Beihai BG-3 lifeboat hook/on load release gear

REPUBLIC
OF CYPRUS
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS
DEPARTMENT OF MERCHANT SHIPPING
LEMESOS
Circular No 39/2004
TEN 5.13.09
TEN 16.17.18
22 July 2004
To all Classification Societies
recognized by the Government of
the Republic of Cyprus
Subject: <strong>Beihai</strong> <strong>BG</strong>-3 <strong>lifeboat</strong> <strong>hook</strong>/on load release gear –
Notification on a probably defective/malfunctioning equipment
as established following an investigation of a recent accident
We wish to inform you that the analysis and investigation of a recent accident on-board a Cyprus
flag ship, revealed inadequacies as regards the construction and/or the assembly of the hydrostatic
release mechanism and interlock device of a specific totally enclosed <strong>lifeboat</strong>.
2. The accident, causing one death and 5 injuries, was the result of an accidental and unintentional
release and drop of the starboard side <strong>lifeboat</strong> from the davits.
3. A detailed examination and testing of the hydrostatic interlock device in a shore facility after
the accident, established the following:
• When the <strong>lifeboat</strong> is launched into the sea, the hydrostatic mechanism forces (through
cables) a pulling rod upwards (visible at the steering console). At the fully upward
position, this pulling rod falls backwards into a latching groove and interlocks. After the
boat is lifted out of the water and recovered, the hydrostatic interlock stays in the
latched position, the system remains “armed” and does not secure the release mechanism
against accidental on-load release,
• Under the above condition, the <strong>lifeboat</strong> is not secured against unintentional release and
may result into releasing the <strong>lifeboat</strong> from the <strong>hook</strong>s.
• Also the undamaged port side <strong>lifeboat</strong> revealed the same deficiency.
• The automatic resetting of the interlock device could be achieved only by modifying the
pulling rod’s position through reversing it at a 180 degrees and refitting it in place,
• Through this modification, the proper and automatic resetting of the release mechanism
could be ascertained.
4. The release gear system as it was fitted on the particular <strong>lifeboat</strong>, did not perform in the way is
described in the <strong>lifeboat</strong>’s instruction manual or in the in-boat instruction and safety labels. Also,
as fitted, it does not comply with the provisions of Chapter IV/4.4.7.6.2.2 of the Life Saving
Appliances (LSA) Code.
Offices: Kyllinis Street, Mesa Geitonia, Lemesos, Cyprus
Postal Address: P.O.Box 56193, 3305 Lemesos, Cyprus
Telephone: +357 25848100, Telefax: +357 25848200, Telex: 2004 MERSHIP CY,
E-mail : maritimeadmin@dms.mcw.gov.cy, Web page http://www.shipping.gov.cy

5. Please find below the particulars of the manufacturer and equipment in question:
Manufacturer: Qingdao <strong>Beihai</strong> Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd.
Address: Qingdao, Shadong Province, and P.R. China 266071
Tel. +86 – 532 – 57 322 33
Fax: +86 – 532 – 57 346 78
Lifeboat type:
Type of equipment:
BH-6A Totally enclosed <strong>lifeboat</strong>
<strong>Beihai</strong> <strong>BG</strong>-3 <strong>lifeboat</strong> <strong>hook</strong>
On load quick release suspension gear fitted with
Hydrostatic interlock
6. Based on the above you are urgently required:
1. To investigate if the described release gear mechanism is fitted to ships classed with your
Society,
2. Immediately take the necessary measures to ensure that any such release mechanism
performs safely and in accordance with the applicable requirements
3. To provide ships affected by the above defective equipment with detailed information so
that immediate precautionary measures are undertaken and to examine and eventually
repair or replace the affected equipment as soon as possible,
4. To consider this notification as concerning Cyprus flagged ships. However, ships flying
the flag of other countries may also be affected. It is therefore suggested that similar
actions should be considered.
5. To undertake any other actions as you deem necessary.
7. It is not the purpose of the present circular to apportion blame or liability to any particular
organization or individual.
8. Please keep us informed on your actions and findings.
Captain Andreas A. Constantinou
Senior Marine Surveyor
on behalf of the Director
Department of Merchant Shipping
cc: Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Works
Maritime Offices of the Department of Merchant Shipping abroad
General Secretary, International Association of Classification Societies
NAt
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