrol.com.vn
🔵 Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/vm-control-234252386