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Gard Guidance Masters

2.11.2.3 HATCHCOVERS AND OTHER OPENINGS

For further details please see Gard News 173, Tightness of hatch covers.

The vast majority of cargo claims are caused by ingress of water due to leaking hatch covers or accesses to holds. This may be due to
  • defective rubber gaskets
  • missing wedges
  • poorly maintained pressing bars
  • defective cleats and clamps, often in a heavily corroded condition.

    These items require particular attention and continuous maintenance as required under the vessel’s SMS in accordance with section 10 of the ISM Code.