What is a watertight door?

A watertight door is specifically designed to prevent the passage of water between different compartments within a vessel. This is critical for maintaining the integrity of the ship and for ensuring safety in the event of flooding. The design and function of watertight doors are intended to seal off areas of the ship to contain water in the event of a breach in the hull or other areas prone to flooding.

By having these doors, a ship can effectively compartmentalize water ingress, which is vital in minimizing damage and maintaining buoyancy. This capability helps in preserving the vessel's stability and provides critical time for response measures during emergencies.

While security and personnel access are important features of a vessel’s overall design, those characteristics do not define the primary purpose of a watertight door. Its essential function is to ensure that water cannot pass through in order to protect the ship and its crew.