D-FH.80 12.22.10
The D-FH.80 is a fast‑rescue davit system for launching lifeboats, rescue boats or MOB craft, featuring up to 48 m/min hoist speed and interchangeable drive options (electric, hydraulic, manual or stored‑power).
Inspector Detail
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Common issues
- Wire fall corrosion or damage from the higher duty cycle typical of fast-rescue boat drills
- Limit switch wear from frequent cycling during regular drills
- Brake band/lining wear, checked less often than the drill frequency would suggest
- Stored-power system (accumulator/spring) faults where the optional stored-power drive is fitted
- On-load release gear (hook) requiring careful reset after every drill - a common source of near-misses if rushed
- Structural corrosion or fatigue at pivot points from the higher cycling frequency of rescue-boat davits
Inspection checklist
- Carry out the annual LSA Code thorough examination, including brake, wire, structure and release gear
- Brake test at the class-required overload percentage
- Confirm hoist speed and lowering control meet the fast-rescue boat's required launch time in the applicable sea state
- Function-test limit switches and stored-power backup drive where fitted
- Test the on-load release gear and confirm correct reset after every use, not only at survey
- Inspect wire falls for wear given the higher cycle count typical of rescue-boat operations
- Inspect davit structure and foundation for fatigue cracking given frequent cycling
Service intervals
| Annual service/thorough examination | annually per LSA Code/SOLAS |
| 5-yearly winch overhaul and load test | per SOLAS III requirement |
| On-load release gear overhaul | typically every 5 years per SOLAS/maker requirement |
| Wire fall inspection/renewal | more frequent condition checks are prudent given higher drill cycling; renew on condition, commonly within 5 years or sooner |
| Stored-power system check (if fitted) | per maker's schedule, typically at each annual service |
Typical wear limits
| Wire fall diameter reduction | discard per class/rope-maker's criteria, commonly around 10% reduction from nominal |
| Brake lining thickness | renew before reaching the maker's minimum mark, checked more often given the higher duty cycle |
Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.
Critical spares
- Wire falls (correct diameter/length pair)
- Brake band/lining set
- Limit switches
- On-load release gear overhaul kit
- Stored-power accumulator/spring components (if fitted)
Safety
- Fast-rescue boat davits are used far more frequently than lifeboat davits - fatigue and wear accumulate faster than the calendar interval alone suggests
- Uncontrolled fall during launch/recovery remains the primary hazard - never stand under a suspended boat without mechanical blocking
- On-load release gear must be reset correctly after every drill before the boat is next launched
- Stored energy in the optional stored-power drive must be isolated before maintenance
- Launch/recovery in a seaway carries additional swing/crush risk - crew must be trained on the specific davit's procedure
Class survey
Same LSA Code/SOLAS III annual and 5-yearly regime as lifeboat davits applies, but surveyors typically expect to see drill/launch logs cross-checked against wear findings given the higher usage rate of fast-rescue boat davits. On-load release gear maintenance records are a common focus area.
Components & Design
Component data being added…
Technical Data
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Common failures & inspection points
Annually: operational test of on-load release gear by positioning the boat partially in water for load support by fall, actuation of release gear, reset and inspection for damage. Every 5 years: overhaul of release system with 110% proof-load test. Inspect release gear before and after operational test; verify hook securing and reset.
Monthly: visual inspection for fraying, kinks, corrosion, broken strands. Annually: wire rope and sheaves for scratches, dents, corrosion, missing lubrication. Every 5 years: wire rope replacement per SOLAS Chapter III required. Lubrication of wires, sheaves and moving parts to be checked.
Annually: brake test by suspension of rated load and verification that brake holds without slippage. For centrifugal brakes: sinking speed against SOLAS formula (max. 1.3 m/s) to be checked. Brake pads to be inspected and replaced when worn. Every 5 years: brake system to be opened and condition thoroughly checked.
Annually: sheaves for wear grooves, wear ring wear, corrosion, incorrect alignment, loose bolts to be checked. A worn or corroded sheave damages new wires and leads to premature wire rope failure. Wear ring thickness to be measured and replaced if necessary. Lubrication to be checked.
Annually: davit structure for corrosion (especially welds), wear, deformation, excessive clearance, cracks to be checked. All bolt locking devices to be verified. Hydraulic cylinders for leakage to be checked. Every 5 years: selective disassembly with NDT (roughness inspection, crack inspection) to be performed. Foundations to be inspected.
Annually: dynamic winch brake test at 110% of Safe Working Load to be performed (simulated by water bag equipment or certified load cells). Every 5 years: comprehensive proof-load test of entire davit, winch, wire rope and hook system at 110% SWL to be performed. System must hold load, show no deformation or damage.
Type-general inspection and maintenance points for this equipment category — not model-specific.
Service & Maintenance
Engine test weekly (min. 5 min). Release hook maintenance annually by approved service (SOLAS MSC.402(96)). GRP hull inspection at docking. 5-year basic survey.
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