If decks are seagoing floors, what term describes hatches?

Hatches on a vessel are openings in the deck that allow for access between different levels of the ship. They can be covered with watertight lids or covers to prevent water from entering the interior when the ship is at sea. Describing hatches as "seagoing doors" is appropriate because they function similarly to doors on land: they provide entry and exit points. Like doors, hatches can be opened and closed and are integral to the vessel's design for both safety and functionality.

The other terms do not accurately reflect the function of hatches. Ladders are used for vertical movement between decks, while windows refer to openings that allow light and visibility but do not facilitate movement. Ceilings describe the overhead interior surface of a space, which is unrelated to the function of hatches. Therefore, referring to hatches as "seagoing doors" is the most appropriate and accurate description.