AMSA Marine Notice

AMSA has received reports of serious incidents, including fatalities, involving hatch covers on board ships.

During inspections, AMSA continue to identify deficiencies in hatch covers, mostly as a result of lack of maintenance or improper operation. Some of these include unsafe securing – or no securing at all – of hatch covers, whilst the hatch
covers are either partly or fully opened. The common finding in these situations is not following manufacturer’s instructions during operations. Additionally, defects pertaining to poor maintenance of hydraulic systems that are
critical to hatch cover operation have also been identified.

https://www.amsa.gov.au/file/9653/download?token=P_9EBQE8