Lifeboat Procedure 4434g

LSA Inspection Guide Inspection of Lifeboat Davits and Release Gear

N&P LSA Inspection Guide N&P Maritime- und Industrietechnik GmbH is a family operated maritime service provider and trading company with headquarters at Schwanewede/, and branch offices at Winsen/, Shanghai/PRC, Mumbai/India and service stations in several other countries. Main activities are: _Ship Safety (worldwide, class certified network for inspections and repairs of life saving appliances, and class certified ultrasonic wall thickness measurements) _Ship Repair and new ship building supervision (active in all major ports/shipyards in China) _Ship Supplies (general ship supplies and initial ship supplies in China, worldwide sales of class certified container lashing equipment and ships spare parts) This guide is intended to provide nautical/technical departments, and the management of sea going vessels with an in-depth overview about the scope of SOLAS regulated inspections of lifesaving appliances. Whilst every care has been taken when compiling the information contained in this guide, N&P Maritime- und Industrietechnik GmbH cannot be held responsible in any event for its contents. SOLAS and other flag state and/or class regulations always prevail. Subject to availability, extra copies may be ordered free of charge to shipowners/shipmanagers, and training/education facilities with: N&P Ship Safety Danziger Str. 11 D-28790 Schwanewede/ Phone: +49-4209-91 88 0 Email: [email protected] www.npmarine.com Copyright by N&P Maritime- und Industrietechnik GmbH, 2009 André Herrmann

Contents 01 N&P Lifeboat Service___________________________________________ 01 02 Measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats__________________ 02 03 N&P Inspection Plan_ __________________________________________ 03 04 Inspection of Lifebaots_________________________________________ 04 05 Inspection of Davits (hinged gravity)___________________________ 10 06 Inspection of Free Fall Boats___________________________________ 13 07 Inspection of Rescue Boats_ ___________________________________ 15 08 Inspection of Rescue Boat Davits_______________________________ 16 09 FAQ´s__________________________________________________________ 20 10 SOLAS MSC1206________________________________________________ 23

01 N&P Lifeboat Service With below information, N&P Maritime- und Industrietechnik GmbH would like to introduce the scope of work which is necessary for the annual inspection of the life saving appliances. The service is based on the SOLAS MSC 1206 (26 May 2006) and shall ensure the safety of lifeboats and davits and assure the full and safe functioning of these. This standard procedure has to be performed every year by a professionally trained service company. We have gathered our experiences through many inspections and herewith offer information on how the inspection will take place and how you can and assure safety on board.

It is the main reason of these inspections to assure the safety of all persons on board and to avoid accidents during drills, emergencies and maintenance. This procedure applies to MSC.1/Circ.1206



02 “MEASURES TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS WITH LIFEBOATS” Please be sure that all parties involved in this procedure shall do their utmost possible to prevent accidents, which usually happen due to following facts: 2.1 Failure of on-load release mechanism; 2.2 Inadvertent operation of on-load release mechanism; 2.3 Inadequate maintenance of lifeboats, davits and launching equipment; 2.4 Communication failures; 2.5 Lack of familiarity with lifeboats, davits, equipment and associated controls; 2.6. Unsafe practices during lifeboat drills and inspections; and 2.7 Design faults other than on-load release mechanisms. In order to avoid before mentioned dangers, we kindly ask for the full of all involved parties by: _Supply of assistance by trained crew _ in case any help for securing shall be needed _Keeping an eye on safety at all times to assure no involved and /or uninvolved person can be harmed (e.g. somebody standing in slewing area of davits and/or below life/rescue boats) _Telling known problems with the equipment before hand to avoid any accidents due to known malfunctions or damaged parts

Always , the annual and 5-year inspection is for your own safety in case of an emergency. Also during voyages: In case of any problems with your life saving equipment, always consult a professional service company.



03 N&P Inspection Plan Now here is how we will perform the inspection: For the proof of service and to assure the condition at the present moment, our technicians will document the inspection by means of cheklists and with photos. In case needed, we can send these to you. Please be aware of below steps, which our technicians will perform: 3.1 After boarding our technicians will the master or person in charge for the life saving appliances. 3.2 The technician will ask for of one or two crew . 3.3 A short explanation of how the inspection will be performed will be given to the person(s) in charge 3.4 After checking the on board manuals of the davits and life-/rescue boats the technician will start with the visual safety inspection which begins with: 3.4.1 Safety check if all hooks, davit arms, counter weights and further equipment are in secured position



04 Inspection of lifeboat 4.1 Visual inspection of the outside of the lifeboat will take place (hull, propeller, cooler pipes, windows, hatches etc.)



4.2 4.3

4.4

A further visual check of the davit will be made to ensure the secured position of the lifeboat (check for cracks, leaks, broken parts, secure fit of securing items) Inside check of the lifeboat (check for cracks, function of battery, lights, seatbelts etc.)

Check of the maneuvering system



4.5



Check of the engine system – inspection of bolts, oil, screws and function of engine (engine will be started and kept running for min. 2 minutes – max 5 minutes)

4.6

With of the crew, the boat shall be secured with hanging off pendants or chain blocks (min. strength depending on boat weight – but usually no less than 3 to capacity per chain block). The boat shall be lowered to water if possible to test the function of the releasehooks. Should this not be possible, the boat shall be secured tightly with chainblocks or boatmaker hanging off pendants.

IT MUST BE ASSURED THAT THE BOAT IS FULLY SECURED BY THE CHAIN BLOCKS OR THE HANGING OFF PENDANANTS, SO THAT THE HOOKS CAN BE OPENED WITHOUT DANGER!!



4.7

After securing, the hooks shall be checked for damages dirt/rust shall be removed 4.8 Check if all moving parts are movable 4.9 Check if tolerances are in limits 4.10 In case necessary, grease movable parts 4.11 Open the hook system (hinged gravity boats – check if front and aft hook open simultaneously)



4.12 In case necessary adjust hook release time 4.13 Close hooks and assure safe position of the handle unit and the hooks.

DOUBLE CHECK IF HOOKS ARE FIRMLY CLOSED! 4.14 When testing the davit and the boat is being lowered into the water, secure the boat with provided hanging off pendants to avoid drifting. 4.15 Open the hooks 4.16 Close the hooks firmly and reset the handle unit to safe position 4.17 Lift the boat approx. 50 cm above waterlevel 4.18 Recheck if hooks are firmly closed and in safe position! 4.19 Recover the boat (additionally keep hanging off pendants applied as safety feature!)



05 Inspection of davits (hinged gravity)

5.1 5.2 5.3

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Check if all falls have correct diameter (accord. to manufacturer´s certificates/manual) Check falls for damages Inspect winch brake system (open brake, check for tolerances, damages, cracks in brake discs, leakages

5.4 5.5

Close brake Check gearbox for oil and damages.

5.6

Brief all involved persons of procedure of empty boat load test

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ASSURE NO BARGES, PERSONS OR FURTHER OBJECTS ARE BELOW THE BOAT BEFORE LOWERING! 5.7 5.8

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Test davit brake function with empty boat (lower boat to deck level, apply brake – test brake three times after lowering has reached max. speed) Recover and secure boat and davit

5.9 Double check secure fit of all securing items on davits and boat 5.10 Open brake again and check for damage 5.11 Check overall condition of davit again for stress damages 06 Inspection of free fall boats 6.1

Follow procedures 6 to 7.5

6.2

Secure the free fall boat with the multifunctional crane or with the recovery straps of the free fall davit (Hoisting traverse to hook with sheave unit).

IT MUST BE ASSURED THE BOAT IS FULLY SECURED BY THE CRANE OR THE RECOVERY STRAPS OF THE FREE FALL DAVIT, SO THAT THE HOOK CAN BE OPENED WITHOUT DANGER!! 13

6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7

6.8

After securing, the hook shall be checked for damage, dirt/rust shall be removed Check if all moving parts are movable Check if tolerances are in limits Cn case necessary, grease movable parts Open the hook system and check if fully open

Close hook (with hydraulic systems, check if pins are moving, if pressure is applying and if reset is working and check for leakages)

CLOSED

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07 Inspection of rescue boat 7.1

Follow steps 6 to 7.4

7.2

If possible run the engine shortly (no longer than a few seconds – risk of overheating!) Check if the fast release hook is functioning correctly Remove dirt and assure good greasing

7.3 7.4

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08 Inspection of rescue boat davit

8.1 8.2

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Check the overall condition of the davit Make sure the rescue boat is in secured position

8.3

Open the davit brake and check for damages, dirt or rust, and close afterwards.

8.4 8.5

Check tolerances Check for leakages on the hydraulic system

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8.6 8.7 8.8

Check pressure on accumulator Check the hydraulic oil Check Gearbox and oil

8.9

Check if electric is working

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8.10 Close the brake and brief all involved persons of the empty load test 8.11 Start empty load test by slewing out the davit and lowering the boat to decklevel 8.12 Check limit switches for function

8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 8.17

Abruptly apply the brake – repeat 2 times Recover and secure the rescue boat Check pressure of accumulator and check if it automatically refills Open the brake again and check for damage Close the brake

Finally, after the inspection, our technicians will issue a certificate incl. checklists, which state the condition of the checked equipment. We kindly ask the master of the vessel to check these and to sign and stamp the last pages.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: How long does the inspection take? Usually the inspection takes between four and eight hours – depending on the condition of the equipment, weather and port regulations What if the port authorities do not allow the lowering of boats on the shore side or even both sides? In case the port authorities deny any moving of the shore side davits, it is best to talk with the classification/ or flag state representative and ask if it is possible to lower the shore side boat as soon as possible on the next anchorage or in the next port. It might be necessary to document this with pictures. Depending on the classification- and/or flag state representative it might be necessary for them to be present for the second test too. What if the service company is not authorized from the manufacturer of the davits or boats? Please consult the N&P or West Marine sales personnel for advice on flag state‘s regulation. Some flag states have to issue written approval to allow independent service providers other than maker trained service station What happens if my boat(s) and/or davit(s) are not “fit for operation”? Depending on the damage or malfunction of the boat or davit, the damage must be repaired as soon as possible. If serious malfunction is given and it is not possible to use the life- and/or rescue boat, the malfunction/damage must be repaired before the vessel is leaving the port. Our technicians are not allowed to issue a statement of fitness for not correctly functioning boats or davits. In which time period can I order the inspection? The inspection certificates (“Statement of fitness”) are valid for one year. The next inspection can be performed earliest 4 weeks before due date and shall not be performed later than 4 weeks after the due date. Should the vessel not be able to order a service in this time (e.g. due to the schedule or unavailability of a service company), the flag state and classification must be informed, so that a solution can be offered by these.

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Must the classification/flag state attend the inspection? If the service company is authorized by the manufacturers, the classification/flag state representative must not attend the inspection. Should the service company not be authorized for both manufacturers, the classification must attend the inspection. Should it be the 5-year inspection, the classification must always attend the inspection, no matter if the company is fully authorized or not. Must the service station be accepted by the flag state? In many cases the flag states have ed the responsibility of servicing the life saving equipment to the classification companies. In so far the classification must accept the service company. In some cases the flag state must accept the service company directly. In these cases a “letter of exemption” will be needed. This has to be applied for before the service is performed, by ing the flag state in advance through the vessels owner company. Must the crew attend the inspection? It is always better to have the responsible crew to attend the inspection. Through this it is always assured that fullest safety is given and that the crew on known problems of the equipment. What can we do to assure the full function of the life saving appliances between the services? First it is most important to always keep an eye on the condition of the davits, hook systems and life- rescue boats. In case any damage is noted, it shall be reported directly and – depending on the damage – must be assured that the damage shall be repaired as soon as possible. If possible, always use a qualified service company for the repair to assure the safe function of all parts after the repair. Furthermore, always make sure the hooks and all moving parts are well greased to avoid corrosion. Do not paint movable parts on the hooks or davits. It is often seen that hooks are stuck due to several layers of paint or because of lack of greasing. If the boat will be lowered to water during regular drills, always assure that the hook systems are in good condition. Open and close the hooks a few 21

times, look closely –when open – if there is any paint or dirt inside and check if all parts are in good condition. In case there are any problems with the equipment, always consult a qualified service company to help solve the problem. Do not make any modifications on the equipment unless allowed so by the manufacturer and classification/flag state. Further more never apply rough forces to the brake system. In case you notice the brake is not working properly, always professional service stations or the manufacturer! You cannot take the risk to damage one of the most important safety features of your life saving equipment! For any further questions, do not hesitate to ask our technicians or us: N&P Maritime- und Industrietechnik GmbH Danziger Strasse 11 28790 Schwanewede / Tel.: +49 4209 91 88 0 Fax: +49 4209 91 88 11 Email: [email protected]

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SOLAS MSC 1206 Below please find the original version of SOLAS MSC 1206 (May 26, 2006) for your further reference: INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION 4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT LONDON SE1 7SR Telephone: 020 7587 3152 Fax: 020 7587 3210 IMO E Ref. T4/4.01 MSC.1/Circ.1206 MEASURES TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS WITH LIFEBOATS 1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its eighty-first session 10 to 19 May 2006, recalled that at its seventy-fifth session (15 to 24 May 2002), it had considered the issue of the unacceptably high number of accidents with lifeboats in which crew were being injured, sometimes fatally, while participating in lifeboat drills and/or inspections, and noted that most accidents fell under the following categories: 1. failure of on-load release mechanism; 2. inadvertent operation of on-load release mechanism; 3. inadequate maintenance of lifeboats, davits and launching equipment; 4. communication failures; 5. lack of familiarity with lifeboats, davits, equipment and associated controls; 6. unsafe practices during lifeboat drills and inspections; and 7. design faults other than on-load release mechanisms. 2 Pending further consideration of the problem, the Committee approved MSC/Circ.1049 on Accidents with lifeboats, to draw the attention of manufacturers, shipowners, crews and classification societies to the personal injury and loss of life that may follow inadequate attention to the design, construction, maintenance and operation of lifeboats, davits and associated equipment and urged all concerned to take necessary action to prevent further accidents with lifeboats. It invited Member Governments to: 2.1. bring the circular to the attention of their maritime istrations, relevant industry organizations, manufacturers, shipowners, crews and classification societies; 23

2.2. take the necessary action to prevent further accidents with lifeboats pending the development of appropriate IMO guidance; 3

ensure that:

3.1 on-load release equipment used on ships flying their flag is in full compliancewith the requirements of paragraphs 4.4.7.6.2.2 to 4.4.7.6.5 of the LSA Code; 3.2 all appropriate documentation for the maintenance and adjustment of lifeboats, launching appliances and associated equipment is availa ble on board; 3.3 personnel undertaking inspections, maintenance and adjustment of lifeboats, launching appliances and associated equipment are fully trained and familiar with these duties; 3.4 maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and associated equip ment is carried out in accordance with approved established proce dures; 3.5 lifeboat drills are conducted in accordance with SOLAS regulation III/19.3.3 for the purpose of ensuring that ship’s personnel will be able to safely embark and launch the lifeboats in an emergency; 3.6 the principles of safety and health at work apply to drills as well; 3.7 personnel undertaking maintenance and repair activities are appro priately qualified; 3.8 hanging-off pennants should only be used for maintenance purpo ses and not during training exercises; 3.9

all tests required for the design and approval of life-saving appliances are conducted rigorously, according to the guidelines developed by the Organization, in order to identify and rectify any design faults at an early stage;

3.10 the equipment is easily accessible for inspections and maintenance and is proven durable in harsh operational conditions, in addition to with standing prototype tests; and

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3.11 the approving authorities or bodies pay close attention to proper workmanship and state-of-the-art possibilities when assessing equip ment for approval; and 3.12 encourage shipowners, when undertaking maintenance and repair activities, to employ qualified personnel, preferably certified by the manufacturer. 3.13

Member Governments were further invited, while enforcing the provisions of SOLAS regulation IX/4.3, to ensure that the above issues are addressed through the Safety Management System of the com pany, as appropriate.

4 The Committee further recalled that, at its seventy-seventh session (28 May to 6 June 2003), recognizing the experience gained since the approval of the Guidelines on inspection and maintenance of lifeboat on-load release gear (MSC/Circ.614) at its sixty-second session (24 to 28 May 1993), and that the implementation of expanded and improved guidelines could contribute towards a reduction of the incidence of accidents with lifeboats, it had approved the Guidelines for periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear (MSC/Circ.1093), superseding MSC/Circ.614. Taking into subsequent amendments to SOLAS chapter III and the LSA Code, and having considered proposals by the fiftieth session of the Sub-Committee on Fire Protection, the Committee approved amendments to the Guidelines as set out in annex 1. The Committee further noted that the guidance developed for lifeboats could also apply to the periodic servicing and maintenance of liferafts, rescue boats and fast rescue boats and their launching appliances and on-load release gear. 5 The Committee further recalled that, at its seventy-ninth session (1 to 10 December 2004), it had endorsed the intention of the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Equipment, in co-operation with the Sub-Committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping, to develop further IMO guidance as envisioned in MSC/Circ.1049, and accordingly, approved the Guidance on safety during abandon ship drills using lifeboats (MSC/Circ.1136), as set out in annex 2. The Committee further recalled that the Guidance developed for lifeboats has relevance, in general, for emergency drills with other life-saving systems and should be taken into when such drills are conducted. In connection with MSC/Circ.1136, and recognizing the need to provide a basic outline of essential steps to safely carry out simulated launching of free-fall lifeboats in accordance with SOLAS regulation III/19.3.3.4, and having considered proposals by the forty-seventh session of the Sub-

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Committee on Design and Equipment, the Committee further approved the Guidelines for simulated launching of free-fall lifeboats (MSC/Circ.1137), as set out in the appendix to annex 2. 6 Having considered the need to update several of the circulars discussed above, and having considered proposals by the fiftieth session of the Sub-Committee on Fire Protection to consolidate the numerous circulars on the subject of measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats in order to better serve the mariner, the Committee approved the annexed Guidelines for periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear (annex 1) and Guidelines on safety during abandon ship drills using lifeboats (annex 2). 7 Member Governments are invited to give effect to the annexed Guidelines as soon as possible and to bring them to the attention of shipowners, ship operators, ship-vetting organizations, ship personnel, surveyors, manufacturers and all others concerned with the inspection and maintenance of lifeboats, liferafts, rescue boats and fast rescue boats and their launching appliances and on-load release gear. 8 This circular supersedes MSC/Circ.1049, MSC/Circ.1093, MSC/Circ.1136 and MSC/Circ.1137. ***

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ANNEX 1 GUIDELINES FOR PERIODIC SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFE BOATS, LAUNCHING APPLIANCES AND ON-LOAD RELEASE GEAR General 1 The objective of these Guidelines is to establish a uniform, safe and documented performance of periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear. 2

These Guidelines relate to the application of the ISM Code to periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboat arrangements and should the refore be reflected in procedures developed for a ship under that Code.

3 The general principle in these Guidelines may also be applied for the periodic servicing and maintenance of liferafts, rescue boats and fast rescue boats and their launching appliances and release gear. 4 Detailed guidance regarding some procedures covered by these Guidelines is provided in the appendix. SOLAS regulations 5 These Guidelines relate to the requirements contained in: 5.1 SOLAS regulation III/20 – Operational readiness, maintenance and in spections; and 5.2 SOLAS regulation III/36 – Instructions for on-board maintenance. Responsibility 6

The company* is responsible for servicing and maintenance onboard its ships in accordance with SOLAS regulation III/20 and for the establishment and implementation of health, safety and environment (HSE) procedures covering all activities during servicing and maintenance.

7 The personnel carrying out servicing and maintenance are responsi ble for the performance of the work as authorized in accordance with the system specified in paragraph 10.

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8 The above personnel are also responsible for complying with HSE in structions and procedures. 9

Where satisfied with an organization’s ability to carry out these functions, the istration may authorize such organization and its personnel to perform the functions of the manufacturer and manufacturer’s certified personnel as assigned under these Guidelines, if manufacturer certified facilities are not available.

* For the purpose of these Guidelines, company is as defined in SOLAS regulation IX/1.2. Authorization 10 Where these Guidelines require certification of servicing personnel, such certification should be issued by the manufacturer in accor dance with an established system for training and authorization. Qualification levels 11

Weekly and monthly inspections, and routine maintenance as defi ned by the manufacturer, should be conducted under the direct supervision of a senior ship’s officer in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

12 All other inspections, servicing and repair should be conducted by the manufacturer’s representative or a person appropriately trained and certified by the manufacturer for the work to be done. Reports and records 13

All reports and checklists should be correctly filled out and signed by the person who carries out the inspection and maintenance work and should also be signed by the company’s representative or the ship’s master.

14 Records of inspections, servicing, repairs and maintenance should be updated and filed onboard the ship. 15 When repairs, thorough servicing and annual servicing are comple ted, a statement confirming that the lifeboat arrangements remain fit for purpose should be issued by the manufacturer’s representa tive or by the person certified by the manufacturer for the work. *** 28

SPECIFIC PROCEDURES FOR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING 1 GENERAL 1.1 Any inspection, servicing and repair should be carried out according to the system for inspection and services developed by the manufacturer. 1.2

A full set of maintenance manuals and associated documentation issued by the manufacturer should be available on board for use in all operations involved in the inspection, maintenance, adjustment and resetting of the lifeboat and associated equipment, such as davits and release gear.

1.3 The manufacturer’s system for inspection and services should include the following items as a minimum. 2 ANNUAL THOROUGH EXAMINATION 2.1

As items listed in checklists for the weekly/monthly inspections also form the first part of the annual thorough examination, when carrying out this examination the inspection of these items should be performed by the ship’s crew in the presence of the manufacturer’s representative or a person appropriately trained and certified by the manufacturer for the work to be done.

2.2 Inspection and maintenance records of inspections and routine main tenance carried out by the ship’s crew and the applicable certificates for the launching appliances and equipment should be available. 2.3 Repairs and replacement of parts should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and standards. Lifeboats 2.4 The following items should be examined and checked for satisfactory condition and operation: 2.4.1 condition of lifeboat structure including fixed and loose equipment; 2.4.2 engine and propulsion system; 2.4.3 sprinkler system, where fitted; 2.4.4 air supply system, where fitted; 2.4.5 manoeuvring system; 2.4.6 power supply system; and 2.4.7 bailing system. 29

Release gear 2.5 The following should be examined for satisfactory condition and operation after the annual winch brake test with the empty boat, as required by paragraph 3.1: 2.5.1 operation of devices for activation of release gear; 2.5.2 excessive free play (tolerances); 2.5.3 hydrostatic interlock system, where fitted; 2.5.4 cables for control and release; and 2.5.5 hook fastening. Notes: 1 The setting and maintenance of release gear are critical operations with regard to maintaining the safe operation of the lifeboat and the safety of personnel in the lifeboat. All inspection and mainte nance operations on this equipment should therefore be carried out with the utmost care. 2 No maintenance or adjustment of the release gear should be undertaken while the hooks are under load. 3 Hanging-off pennants may be used for this purpose but should not remain connected at other times, such as when the lifeboat is normally stowed and during training exercises. 4 The release gear is to be examined prior to its operational test. The release gear is to be re-examined after its operational test and the dynamic winch brake test. Special consideration should be given to ensure that no damage has occurred during the winch brake test, especially the hook fastening. 2.6 Operational test of on-load release function: 2.6.1 position the lifeboat partially into the water such that the mass of the boat is substantially ed by the falls and the hydrostatic interlock system, where fitted, is not triggered; 2.6.2 operate the on-load release gear; 2.6.3 reset the on-load release gear; and 2.6.4 examine the release gear and hook fastening to ensure that the hook is completely reset and no damage has occurred. 2.7 Operational test of off-load release function: 2.7.1 position the lifeboat fully waterborne; 2.7.2 operate the off-load release gear; 2.7.3 reset the on-load release gear; and 2.7.4 recover the lifeboat to the stowed position and prepare for operati onal readiness.

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Note: Prior to hoisting, check that the release gear is completely and properly reset. The final turning-in of the lifeboat should be done without any persons on board. 2.8 Operational test of free-fall lifeboat release function: 2.8.1 engage the simulated launching arrangements as specified in the manufacturer’s operating instructions; 2.8.2 the operator should be properly seated and secured in the seat loca tion from which the release mechanism is to be operated; 2.8.3 operate the release mechanism to release the lifeboat; 2.8.4 reset the lifeboat in the stowed configuration; 2.8.5 repeat procedures .2 to .4 above, using the back-up release mecha nism, when applicable. 2.8.6 remove the simulated launching arrangements; and 2.8.7 that the lifeboat is in the ready to launch stowed configuration. Davit 2.9 The following items should be examined for satisfactory condition and operation: 2.9.1 davit structure, in particular with regard to corrosion, misalignments, deformations and excessive free play; 2.9.2 wires and sheaves, possible damages such as kinks and corrosion; 2.9.3 lubrication of wires, sheaves and moving parts; 2.9.4 functioning of limit switches; 2.9.5 stored power systems; and 2.9.6 hydraulic systems. Winch 2.10 The following items should be examined for satisfactory condition and operation: 2.10.1 open and inspect brake mechanism; 2.10.2 replace brake pads, if necessary; 2.10.3 remote control system; 2.10.4 power supply system; and 2.10.5 winch foundation. 3 DYNAMIC WINCH BRAKE TEST 3.1

Annual operational testing should preferably be done by lowering the empty boat. When the boat has reached its maximum lowering speed and before the boat enters the water, the brake should be abruptly applied. 31

3.2

The five-year operational test should be done by lowering the boat loaded to a proof load equal to 1.1 times the weight of the survival craft or rescue boat and its full complement of persons and equipment, or equivalent load. When the boat has reached its maximum lowering speed and before the boat enters the water, the brake should be abruptly applied.

3.3 Following these tests, the brake pads and stressed structural parts should be re-inspected. Note: In loading the boat for this test, precautions should be taken to ensure that the stability of the boat is not adversely affected by free surface effects or the raising of the centre of gravity. 4 OVERHAUL OF ON-LOAD RELEASE GEAR Overhaul of on-load release gear includes: 4.1 dismantling of hook release units; 4.2 examination with regard to tolerances and design requirements; 4.3 adjustment of release gear system after assembly; 4.4 operational test as per above and with a load according to SOLAS regulation III/20.11.2.3; and 5.5 examination of vital parts with regard to defects and cracks. Note: Non-destructive examination (NDE) techniques, such as dye penetrants (DPE), may be suitable. ***

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www.npmarine.com N&P Maritime- und Industrietechnik GmbH Danziger Strasse 11 28790 Schwanewede / Tel.: +49 4209 91 88 0 Fax: +49 4209 91 88 11 Email: [email protected]