When water-damaged cargo is discovered at the discharge port, one question often follows: “Didn’t the hatch cover pass the hose test before sailing?”
In many cases, it did. Yet cargo claims involving moisture ingress continue to occur on vessels whose hatch covers successfully passed hose testing before departure.
The reason is straightforward: A passed hose test does not guarantee watertight integrity throughout the voyage. It only confirms that no leakage was detected during the test at that particular moment.
Before relying solely on a hose test result, there are four critical areas that deserve attention:
- Rubber Gaskets
A gasket may appear intact and still fail to perform effectively. As rubber ages, it loses elasticity and its ability to maintain sealing pressure when the vessel flexes and moves at sea.
- Compression Bars
Even a good gasket cannot compensate for a worn or distorted compression bar. Corrosion, wear, and uneven surfaces can reduce sealing effectiveness and create potential leakage paths.
- Drainage Arrangements
Blocked drain channels or defective non-return valves can prevent water from draining properly. Water accumulation around the hatch system increases the risk of moisture ingress into the cargo hold.
- Hatch Panel Alignment
Poor panel alignment can result in uneven gasket compression. While this may not be evident during a short hose test, it can become critical during heavy weather and vessel movement.
Why It Matters
At the berth, the hatch may pass the test. At sea, the sealing system faces entirely different conditions.
A hose test is an important inspection tool, but it should never be considered the sole indicator of hatch cover condition. Watertight integrity depends on the performance of the entire sealing system, not just the test result.
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