Jeff wrote:

Ronald Raygun wrote:

Our charter rules also require hatches to be labelled with a notice
"NOT TO BE OPENED AT SEA".

Does that apply to all hatches, or just those up forward? I have
hatches 8 feet above the waterline that can't take water in seas under
about 4 feet. I usually close them in rougher weather to avoid
catching spray, but they only really need to be dogged down in seas
over 8 feet.

Actually, having checked the rules, they're not as strict as I thought:

--quote
5.1.1.3

A hatchway with a hinged cover which is located in the forward portion
of the vessel should normally have the hinges fitted to the forward side
of the hatch, as protection of the opening from boarding seas. A hatch
with the hinges on the after side of the hatch should be secured closed at
sea, and be provided with a suitable blank.
--unquote