Appendix 1 – Test Requirements for the Evaluation of Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1392 – Guidelines for Evaluation and Replacement of Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems – (27 May 2011) - Annex – Guidelines for Evaluation and Replacement of Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems - Appendix 1 – Test Requirements for the Evaluation of Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems

Appendix 1 – Test Requirements for the Evaluation of Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems

 A release and retrieval system should be conditioned and tested as follows:

  • .1 the lifeboat release and retrieval system and the longest used connection cable/linkage associated with the system should be mounted and adjusted according to instructions from the original equipment manufacturer and then loaded to 100% of its safe working load and released. Load and release should be repeated 50 times. During the 50 releases, the lifeboat release and retrieval system should be released simultaneously from each fall to which it is connected without any binding or damage to any part of the lifeboat release and retrieval system. The system should be considered as "failed" if any failure during the conditioning or unintended release occurs when load is applied but the system has not yet been operated;

  • .2 the lifeboat release and retrieval system should then be disassembled, the parts examined and wear recorded. The release and retrieval system should then be reassembled;

  • .3 the hook assembly, whilst disconnected from the operating mechanism, should then be tested 10 times with cyclic loading from zero load to 1.1 times the safe working load, at a nominal 10 seconds per cycle; unless the release and retrieval system has been specifically designed to operate as an off-load hook with on-load capability using the weight of the boat to close the hook, in this case the cyclic load should be from no more than 1% to 1.1 times the SWL; and

  • .4 the cable and operating mechanism should then be reconnected to the hook assembly; and the lifeboat release and retrieval system should then be demonstrated to operate satisfactorily under its safe working load. The actuation force should be no less than 100 N and no more than 300 N, if a cable is used it should be the maximum length specified by the manufacturer, and secures in the same manner it would be secured in the lifeboat. The demonstration should verify that any interlocks, including hydrostatic interlocks, where fitted, indicators and handles are still functioning and are correctly positioned in accordance with the operation and safety instruction from the original equipment manufacturer. The release and retrieval system is deemed to have passed the testing under this appendix when the tests have been conducted successfully. The system should be considered as "failed" if any failure during this test or any unintended release or opening occurs.

Parent topic: Annex – Guidelines for Evaluation and Replacement of Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems
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