GENERALGENERAL

GENERAL

The proper maintenance of anchor handling equipment is of prime importance in the reduction and control of the hazards associated with this activity. Close inspection of the equipment is necessary and the speedy rectification of any faults will result in a safer and more efficient operation.

WIRES

Work wires must be of adequate size for the power of the vessel, the strength of the anchor handling winch, the size of anchors to be worked and the depth of water. They should be at least the same diameter as that specified for the tow wire of the vessel. They must be long enough to have at least one full wrap on the work drum when the wire is led out as far as it would normally be when working with anchors. If the work-wire needs to be fed over the stern then it must be long enough to have at least one full wrap on the drum at its greatest extension.

Due to the high incidence of wire damage, work wires must be inspected regularly to ensure that any damage is immediately noticed and rectified prior to working anchors.

The securing device for the 'bitter end' of the work wire must be the correct size for the wire in use to provide an adequate fixing to the winch drum.

Tugger wires should be of adequate size and strength with regard to the size and weight of the gear being handled, and the power of the tugger winches. The SWL must be at least equal to the maximum pulling power of the winch. They must be of sufficient length to always have at least one full wrap on the winch drum at the maximum extension. Tugger wires must also have an adequate means of securing the 'bitter end' to the winch drum.

Only 'Here-Alloy' type chain should be used in tugger wire chain tails. Chains must be of SWL at least that of the pulling power of the tugger winch.

'Latchlock' style hooks are preferred for use on tugger wires.

As these wires are also subject to heavy wear and consequent damage they should be inspected often and repaired/replaced immediately the condition renders them suspect.

SOCKETS AND EYES

Because the majority of breaks occur at or near the wire terminal, the condition of all sockets and eyes should be very closely monitored. The terminals of work wires, tuggers and pennants in particular are subject to damage (work hardening, kinking and overstress) due to being wound onto winch drums under load and compressed or distorted by other layers on top.

Similarly, the 'long stirrup' type of socket should not be used for anchor handling where it is to be wound around a winch drum. 'Short stirrup' type sockets should be used in this application.

Sockets should be inspected often with particular attention to the join between the lug and the body of the socket. Hard eyes should be closely monitored with particular attention to the wire at both ends of the swage and the condition of the thimble. Any apparent damage should be repaired immediately. Wires with badly crushed or