Thanks Rainer, I appreciate the response. So what you are saying is that the outside of the round watertight hatch did have a handwheel, like the conning tower hatch? What I am trying to establish, I suppose, is if the hatch could be opened from the outside. The major thing I am looking for is the presence of a handwheel or a blank top.
I can\'t find any pics showing the rectangular deck hatch open and the loading hatch closed, to get a good view of the exterior.

Best Regards
Will King