FIRST MARINE SERVICE Co., LTD.

2019/01/31
Ver.1

HATCH COVER CHALK TEST

This method is using chalk for an inspection to ensure full compression of the rubber gasket.

A continuous chalk line on the rubber gasket means that the hatch cover is weather-tight.
A thin line indicates a lack of full pressure (compression) in regard to weather-tightness, and
any gaps in the chalk line indicate a lack of pressure between the compression bar and the
rubber gasket, i.e. a lack of weather-tightness.

1. Procedures
(1) This check can be carried out on fine day.
(2) Fully open the hatch covers and clean surface of rubber gaskets.
(3) Put chalk on the compression bar on hatch coaming and hatch cover center meeting.
(4) Fully close hatch covers and cleated. (Usual closing condition of hatch covers.)
(5) Fully open the hatch covers and check condition of chalk trace on the rubber gaskets.

Chalk on Compression Bar

Fig. I, Condition of Chalked compression bar for Chalk Test

Fig.II, Chalk trace on rubber gasket after

Chalk Test (Showed continuous chalk
line, considered weather-tight.)

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 FIRST MARINE SERVICE Co., LTD.
2019/01/31
Ver.1

Chalk on the Compression Bar. Chalk trace on the rubber

gasket after Chalk Test.

Fig. III, Chalk Test on Hatch Cover Center Meeting.

2. Check Points
(1) Chalk trace
(A) Shade of color : Thick ⇒ Good, Thin ⇒ Poor
(B) Line continuity : Continuous Line ⇒ Good, Broken Line ⇒ Poor

Fig IV, Type of Chalk Trace

(1) No chalk trace: Not weather tight. Will cause water ingress.

No trace of chalk on rubber gasket.

Chalk trace

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 FIRST MARINE SERVICE Co., LTD.
2019/01/31
Ver.1

(2) Continuous but Thin chalk trace: Poor weather tight. May cause water ingress.

Thin chalk trace means

poor compression pressure

(3) Continuous and Thick chalk trace: Good weather tight.

Good weather tight

End.