BD-SA21 BW-SC21
BD-SA21 / BW-SC21 by Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. is identified in the supplied record as a free-fall lifeboat arrangement. A free-fall lifeboat is normally stowed aft on an inclined launching structure so the fully embarked craft can be released and enter the water without conventional lowering through the full height. The system includes the boat structure, seating and restraints, release mechanism, propulsion and starting systems, survival equipment and the launching/recovery arrangement. Reliable operation depends on the boat and the launching appliance being maintained as one safety system, including interlocks, batteries, engine, hook/release components and structural interfaces. Model-specific differences may include capacity, hull arrangement, engine package and launching geometry; the supplied record does not provide enough detail to distinguish adjacent variants. All tests, release-gear work and load-related procedures must follow the approved manufacturer instructions and applicable SOLAS/LSA requirements.
Inspector Detail
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Common issues
- Hard starting after long lay-up due to fuel system gumming
- Starter battery degradation from irregular test runs
- Release hook/interlock stiffness or corrosion from saltwater exposure
- Davit falls wire corrosion or lubrication breakdown
- Hull/canopy gelcoat cracking and UV degradation
Inspection checklist
- Weekly engine test run and cooling/exhaust check
- Monthly dry test of the on-load release gear
- Monthly battery and charging circuit check
- Quarterly falls wire inspection and lubrication
- Annual winch brake function test
- 5-yearly on-load release gear load test per MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1
- Bilge pump and self-bailing arrangement check
Service intervals
| Engine test run | weekly, minimum 3 minutes |
| On-load release gear test | annual dry test; 5-yearly load test per SOLAS |
| Falls wire inspection/lubrication | every 3 months |
| Winch brake overhaul | annual or per maker schedule |
| Battery renewal | typically every 2-4 years |
Critical spares
- Fuel injector / injector nozzle
- Starter battery
- Release hook overhaul kit
- Falls wire (davit wire rope)
- Raw water pump impeller
Safety
- Uncontrolled or premature release during drills - strict permit-to-work procedure required
- Crush/impact injury during freefall launch testing - exclusion zone mandatory
- Fall-from-height risk during davit and falls inspection
- Fuel and battery handling hazards during maintenance
Class survey
Limited manufacturer-specific documentation was available for this entry, so the content above reflects general freefall lifeboat practice rather than model-specific detail - verify service intervals and wear limits against this maker's own manual and the DNV MED type-approval certificate (3378906 Lux) before use. Falls under SOLAS Ch. III / LSA Code with annual examination and 5-yearly on-load release gear load test.
Components & Design
Component data being added…
Technical Data
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Common failures & inspection points
Service & Maintenance
Carry out the statutory and PMS inspections required for lifeboats, release gear and launching appliances using approved instructions and competent personnel where required. Run and test the propulsion/starting system, check battery charging and verify fuel, cooling, exhaust and steering functions without bypassing safety interlocks. Inspect hull, canopy, seats, harnesses, hatches, drains, painter/towing arrangements and required equipment inventory. Release-gear adjustment, overhaul and load testing must only be performed under the applicable approved procedure. Class/flag survey attention includes condition, operational readiness, records, release arrangements and launching appliance. Use the manufacturer and statutory documentation for exact frequencies, test loads and acceptance criteria.
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DNV type approval
Verified against the DNV Approval Finder — the certificate below is issued by DNV, not by us.
- Certificate
- 3378906 Lux
- Approved as
- Life-saving appliances
- Certificate holder
- Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. (China)
- Valid until
- 2030-01-01