Pontoon hatch/cover lock-downs

[edmiester]

API 650 C.3.5 leave the option to the purchaser to install hold-down fixtures on the pontoon covers to prevent wind or fire-fighting hose streams from removing the covers.

Is there any other reason/benefit for installing these lock-downs?

Thank you for the input.

 

[Duwe6]

Keeps critters from nesting in the pontoons.

 

[Compositepro]

This is just a guess, but sealing the hatches would help keep the pontoon afloat if there were suddenly an unexpected hole below the water line.