A sea chest cover for providing access to the sea chest of a ship. The sea chest
cover includes both a cover element and a liner element received within the interior
of the sea chest and is fabricated essentially entirely of one or more viscoelastic
materials, preferably either polyethylene or polyurethane. Materials can be also
made of copolymers, which may be laminated, and compression molded or portions
may be blow molded. Fabrication of the sea chest cover from a viscoelastic material
reduces or eliminates corrosion and erosion problems. It also minimizes marine
organism and ice build-up. The result is a reduction in the expense of associated
with maintaining such covers. The sea chest cover can also include an additive
to reduce bacteria and algae growth and be irradiated with gamma rays for increased strength.
