FREEMAN MARINE specializes by assisting architects, designers and builders with specifications, quotations and agency approvals for projects. 

Comprehensive information helps us help you. Regardless as to whether it is one door, one hatch or a complete shipset of closures, detailed information is required to help develop the most meaningful definition of closures (doors, hatches, windows, portlights). The four major areas where activities will be focused are: 

1. Initial review of profile and general arrangement drawings; 

2. Definition of individual closure specifications;

3. Development of detail drawings (as appropriate) and quotation by FREEMAN;

4. Comprehensive communications with project personnel. 

FREEMAN can work with listings and drawings provided in a variety of formats or can provide electronic/printed forms to assist you in summarizing closures. 

FREEMAN MARINE holds all provided information private; the strictest confidentiality standards are the norm. 

1 - GETTING STARTED - PROFILE AND GENERAL ARRANGEMENT DRAWINGS & SCHEDULES 

For a major project with many closures, a profile and general arrangement of the vessel is required. This should detail each door, hatch, portlight and window including an identifier system so we can match the closures in the drawings to the closures in the list (see list criteria below). 

Summary sheets are available on-line in two formats:
For electronic completion and return via email:  Door Summary (.xls), Hatch Summary (.xls).
For printing and return via fax or mail:  Door Summary (.pdf), Hatch Summary (.pdf).

Included should be a statement that describes performance standards, classification needs (ABS, LLOYDS, MCA, DNV, BV, etc.), and any builder special criteria such as documentation, training, etc. 

A schedule defining delivery requirements is requested. A construction timeline should be provided by the builder along with the profile and arrangement. This will allow FREEMAN to determine if delivery of closures to expected schedules is possible. It is never too early in the project to begin reviewing schedule requirements. This will allow questions to be asked, suggestions to be considered and final details to "settle in." Last minute decisions are subject to unforeseen errors and oversights that can become expensive and time wasting. 

2 - DEFINING INDIVIDUAL CLOSURE SPECIFICATIONS 

A list of the doors, hatches, portlights, windows that describes the following:

• Identifier - each closure should have a unique reference designator (letter, number, symbol)

• Deck Level - location on vessel

• Access From/To

• Bulkhead material and thickness

• Desired installation method - weld in, bolt in, glued

• Width (clear opening or rough opening)

• Height or Length (clear opening or rough opening)

• Watertight or Weathertight Seal

• Desired gasket type/material

• Quick-Acting, Individual Dogged, or Sliding

• Window and glass details - fixed, sliding - vertical, horizontal, lift, drop, screens, covers, shutters

• Lockset - Locking Systems

• Insulation Type

• Fire Ratings

• Special fabrication details (shape, knuckles, camber, oversize, extras)

• Drain (hatches), handles, dogs, hinges, and hardware placement

• Finish - type, system, color 

3 - DEVELOPING CLOSURE DRAWINGS AND QUOTATION 

FREEMAN utilizes several electronic formats to create drawings for proposals and quotations; SOLIDWORKS and AUTOCAD are commonly used. Standardized "sales drawings" scaled 1:1 are available for virtually all products to assist in the development of vessel designs to include FREEMAN closures. 3D models that demonstrate opening, closing, swing motion and potential interferences as well as an overall visualization that is beneficial in understanding size, shape and location relationships can be provided. Many drawings can be provided by e-mail; all can be provided via disk or CD. Please contact FREEMAN prior to starting a new project and our team will endeavor to provide appropriate electronic "sales" drawings. 

Detailed drawings related to specific project proposals can be provided; depending on scope of the project, an initial development fee may apply. Agency approval drawings, when requested, are detailed as a part of quotations. 

When sending electronic drawings to FREEMAN, please provide .DWG or .DXF files when ever possible. Most other formats are also supported in a "read" mode. 

4 - PROVIDING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS TO PROJECT PERSONNEL 

On most projects there are a large number of individuals who have input and contact opportunities related to closures. It is extremely useful to have a comprehensive listing of project personnel defining functional responsibilities along with names, mailing addresses, phone, fax and e-mail information. Listed individuals could include: Project Manager, Naval Architect, Structures Engineer, Designer, Owner's Representative, Classification Agency contact. 

Our Customer Profile form is available online for completion and email, fax, or mail return.

• Customer Profile (PDF) (fillable form)

FREEMAN MARINE will assign each project to a specific Sales Team member and on major projects will designate a secondary, back-up individual to assure easy access and prompt consistent responses.