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.

I think it applies to all hatches (not sure about small opening ports
like you often have in the side-windows above the cooker), but of course
you're free to ignore it if you wish.

Pete