[ North of England Promotes Ultrasonic Testing for Ha... ]

North of England Promotes Ultrasonic Testing for Hatch Covers

The North of England P&I Association has advised its members that one
of the best ways to check the watertightness of their ships’ hatch co
vers is to use ultrasound equipment. The advice comes in the latest is
sue of the club’s loss prevention newsletter, Signals. Unlike traditi
onal hose testing, ultrasonic testing does not carry the risk of damag
ing cargo. However, the club warns that only suitably trained and cert
ified surveyors should be used. IACS has now established procedures fo
r ultrasonic testing and the availability of class-approved operators
is steadily increasing. The specially commissioned article in Signals
by Kevin Highfield of London Offshore Consultants Highlights a recent
case where leaking hatches of a ship carrying steel products led to a
US$2million damages claim. Ultrasonic testing after the event precisel
y identified some minor gasket defects that cost just US$50 to repair.
The technique involves placing an ultrasonic transmitter inside the h
old and then using a receiver outside the hold to pick up any signals
escaping through the hatch. Other than closing the hatch during the te
st, only a single operator is required and each hatch can be inspected
in under 30 minutes.