NTDS 3500H
The NTDS 3500H is a hydraulic davit system from Palfinger Marine Safety designed to launch and recover lifeboats or rescue rafts safely and quickly from the deck of a vessel.
Inspector Detail
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Common issues
- Hydraulic cylinder seal wear/leakage reducing lowering control
- Wire fall corrosion or broken wires
- Counterbalance/brake valve drift affecting controlled lowering speed
- Limit switch or hydraulic control valve malfunction
- Structural corrosion at pivot/foundation points
- Hydraulic power pack pump or motor wear
- Remote control panel or wiring faults
Inspection checklist
- Visual inspection of wire falls for broken wires/corrosion
- Function test raise/lower at normal and emergency (gravity/manual) modes
- Check hydraulic hoses, cylinders and power pack for leaks
- Verify the counterbalance/brake valve holds load without drift
- Inspect limit switches and interlocks
- Check pivot pins, bearings and lubrication points
- Inspect structural welds/foundation bolts for corrosion or cracking
- Confirm on-load release gear operates and resets correctly (if fitted)
Service intervals
| Visual/operational check | monthly (SOLAS drill requirement) |
| Hydraulic system inspection (hoses, cylinders, oil level) | every 3-6 months |
| Winch/hydraulic brake load test | annually |
| Full davit overhaul incl. dynamic winch test | every 5 years (LSA Code periodic servicing) |
| On-load release gear operational test | every 5 years, with 1-year interim thorough examination |
Typical wear limits
| Wire rope broken wires | condemn per an applicable wire rope discard standard (e.g. ISO 4309) - confirm against class/maker's criteria |
| Hydraulic cylinder rod condition | renew seals and inspect the rod on any visible leakage or scoring - no fixed numeric limit without maker's data |
Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.
Critical spares
- Wire rope falls
- Hydraulic cylinder seal kit
- Counterbalance/brake valve
- Limit switch assembly
- Hydraulic pump/motor seal kit
Safety
- Suspended load hazard - keep clear of the fall/wire during operation
- Hydraulic stored pressure - isolate before maintenance
- Loss of counterbalance valve function can cause uncontrolled fall - test before relying on the system
- Emergency manual lowering procedure must be known and accessible to crew
Class survey
Hydraulic davits fall under the same LSA Code periodic servicing regime as other lifeboat/liferaft davits: annual thorough examination and brake/winch load test, 5-yearly overhaul with a dynamic test to 1.1x SWL, and on-load release gear testing. Class checks the maker's service reports and load test certificates at survey.
Components & Design
Component data being added…
Technical Data
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Common failures & inspection points
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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