Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173:body:0:p106
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 274935–277447

handling vessel should be advised where the installation winches have payout limitations so that speed can be controlled.

It is preferable to have a length of chain installed between the crown of the anchor and the pendant and this chain should be long enough to reach the vessel securing device and thus allow crews to change pendants without the need to deck the anchor.

A safe and effective method of stoppering wire pendants should be implemented.

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.

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.

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

Sockets and Eyes

Because the majority of breaks occur at or near the wire terminal, the condition of all sockets and eyes should be 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 instead.

Sockets should be inspected often with particular attention to the join between the lug and the body of the socket. Hard eyes should be checked, paying particular attention to the wire at both ends of the swage and the condition of the thimble. Wires with badly crushed or distorted thimbles should not be used.

Sockets and eyes must be of an appropriate size to enable easy connection when used with the correct size