Watertight

Integrity

Noel Frichot

Definition

Watertight means:

a)
In relation to a fitting above deck, that it is so
constructed as to resist effectively the passage of
water under pressure, except for slight seepage.

b)
In relation to the structure of the vessel,
capable of preventing the passage of water in any
direction if the head of pressure were up to the
freeboard deck, which in your case would mean the
main deck.

Major Areas

Below the Main Deck

Must be Watertight

Above the Main deck

Must be Weathertight

WEATHER TIGHT

WATER TIGHT

Openings below
deck must
watertight
Main Deck

Collision Bulkhead
Tank top

Doors below
Bulkheads
deck must be
watertight
Double Bottom
Tanks

Alarms

1.
2.
3.

4.

All openings below decks must

Have a light indicator on the bridge
Have an audible alarm on the bridge
Have an orange/red flashing light at
the door
when in operation
Have an audible alarm when in
operation

Is it Watertight?
1.

Survey checks
Chalk test

2.

High Pressure water hose test

3.

Ultrasonic test

Chalk test

Chalk is rubbed on the compression bar and

the door is then closed and dogged tight

Door is opened and chalk will transfer to

the rubber seal

If there are areas where there is no chalk

on the seal, then no contact has been made.

High pressure water

hose test

A fire hose is jet streamed at a

closed watertight door and leaks are
checked by a person on the other
side

A radio is used for communication.

Ultrasonic

Gives an indication of compression

between the compression bar and
rubber packing

Quickly pinpoints leaks and areas that

lack compression

Allows quick and easy testing

Can also be used for weather tightness

One man can operate the instrument

Bulkhead
openings/Penetrations

Pipes Passing Through Watertight

Bulkhead must be flanged

Internal Watertight Door

Main Deck Openings

Access Hatchways on Fore Deck

Raised Coaming

External Weathertight Door

Watertight Door Open Alarm Switch

Scuppers, Inlets &

Discharges
All sea inlets (Strum Box/Sea chest) are
to be fitted with valves of steel or
material of equivalent strength
attached direct to the hull or approved
skin fittings.

Drainage Arrangements From

Weather Decks

Weather decks are to be provided with

freeing ports, open rails or scuppers
capable of rapidly clearing the deck of all
water under all weather conditions.

Maintenance
Watertight integrity can be breached
through any activity or happening that
allows the ingress of water in unwanted
areas orexamples
compartments
of the vessel.
Typical
include:
Lack of maintenance to seals, screw threads and
other locking devices.
Damage caused by collision, grounding or heavy
weather.
Leaving hatches, doors, vents etc. open.
Blocked freeing ports or scuppers.
Cracks along welds in metal vessels or loss of
caulking from planked seams in timber vessels.