Bulletin No.: 10/1986

Date (Y-M-D): 1986-07-02
 

Subject: Loss of Watercraft 9.12 M Survival Craft Due to Incorrect Installation of Disengaging Gear Hooks

1. The purpose of this Bulletin is to draw to the attention of mariners, the requirements to correctly attach survival craft disengaging gear hooks.
2. It has been brought to the attention of the Canadian Coast Guard that a Watercraft 9.12 m Survival Craft, fitted with 'Mills' release gear, was recently dropped and damaged due to the incorrect attachment of the Survival Craft disengaging gear hooks, and failure to house the Survival Craft into the davit correctly.
3. There was no loss of life or injury as a result of this accident.
4. It is strongly recommended that, on vessels equipped with Watercraft 9.12 m Survival Craft fitted with 'Mills' release gear, the following procedures be met in order to ensure that Survival Craft disengaging gear hooks are correctly attached.
   1. During maintenance of the 'Mills' release gear a minimum of 3 crew are required to ensure that the lifting hooks are properly in place when the weight of the Survival Craft is transferred from the maintenance pennant to the Davit Falls.
   2. The bill of the lifting hook, which will be within the protection cheek plates when properly engaged and bearing the weight of the Survival Craft, should be painted a distinctive colour for easy recognition.
   3. An operation instruction and maintenance manual should be kept on board the ship and crews should make themselves familiar with the function and maintenance of the disengaging gear.
5. It has been further noted that on some 'Mills' disengaging gear, the operating cable retaining screws securing the end of the release wire to each hook has been manufactured of a material other than stainless steel.
6. It is recommended that the operating cable retaining screws be inspected and that if found to be made of a material other than stainless steel they shall be replaced with stainless steel screws.
7. If the contents of this Bulletin are unclear or further information is required, do not hesitate to contact Ship Safety Branch.

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