Hold (compartment)

Some ships have built in cranes and can load and unload their own cargo.

[3] A cargo hatch or deck hatch or hatchway is type of door used on ships and boats to cover the opening to the cargo hold or other lower part of the ship.

This can be a waterproof door, like a trap door with hinges or a cover that is places on top of the cargo hold opening, covered and held down with a tarp or a latching system.

The term batten down the hatches is used prepare the ship for bad weather.

This may included securing cargo hatch covers with wooden battens, to prevent water from entering from any angle.