When opening a watertight door individually, which dogs should be released first?

Releasing the dogs on the hinge side first when opening a watertight door individually is important for maintaining the integrity of the door’s structure and function. When the dogs on the hinge side are released first, it allows for a controlled opening of the door. This sequence helps manage the door's weight and prevents it from being forced open unevenly, which could potentially cause damage to the door or create a risk of flooding in the compartment.

By prioritizing the hinge side, the door can swing safely on its hinges without creating undue stress or misalignment. This practice also enhances safety for personnel who may be near the door during the operation since it reduces the likelihood of the door swinging unexpectedly or being blown out by water pressure.

In contrast, releasing dogs on the opposite side first might destabilize the door and lead to complications. Releasing all dogs at once could create an uncontrolled situation, and releasing those in the middle does not offer the same mechanical advantage as starting from the hinge side.