Exam Question
With respect to gravity lifeboat davits: describe and state the purpose of:
(a) Centrifugal brakes (5)
(b) Deadman's Handle (5)
(c) Limit switches on Davits (5)
(d) Onload release gear (5)
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
SSEP
📅 Jun 2023
Reference Answer
### (a) Centrifugal Brakes
**1. Purpose:**
The primary purpose of the centrifugal brake is to govern and control the speed of the lifeboat's descent during lowering by gravity. It acts as an automatic, self-regulating speed governor, ensuring the boat is lowered at a safe and steady rate without requiring external power. As per SOLAS Chapter III, Reg. 16, this ensures the speed of lowering is not less than that obtained from the formula $$ S = 0.4 + (0.02 \times H) $$ where S is the speed in m/s and H is the height from the davit head to the waterline. The maximum lowering speed is limited to 1 m/s (60 m/min). The provided context notes a specific system is designed to not exceed 36 m/min, which falls within this safety margin.
**2. Description & Construction:**
**1. Purpose:**
The primary purpose of the centrifugal brake is to govern and control the speed of the lifeboat's descent during lowering by gravity. It acts as an automatic, self-regulating speed governor, ensuring the boat is lowered at a safe and steady rate without requiring external power. As per SOLAS Chapter III, Reg. 16, this ensures the speed of lowering is not less than that obtained from the formula $$ S = 0.4 + (0.02 \times H) $$ where S is the speed in m/s and H is the height from the davit head to the waterline. The maximum lowering speed is limited to 1 m/s (60 m/min). The provided context notes a specific system is designed to not exceed 36 m/min, which falls within this safety margin.
**2. Description & Construction:**
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