LIFEBOAT OVERLOAD TESTING REGULATION

• five-yearly 110% overload tests on lifeboats and davits as required by SOLAS and MODU codes
• five-yearly 110% on-load lifeboat release and retrieval systems tests (these can be performed by the use of water bags or hydraulic jacks)
• 220%, 150% and 110% overload tests during the installation and commissioning of new or reconditioned lifeboats, davits and winches.

·         A control manifold and pumping system is used to remotely fill and drain the water bags

·         Loading is measured and verified by means of a calibrated flowmeter.

App1.3.1 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.

App1.3.2 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.

App1.3.3 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.

App1.3.4 In addition to the dynamic winch brake test under App1.3.2 for the secondary launching system of freefall lifeboats, every freefall lifeboat shall be free fall launched every 5 years loaded to a proof load equal to 1.1 times the weight of the freefall boat and its full complement of persons and equipment.

If the boat is launched unmanned without use of its own release system, the release system has to load- tested separately.

B  PRIOR WINCH BRAKE TEST:

ü  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.

ü  The following items should be examined for satisfactory condition and operation:

(a)  Open and inspect brake mechanism;

(b)  Replace brake pads, if necessary;

(c)   Remote control system;

(d)  Power supply system;

(e)  Winch foundation.

(f)    Winch crank handle interlocks; and

(g)  The angles / clearances of "dead mans" brake levers to be checked upon reassembly.

        Note: See also Lifeboat Winches Fitted with a Roller Ratchet Mechanism

B  PROCEDURE:

1)     Boats to be loaded up at the embarkation position.

2)     The boat should then be loaded with weights, distributed around the boat, until the boat and weights amount to a load of 1.1 times the weight of the boat when fully loaded with persons, equipment and stores.

3)     The weights may be either solid weights or water bags. The method of loading weights must be such that no-one enters the boat once the 90% load is reached.

4)     Once loaded, the OIC should agree the test procedure with the attending authorised person.

5)     If a crane and spreader bar is used, this should then be lowered so the weight of the boat is taken on the falls. Under no circumstances should anyone enter the boat at this time.

6)     Remove tricing pendant & made fast bowsing tackle.

7)     The OIC should now check the area under and around the boat is clear of persons and obstructions.

8)     Once ready, the boat is to be lowered lifting the brake fully to enable the boat to reach maximum speed on the centrifugal brake. The mechanical brake is then applied suddenly and the test paused to ensure that the position of the boat is held at least 1 m above the water. If space permits, then it is repeated before the boat reaches the water. The boat is then lowered until the keel of the boat is just touching the water.

9)     Personnel can then enter the boat from another tender and override the release mechanism to release the boat to test that both hooks release simultaneously under load. Every care should be taken in this process. The personnel on the boat should wear protective clothing including safety helmets and life-jackets and should be sitting down when the boat is released. Davits should be visually checked at this stage. Once released the weights may be removed from the boat. Under no circumstances should the ships davits be used to lift the loaded boat.

10)If the unloaded boat is to be raised on the falls, the hooks should be reset and the falls attached. The boat should be raised just clear of the water and the hook and interlock mechanism double checked and the secure location of the falls confirmed prior to full recovery. No persons should be in the boat while it is being hoisted on the falls until the hook mechanisms have been thoroughly examined by a competent person. Where the boat is to be hoisted before thorough examination of the hooks then it should be stowed securely by gripes or hanging off pennants while the competent person confirms that the equipment (hooks, boat, davits, winches, …) have suffered no damage during the test.

11)Non destructive test to be done to examine davit for crack.