A latch system for a watertight bulkhead door for closing a bulkhead opening. A plurality of surrounding shield elements are translated by an articulated mechanism into and out of locking engagement with the bulkhead door. A continuous wedged striker along the periphery of the door surface is engaged by wedged surfaces on the shield elements when the shield elements are translated into locking relationship with the door, causing a gasket in the door to be compressed against a collar surrounding the bulkhead opening. The shield elements abut each other in closed position, forming a continuous frame around the door to shield the gasket from fire and to provide a small radar cross-section. Preferably, the exterior shield elements are mounted to a prior art articulated dogging mechanism disposed on the interior of the bulkhead. A plurality of translatable inner bulkhead shields is also provided to cover the articulated mechanism for safety.