Overview - ISO 24169:2022 (Fireproof watertight hatch covers)
ISO 24169:2022 specifies requirements for fireproof watertight hatch covers fitted on ship decks where the anticipated wave-induced water pressure is up to 10 m. The standard covers classification and designation, design and materials, manufacturing quality, test methods (fire and watertightness), inspection rules, markings, packaging, transportation and storage. It links fire-resistance verification to IMO fire test procedures and provides operational and instrumentation guidance for safe installation and acceptance.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Classification & designation
- Two shape types: A-type (round) and B-type (square/rectangular).
- Fire-protection ratings: A-60, A-30, A-0.
- Clear designation format (type, nominal size, plate/coaming thickness, coaming height).
- Materials & construction
- Cover plate and coaming: shipbuilding steel or equivalent with minimum tensile strength ~340 N/mm² (per classification society requirements where applicable).
- Hinges and opening devices have specified minimum tensile strengths.
- Maximum hatch cover thickness: ≤ 75 mm; design of plate thickness based on water pressure.
- Manufacture & finish
- Surface quality per ISO 8501-1 (e.g., Sa2½ or St2) and anti-rust primer.
- Smooth welds, no sharp edges or deformation; moving parts must operate freely.
- Fire testing
- Fire resistance verified generally in accordance with the IMO Res. MSC.307 (88) - 2010 FTP Code for “A” class fire doors, with additional thermocouple placement on the coaming.
- Maximum temperature rise along the hatch coaming shall not exceed 180 °C for the test duration.
- Watertightness & pressure testing
- Water pressure test: hatch installed on a test box and held at 0.10 MPa (5 min) to confirm no leakage.
- Status display & electrical
- Local and bridge indicators with sound/light warnings (red = open, green = closed); IP rating requirements IP68 on deck (IEC 60529) and IP22 in the bridge.
- Marking, packaging, storage
- Corrosion-resistant nameplate with product details, manufacturer, year, classification mark.
- Individual wooden packing with manuals, certificates and spare parts list; horizontal storage, protected from sun/rain/corrosives.
Applications - who uses ISO 24169:2022
- Shipbuilders and naval architects specifying deck hatch systems
- Hatch cover manufacturers and suppliers for design, testing and certification
- Classification societies and surveyors for acceptance and flagging
- Shipowners, operators and repair yards implementing SOLAS/IMO fire-protection measures
- Marine safety inspectors and insurers assessing compliance and risk
Related standards
- IMO International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
- IMO 2010 FTP Code (IMO Res. MSC.307 (88))
- ISO 8501-1 (surface preparation)
- IEC 60529 (IP Code)
ISO 24169:2022 is essential for ensuring deck hatch covers meet combined fire protection, watertightness, and operational safety requirements on ships exposed to wave pressures up to 10 m.
