D-FH.65 06.05.02
The D‑FH.65 davit system is a modular lifeboat/raft launch apparatus featuring electric, hydraulic or manual drive options with optional stored‑power (battery or spring) and a docking head to eliminate pendulum motion during launch.
Inspector Detail
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Common issues
- Wire fall corrosion or wear from saltwater exposure
- Hydraulic power pack leaks or slow loss of holding pressure
- Winch brake lining wear affecting controlled lowering speed
- Limit switch misalignment or failure
- Davit arm and pivot pin corrosion or pitting
- Winch gearbox oil contamination or leakage
- On-load release gear (hook) mechanism stiffness or misadjustment
Inspection checklist
- Weekly visual inspection of falls, davit structure and winch
- Monthly operational test, lowering under power
- Annual thorough examination by a competent person
- 5-yearly dynamic winch brake test at 1.1 x SWL per SOLAS/class
- On-load release gear overhaul and test on the manufacturer's/SOLAS cycle
- Wire fall inspection for broken wires, corrosion and lubrication
- Hydraulic system pressure test and hose inspection
- Limit switch and interlock function test
- Structural check of pivot pins and davit arm
Service intervals
| Operational check | weekly |
| Thorough examination (SOLAS LSA Code) | annually |
| Dynamic winch brake test | every 5 years at 1.1 x SWL |
| On-load release gear overhaul | every 5 years, by an approved service provider, per SOLAS MSC.1/Circ.1206 rev.1 |
| Hydraulic oil change | per the manufacturer's manual, typically every 2-3 years or on condition |
| Wire fall re-reeving/replacement | typically every 5 years or on condition, whichever comes first - confirm against the maker's manual |
Typical wear limits
| Wire fall discard criteria | per class/ISO broken-wire and diameter-reduction rules for this rope construction - confirm against the applicable class table |
| Brake lining wear | replace below the manufacturer's minimum thickness - no generic figure available, confirm against the maker's manual |
Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.
Critical spares
- Matched wire fall sets
- Winch brake linings
- Hydraulic power pack seals and hoses
- Limit switches
- On-load release gear components (maker-approved kit only)
Safety
- Suspended lifeboat/liferaft during launch and recovery drills is a fall/crush hazard
- Stored hydraulic and spring energy within the davit and release gear
- Crush hazard at davit arm pivot points during operation
- On-load release gear must only be serviced by an approved provider - a mis-set release gear is a documented cause of fatal lifeboat accidents
Class survey
SOLAS/LSA Code requires annual thorough examination, a 5-yearly dynamic test of the winch brake at 1.1 x SWL, and on-load release gear overhaul every 5 years by an approved service supplier, with all records kept in the vessel's LSA maintenance/register.
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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