INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF SHIP AND EQUIPMENT

Items to cover include Hull, Bulkheads, DBs, Deep and Peak tanks, Bilges, Pipelines, Rudders, Anchors, Cables, Davits, Safety Equipment, Derricks and other Cargo Gear, Navigation Lights, and practical knowledge of screening of Navigational Lights.

Hull and Fittings:

  1. Check for any cracks, buckling, or defects in the decks, bulkheads, cargo holds, shell plating, top side tanks, ballast tanks, tanktop plating, forepeaks, and chain lockers.
  2. Inspect the hatch cover mechanism for any hydraulic leaks and ensure it is in proper working condition.
  3. Verify the mooring arrangements, including the anchors and chain cables, for good condition, proper stowage, and the presence of hawse pipe and chain pipe covers.
  4. Check the windlass and mooring winches for proper functioning, including the brake linings, guards, wastage of foundations, operating controls, and hydraulic leaks.
  5. Ensure the mooring ropes and wires are in good condition, and inspect the fairleads and rollers for any damage or obstructions.
  6. Verify that load line marks, deck line, and draught marks are clearly visible and correctly marked.
  7. For ships with timber load line markings, check the condition of timber fittings.
  8. Inspect air pipes for any damage or wastage, including the condition of closing devices and flame screens.
  9. Check cargo tank openings, covers, and screens for any damage or wastage.
  10. Ensure lifelines are in good condition.
  11. Inspect weathertight doors for corrosion, buckling of doors and hinges, deterioration of gasket retaining channels, and missing/deteriorated gaskets, dogs, cleats, and weather-water tightness.
  12. Check the condition of main cargo hatch coamings, coaming stays, main hatch covers, access hatch covers, windows, side scuttles, and skylights for any corrosion or damage.

Assessing Hull Condition:

  1. Evaluate the overall condition of the hull by examining access ways, ladders, paint coatings, and areas susceptible to corrosion near weld joints.
  2. Look for signs of corrosion, such as material wastage or scaling, near weld joints and re-coated areas.
  3. Check for deformation, including changes in shape or physical disfigurement of steel, which can be caused by implosion, explosion, excessive dynamic or static stress, and strains.
  4. Inspect for fractures caused by cracks propagating through the steel plating, particularly in areas of concentrated stress or welding defects.
  5. Assess the condition of sacrificial anodes fitted inside tanks and ensure they are not excessively worn or damaged.
  6. Examine for the presence of mud or sludge build-up, which can hide defects and promote structural deterioration.

Chain Register:

  1. Maintain a Chain Register (Form 99) to record the particulars of test and examination of lifting appliances, loose gear, and annealing of chains, rings, hooks, shackles, and swivels.
  2. Carry out initial and periodical load tests of lifting appliances, loose gear, and on-load release mechanisms of lifeboats.
  3. Inspect chains, swivels, shackles, and other equipment for wear, damage, and corrosion, replacing them as necessary.
  4. Ensure that all lifting appliances have valid certificates from a competent shore body and are marked with their safe working load.
  5. Conduct regular maintenance of lifting equipment, including greasing, checking wire condition, securing clamps, and inspecting the base for cracks or deformation.

Davits and Lifting Equipment:

  1. Thoroughly inspect the davit structure, including behind the head, for corrosion and deformation.
  2. Check the sheaves for misalignment, deformation, and excessive free play.
  3. Inspect wires and sheaves for corrosion, kinks, and damage.
  4. Ensure the hydraulic system is in proper working condition, including all limit switches.
  5. Check the stored power system capacity and overall condition.
  6. Inspect the fall wire for correct termination of ends and replace if necessary.
  7. Examine the condition of remote control wires and pulleys.
  8. Periodically conduct proof load testing of the launching appliances and on-load release mechanisms of lifeboats.

Maintenance of Lifting Equipment:

  1. Regularly lubricate all required parts of the lifting equipment and ensure hydraulic oil is at the proper level.
  2. Inspect wires for wear, deformation, corrosion, and replace them as needed.
  3. Use securing clamps to avoid slippage during lifting operations and ensure they are in good condition.
  4. Check the base or foundation of the lifting equipment for cracks or deformations.
  5. Conduct periodic maintenance and function tests of controls, stops, brakes, and safety devices.
  6. Perform additional maintenance items as required based on the specific equipment fitted on the vessel.

Hatch Covers:

  1. Ensure all hatch covers are properly maintained, and replace or repair any defective or damaged covers promptly.
  2. Verify that hatch covers and beams have a good fit, overlap end supports adequately, and that hatch coaming drain channels and compression bars are in good condition.
  3. Keep hatch wheels greased, runways and drainage channels clean, and ensure rubber sealing joints are properly secured and in good condition for a weathertight seal.

Maintenance of Ship Navigation Lights:

  1. Follow safety procedures and obtain the necessary work permits before performing maintenance work on ship navigation lights.
  2. Check the light fittings for any leakage, apply water-resistant material when opening the fittings, and clean the glasses for optimal illumination/signaling.
  3. Inspect light holders for corrosion or fungus formation, clean contact points with contact cleaners, and use vibration absorber material where possible.
  4. Tighten any loose nut bolts and use washers to prevent loosening.
  5. Clamp the structure where the light fixture is installed for stability and proper functioning.

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