Water damage during sea transportation is an important cause of claims in bulk and containerized cargo. The origin of seawater and fresh water damage is reviewed and analyzed. A review of hatch cover components, operation, tightness and securing is discussed along with other sources of seawater and fresh water contamination in cargo holds of ships and containers. No previous experience required. Course prepared for cargo surveyors, cargo underwriters, claim managers, customer service, maritime lawyers and persons interested in knowing about water damage in sea transportation.
Course Objectives: Learn the origin of water damage in marine transportation and recognize the types of damages that frequently take place. Incidence of bad weather during the sea passage. Be able to interpret the scales of Beaufort and Douglas for wind force and sea condition. Be able to identify the types and parts of hatch covers and the mechanisms to keep them watertight. Become acquainted of hatch cover deficiencies that could result in water ingress and eventual cargo damage. Know the tests and inspections to determine hatch cover water tightness. Know and identify deficiencies in ventilation systems, hold access hatches, sounding pipes, bilges, pipes and ballast tanks that could result in cargo damage caused by the entry of water. Be able to differentiate the damage to cargo by seawater from fresh water through a chloride field test for identification of contamination with salt or brackish water.
