PSC deficiency code 02101: Closing devices/watertight doors
Code 02101 covers the doors and closing devices that keep the ship's watertight subdivision intact: sliding doors into shaft and pipe tunnels, hinged watertight doors between spaces below the freeboard or bulkhead deck, and their controls. The inspector writing it doubts the door would close and hold water if a compartment flooded. Weathertight doors on exposed decks have their own load line code (03107).
What the inspector looks at
Expect to be asked to close a door while the inspector watches, locally and, where fitted, from the bridge.
- The door closes fully on its own, with nothing (a cable, a hose, a pipe run later) across the opening
- Sliding doors: local and remote operation, the audible alarm while the door moves, and the manual means
- Bridge indicators compared with the door's actual position
- Hinged doors: gasket, every dog bearing on the knife edge, hinges and frame free of wastage
- Records of door tests and, on passenger ships, drills
Common findings
- Watertight door to shaft tunnel could not be closed from the bridge
- Bridge indicator shows door open while door is closed
- Audible alarm of sliding watertight door not working
- Rubber packing of hinged watertight door hardened and cut
- Several closing dogs seized, one missing
- Cables led through watertight door opening, door cannot close
- Watertight door held open with a rope
The rule behind it
SOLAS chapter II-1 sets the requirements. Part B-2 covers openings in watertight bulkheads, with separate rules for passenger and cargo ships on the type of door, where it's operated from and how its position is shown. Part B-4 covers keeping watertight doors closed at sea and their periodical operation and inspection, with regular drills on passenger ships. MSC 102 adopted amendments to Parts B-2 and B-4 on watertight integrity, in force from 1 January 2024.
Action codes you are likely to see
A seized dog freed or a cable rerouted during the visit is often marked 10. Gasket renewal, an alarm or indicator repair, or a hydraulic fix that can be finished in port is usually 17. The load line section of the IMO list of detainable deficiencies includes defective closing devices and watertight doors, so a door that can't be closed may lead to 30. See action taken codes.
How to close it
The chief engineer usually owns the repair. The crew can renew gaskets, free dogs, clear the opening and fix leaks; control, alarm and indicator faults may need an electrician or the maker's technician. Wasted frames or knife edges are a steel repair, and class should be involved because the door is part of the approved subdivision. Afterwards test the door locally and remotely, and chalk test a hinged door. Keep the test record, photos and any class report with the Form B. Related: hull damage, bilge pumping and ISM if the faults point to missing maintenance.