Section 7 Fibre ropes

7.1.1 Fibre ropes intended as mooring lines may be made of coir, hemp, manila or sisal, or may be composed of synthetic (man-made) fibres. They may be three-strand (hawser laid), four-strand (shroud laid) or nine-strand (cable laid), but other constructions will be specially considered.

7.1.2 Each length of rope is to be manufactured from suitable material of good and consistent quality. Rope materials should, in general, comply with a recognised National Standard.

7.1.3 Synthetic fibre ropes are to be suitable for the purpose intended and should comply with a recognised standard.

7.1.4 Weighting and loading matter is not to be added, and any lubricant is to be kept to a minimum. Any rot-proofing or water repellancy treatment is not to be deleterious to the fibre nor is it to add to the weight or reduce the strength of the rope.

7.2.1 The breaking load is to be determined by testing to destruction a sample cut from the completed rope.

7.2.2 The minimum test length and the initial test load are to be as given in Table 10.7.1 Breaking load test. After application of the initial load, the diameter and evenness of lay up of the sample are to be checked. The sample is then to be uniformly strained at the rate given in Table 10.7.1 Breaking load test until it breaks.

7.2.3 The actual breaking load is to be not less than that given in an appropriate National Standard.

7.2.4 If the sample is held by grips and the break occurs within 150 mm of the grips, the test may be repeated, but not more than two tests may be made on any one coil.

7.2.5 Where difficulty is experienced in testing a sample of a completed synthetic fibre rope, LR will consider alternative methods of testing.

7.3.1 Each coil of rope is to be identified with an attached label detailing the material, construction, diameter and length.

7.4.1 Where specified in applicable LR Rules or Codes, an LR certificate or manufacturer’s certificate validated by LR, in accordance with Ch 1, 3.1 General 3.1.3.(a) or Ch 1, 3.1 General 3.1.3.(b) respectively, is to be issued. Otherwise a manufacturer’s certificate, in accordance with Ch 1, 3.1 General 3.1.3.(c), is to be issued and in such cases the certificate is to be validated by the manufacturer’s authorised representative, independent of the manufacturing department.

7.4.2 Each test certificate is to include the following particulars:

• Manufacturer’s name.
• Purchaser’s name and order number.
• Rope type.
• Dimensions.
• Test length.
• Rate of straining.
• Breaking load.