Exam Question
Write reference to gravity lifeboat davits; state the purpose of the following: (16)
(a) Centrifugal brake
(b) Dead man's handle
(c) Davit limit switch
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📅 Dec 2022
Reference Answer
(a) Centrifugal Brake
The centrifugal brake is a safety device that automatically regulates the lowering speed of the lifeboat. According to SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations, the lowering speed must not exceed 36 meters per minute . The brake activates automatically when the rotational speed of the winch drum reaches a specific limit, creating a braking force that prevents the lifeboat from accelerating beyond the safe speed.
(b) Dead Man's Handle
The dead man's handle , also known as a handbrake, is a control mechanism that keeps the brake continuously applied to the winch drum under normal conditions. It's designed with a counterweight that holds the brake on, preventing the lifeboat from being inadvertently released. To lower the lifeboat, an operator must actively lift the handle against the counterweight, releasing the brake and allowing the lifeboat to descend. This design ensures that the brake is always engaged unless a person is actively controlling the lowering process.
The centrifugal brake is a safety device that automatically regulates the lowering speed of the lifeboat. According to SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations, the lowering speed must not exceed 36 meters per minute . The brake activates automatically when the rotational speed of the winch drum reaches a specific limit, creating a braking force that prevents the lifeboat from accelerating beyond the safe speed.
(b) Dead Man's Handle
The dead man's handle , also known as a handbrake, is a control mechanism that keeps the brake continuously applied to the winch drum under normal conditions. It's designed with a counterweight that holds the brake on, preventing the lifeboat from being inadvertently released. To lower the lifeboat, an operator must actively lift the handle against the counterweight, releasing the brake and allowing the lifeboat to descend. This design ensures that the brake is always engaged unless a person is actively controlling the lowering process.
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