D-FH.50 06.21.01
The D-FH.50 is a high‑speed davit system for launching lifeboats, fast rescue craft or MOB boats, featuring up to 48 m/min hoist speed and interchangeable drive options (electric, hydraulic, manual) with optional stored‑power units.
Inspector Detail
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Common issues
- Wire fall corrosion, birdcaging or broken wires from inadequate lubrication or mishandling
- Winch brake lining wear leading to slipping or reduced holding capacity
- Hydraulic power pack leaks or pressure loss on hydraulic-drive units
- Limit switch or interlock failure on the boat/raft release gear
- Corrosion of davit arm pivot pins and bearings from salt exposure
- On-load release gear hook wear, seizure or maladjustment
- Electric motor or brake failure on electrically driven units
Inspection checklist
- Visual check of wire falls for broken strands, corrosion or kinks
- Static test of winch brake holding capability per schedule
- Check hydraulic system for leaks, oil level and pressure
- Function test of limit switches and emergency stop
- Check on-load release gear hook and interlock mechanism
- Inspect davit arm structure, pivot pins and greasing points
- Confirm boat/raft cradle and gripes release cleanly
- Check power supply/battery backup for emergency lowering
- Review the last proof-load and winch brake test certificates
Service intervals
| Wire fall lubrication/inspection | monthly, per SOLAS/PMS |
| Winch brake dynamic test | annually |
| Wire fall renewal | typically every 5 years or per maker/class recommendation, condition dependent |
| Full davit overhaul (winch, brake, hydraulics) | 5-yearly, per SOLAS III requirements |
| Proof load test (1.1x SWL) | every 5 years, per SOLAS/class |
Typical wear limits
| Wire fall broken wires | renew per class/wire rope certificate discard criteria - not a fixed figure, follow the rope certificate and class rules |
| Winch brake lining thickness | renew before thickness reaches the maker's stated minimum - confirm against the davit manual |
Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.
Critical spares
- Wire fall set of the correct diameter and construction for this davit
- Winch brake lining/pads
- Hydraulic seal kit for the power pack, if hydraulic drive
- On-load release gear hook assembly
- Limit switches
- Hydraulic oil, type per maker specification
Safety
- Suspended load / crush hazard during launch and recovery drills
- Uncontrolled fall risk if the brake fails during testing - never stand under a suspended boat or davit
- Hydraulic system stored pressure/accumulator hazard
- Falls-under-load handling requires strict adherence to LSA Code drill procedures
Class survey
Davit and lifeboat launching appliances fall under SOLAS III / LSA Code survey requirements - annual winch brake test, 5-yearly thorough examination and dynamic/proof load test, with records kept onboard and reviewed at each relevant safety survey.
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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