MacGREGOR's Hatch Cover division has received DNV service supplier approval for ultrasonic tightness testing of hatches at Group offices worldwide using its new type-approved Sherlog equipment

Following type-approval of MacGREGOR's Sherlog ultrasonic equipment by Lloyd's Register, MacGREGOR's Hatch Cover division has gained a Class Service Supplier certificate from Det Norske Veritas. The certificate grants acceptance "for service on tightness testing of hatches with ultrasonic equipment on ships, high speed light craft and mobile offshore units classed by the society."

A unique feature of the Sherlog system is its integrated data-logger. Data can be downloaded to a PC/laptop for subsequent use as a periodic survey information source and can easily be forwarded by e-mail. Thus, hatch cover leakage data can easily be reported as required by the International Association of Classification Societies' unified requirements (UR) concerning survey and certification, in section Z17 which covers procedural requirements for service suppliers.

IACS UR Z17 specifies that type-approved equipment shall be used when ultrasonic tightness testing hatches. The service supplier must also:

• have knowledge of different hatch designs, their functioning and sealing features
• have experience with operation and maintenance of different hatch designs
• be able to document theoretical and practical training on board in using ultrasonic equipment specified.

MacGREGOR has unrivalled experience in meeting these requirements, and as far as it can ascertain is the only approved service supplier for ultrasonic tightness testing of hatches using type-approved equipment.

MacGREGOR has a team of certificated inspectors around the world who have made about 120 inspections and tightness tests with Sherlog equipment during 2001. Ultrasonic tightness testing was used for various reasons:

• checking tightness of hatch covers during newbuilding installation and during drydocking repairs
• testing on behalf of cargo surveyors, insurance companies, court surveyors and class surveyors
• preventive testing and inspection on request of shipowners and ship managers.

Ultrasonic weathertightness testing is clean, reliable, quick, and accurate for finding the exact location of a leakage in a hatch cover sealing arrangement, says Chris Van de Vijver, maintenance manager in MacGREGOR's Hatch cover Division. There is no risk of cargo damage, no interference with other shipboard activities, and testing can be carried out by one person.

As well as supporting MacGREGOR inspectors in their work, Sherlog is a valuable tool for surveyors, shipyards, shipowners and operators, charterers, and P&I Clubs.

[picture available from Steve Labdon :] MacGREGOR's Hatch Cover division has received DNV service supplier approval for ultrasonic tightness testing of hatches at Group offices worldwide using its new type-approved Sherlog equipment