Analisis Hasil Uji Kekedapan Skeg Pada Kapal Tongkang 330 FT Dengan Metode Air Pressure Test

Abstract

The skeg is a critical component of a barge that ensures directional stability; however, welding defects during construction can cause leaks that compromise operational safety. During the study, similar problems were also found in at least five other barge units at the same shipyard, making an examination of skeg watertightness important. This study analyzes the results of watertightness tests on the skeg compartment of a 330-foot barge using the Air Pressure Test method, identifies the causes of leaks, and evaluates the effectiveness of the repair process performed. A quantitative experimental method was used, with data collected through direct observation and documentation across three testing stages using an air pressure of 0.2 bar per BKI standards. Results show that 70 leak points were initially detected, consisting of 40 points on the portside and 30 on the starboard side, decreasing to 22 points after the first repair cycle with an effectiveness of 68.6%, and reaching 100% effectiveness after the second cycle. Pareto analysis revealed that 76.1% of total leak points originated from the first-stage testing, indicating the root cause lies in the quality of initial welding preparation and execution. Causes of leakage were identified using a fishbone approach into four categories, namely man, method, material, and environment, with porosity and undercut as the dominant weld defects found. The study concludes that the skeg structure of the 330-foot barge meets standard watertightness criteria after re-testing, and the findings can serve as a reference for shipyards to strengthen welding quality control from the preparation stage, reducing leakage risks and delivery delays.