Q.How and why to pressure test the Cargo Sea chest ?

1. Close sea chest valve and block valve .

2. Drain water from section of pipe between sea chest valve and blockvalve .

3. Pressurise pipe to approximately

3.5 kg/cm² (50 psi).

4. Watch for a pressure drop over

15 minutes.

5. If a pressure drop is noted, check alongside the ship for bubbles of airescaping through the sea chest valve. Also check at test fitting B for leakage, if necessary using a balloon over the fitting to test for slow leaks.

Note: Care must be taken that the pipe system is not over-pressurised during the test. This

can be done by utilising a pressure limiting device on the air inlet set for no more

than 3.5 kg/cm2.

The outboard sea valves MUST be tested prior to arrival at loading/ discharge ports. The test should be conducted at anchor or alongside in calm weather conditions.