Watertight Integrity

Question 1

What is watertight integrity?

Answer 1

It is how a ship is compartmentalised and what is stopping the flow of water from one compartment to another.

Question 2

When should watertight doors be shut?

Answer 2

Watertight doors below the freeboard deck maintain the watertight integrity of the ship and prevent the flow of water in the event of a incident, except when there is an immediate need to pass through, they should be kept closed:

• In conditions of restricted visibility
• Within port limits or compulsory pilotage limits
• Where the depth of water is less than three times the ships draught
• In any other condition the master considers potentially hazardous

Question 3

What types of watertight doors are there?

Answer 3

There are three categories of watertight doors:
A - A door that may be kept open
B - A door that should be closed but left open for the length of time personnel are working in the adjacent compartment
C - A door that should be closed but may be opened to permit passage through it

Question 4

Can you operate the watertight doors from the bridge?

Answer 4

Yes, watertight doors must be capable of being remotely closed from the bridge and also locally controlled from either side of the door. Indicators on the bridge will show whether doors are open or closed and a audible alarm will sound when the doors close