HMD A34 Mk2 & HMD A38 Mk2

Common issues

• Hull gelcoat/GRP cracking or crazing from UV and weather exposure
• Skid/launching rail corrosion or misalignment affecting release trajectory
• Engine starting/reliability issues due to infrequent use (fuel degradation, battery condition)
• On-load release gear corrosion or maladjustment
• Seat belt and shock-absorbing seat degradation
• Hatch/door seal degradation affecting weathertightness
• Painter line and release hook wear

Inspection checklist

• Visual inspection of hull, skids and launching structure for damage/corrosion
• Function test of engine (start, run, cooling water discharge) per weekly/monthly drill
• Check on-load release gear for correct adjustment and free operation per maker's manual
• Inspect seat belts, shock-absorbing seats and internal fittings
• Check hatch and window seals for weathertightness
• Verify emergency equipment and provisions are complete and in date
• Inspect painter line, release hook and fall preventer devices
• Check skid lubrication and launch rail alignment

Service intervals

Critical spares

• On-load release gear hook/trigger mechanism components
• Engine service parts (filters, impellers) per maker's manual
• Seat belts and shock-absorbing seat components
• Hatch/door seals

Safety

• Free-fall launch is high risk - only trained personnel, strictly follow the maker's procedure
• On-load release gear maladjustment has caused fatalities industry-wide - strict adherence to the maker's manual and class-approved 5-year overhaul is required
• Occupants must be properly seated and belted before any drop/launch
• Engine exhaust/CO risk when running in the enclosed stowage position

Class survey

Free-fall lifeboats require annual thorough examination of the on-load release gear and 5-yearly overhaul; class verifies records of release gear adjustment and, per MSC.1/Circ.1206 rev.1, whether an alternative test method was used in lieu of a live free-fall launch. Records of engine running and weekly/monthly drills are checked at Annual Survey.

Estimated lifetime: Free-fall lifeboats are not rated in running hours; design service life is typically 20-25 years, subject to LSA Code 5-year overhaul and annual on-load release gear examination. Per IMO MSC.1/Circ.1206 rev.1, live free-fall launches during the 5-year overhaul may be replaced by a maker-approved alternative test where permitted by flag/class.