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

Doors below deck

Collision Bulkhead Bulkheads must be watertight
Tank top Double Bottom Tanks
 Alarms
 All openings below decks must
1. Have a light indicator on the bridge
2. Have an audible alarm on the bridge
3. Have an orange/red flashing light at the
door when in operation
4. Have an audible alarm when in operation
 Is it Watertight?
 Survey checks
1. 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 or compartments of the
vessel. examples include:
Typical
•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.