Maintenance of Totally Enclosed Lifeboat

When using a totally enclosed lifeboat, we need to know the maintenance of it. As China's top 3 rescue boat manufacturers, New marine offers professional knowledge about enclosed lifeboat maintenance.

1. Engine

• The type of engine for a totally enclosed lifeboat is China East 380J-3.

• For full details on engine operation and maintenance procedures refer to the engine operating/maintenance manual.

2. Electrical arrangement

1) Electrical supply and installation

The enclosed lifeboat is fitted with two maintenance-free sealed batteries each of 80 AH. The two batteries are independent and supply 12v DC power for engine starting and internal lighting. The two batteries are identical in all respects with identical functions, one being a reserve for the other.

2) Battery charging

Both batteries can be charged at the same time using the ship's power via the built-in battery charger in the boat. The ship’s supply voltage is to be 42v and the cable connects to the special socket provided by the aft access hatch. When the boat is afloat and the engine is running the alternator on the engine will also charge both batteries.

3) Maintenance

Batteries are maintenance-free.  Check for proper operation by alternating the selected battery for starting the engine. Poor performance or non-starting of the engine indicates that the selected battery is weak or defective. In either case, replace it with a new battery of identical type.

3. Lifting hook system

1) Hook arrangement

The lifeboat has two lifting hooks, one forward and one aft both of which are connected by push-pull control cables to the central release handle unit.

2) General description of maintainable parts

The hook-on-load quick-release suspension gear is designed to have minimum maintenance requirements. All main pivot pins are made of stainless steel, and any components not of stainless steel are supplied in hot dipped galvanized mild steel. The operating cables are made of corrosion-resistant materials and are of the sealed type requiring no periodic lubrication.

3) Weekly maintenance

Make a close visual inspection with special attention paid to the following:

① The hook

• Check that the fall rings or links are fully engaged in the throat of the hook with the guard plate closed correctly.

• Check that the hooks are fully closed, i.e. that the cam release pin is in "FLAT" contact with the tail of the hook.

• Check that the protective covers are in place.

• Check for any damage, corrosion, dirt, excessive salt deposits, or foreign bodies likely to impair the operation of the equipment and correct as necessary.

② The release handle unit

• Check that the release handle is in the fully locked position.

• Check that the locking pin is fitted.

• Check that the interlock override is in the locked position.

4) Monthly maintenance

Important: Hang off the fully enclosed lifeboat on maintenance pendants. No work can be carried out on this system unless the hooks and falls are bypassed. The boat’s weight must be carried on the auxiliary (pendant) lugs on the release hook assemblies and from the davit head.

Comply with the weekly maintenance schedule described above, the following additional work should be carried out.

① Remove covers over the release handle unit to expose the interlock plate and its override lever.

② Pull the hydrostatic locking handle up several times to confirm that it can move freely and flexibly and that all accessories function normally.

③ Remove the lock safety pin.

④ The enclosed lifeboat is released from the water. Confirm that the release operation can only be successfully completed when the hydrostatic locking handle rises above the red mark. Note that the release handle has a positioning device to prevent automatic reset.

⑤ At each hook, check that the hook can be swung clear through the cut-out section of the cam release pin without binding at the pivot and without any contact between the tail of hook and the bottom face or sides. The hook tail should pass through the cut-out with only minimum clearance. Should contact occur then there is major distortion or wear in either the hook axle pin, its bearings, or in the cam release pin itself. Investigate and fit replacement. Do not apply heat or attempt to repair.

⑥ Remove the protective covers on the hooks and release handle unit and check the condition of the clevis fittings and clevis pins at both ends of each operating cable.

⑦ Check the operating cable end seals, ensure that the cable rod ends are adequately lubricated. Note you cannot maintain or lubricate the internal part.

⑧ Reset the hooks, and whilst doing so check that operation of the release handle should never require more than minimal force.

⑨ Refit the release handle unit covers except for the one over the interlock override.

⑩ Return the weight of the lifeboat from the maintenance pendants to the main hooks and the falls.

⑪ Lower the fully enclosed lifeboat to the sea to check the operation of the interlock. See note below.

NOTE:

The monthly maintenance plan does not include the static pressure relief system, and the static pressure relief device needs to be disassembled and maintained once a year. But every time the boat enters the water or the boat recovers the water, it is necessary to check that the static pressure release device is in the correct working state. When the water enters, the hydrostatic locking handle is in the raised position, that is, the position where the hydrostatic locking is released. When the water is discharged, the hydrostatic locking handle is lowered back to the locked position.

Whenever the lifeboat is launched this check should always be made, both on launch and on recovery.

4. Radar reflector main maintenance

Inspection and maintenance of radar reflector, whether it is used on a totally enclosed lifeboat or rescue boat, should be made regularly in accordance with the regulations of the register of shipping.

① Reflectivity of the radar reflector should be tested by the accredited laboratory according to the validity of the inspection period as specified.

② All parts of the reflector and its package are to be checked periodically. If damaged, it should be repaired or replaced.

③ After the radar reflector has been checked and repaired, it should be inspected by the register of shipping with satisfaction, only a qualified reflector is to be installed.