Especially, the tightness tests of ship hatch lids are of great importance in carrying loads sensitive to sea water. P&I clubs (protaction and indemnity clubs), namely protection and compensation clubs, which are one of the insurances made by ship operators, also give importance to the tightness controls during the admission examinations.

Basically, two different methods are applied in the tightness tests of ship hatch lids:

• Ultrasonic testing method and
• Water test method

These tests, carried out by the firms that ship the cargo, the receiving companies and the ship operators, are of great importance in order to protect themselves from the effects of the risks that may arise in the future and to defend the rights.

Sealing checks of ship hatch covers are performed by surveillance and inspection institutions on behalf of cargo owners, shipowners, charterers, insurance companies and P&I clubs. Cargo damages encountered to date are generally caused by leaks due to wear or tear of the rubber seals on the hatch inlets or hatch covers. Problems in the seals prevent the hatch cover from being fully seated, and the sea waters entering the warehouse through these intervals damage the loads transported. In addition, this situation causes delays in the delivery date of the cargo and disruption of customer operations.

Auditors use advanced technological devices in these studies. Supervisory inspectors primarily visually detect that hatch covers are closed, are closed securely and are in a watertight condition, before the ship sails and at the destination.

If there is a situation that will cause leakage in the covers and seals, then it will intervene at the moment. However, in addition to visual inspection, it has to perform a chalk test, a warehouse tightness test (hose test) or an ultrasonic leak test (ULD), in order to evaluate the hazards that will risk the quality of the load more objectively.

Ultrasonic sealing tests are the most accurate way of making sure about sealing. In these tests, special devices are used to detect ultrasonic sounds that occur naturally. In chalk and hose tests, the condition of the sealing gasket can be understood, but how much compression force is not known.

Our organization, which has a trained and experienced, expert staff and a strong technical infrastructure, also provides ship hatch covers ultrasonic leak test services to its customers within the scope of marine survey services.