Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173:body:0:p108
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01173
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 279771–282444

Visual inspection must be done on each occasion with the hydraulic locking type to ensure that the arms have reached the over-centre point where locking is effective.

Hard eye or soft eye wires with a 'Tellurit' or sleeve (ferrule) type termination should not be used in a mechanical stopper where the sleeve bears the weight against the stopper jaws or inserts. Wire pendants may be supported in mechanical stoppers by attaching five links of anchor chain to the pendant or forming three links of anchor chain with the thimble and using a chain link in the mechanical stopper.

Soft eye pendants wear more quickly than hard eye pendants and therefore require frequent inspection. If doubts exist as to the suitability of the pendant it should be returned to the rig and replaced.

Any equipment returned to the installation as suspect or unserviceable must not be used or sent back to a vessel for use until it has been repaired, retested and recertified by a competent person.

Buoy Catchers

The person in command should consider the following factors before deciding to use the 'Lightweight' type of buoy catchers:

       Weather conditions
       Depth of water
       Weight of the buoy and pennant system
       Size and movement of the vessel
       Likelihood of the anchor being fouled
       Other conditions that may lead to an excessive load being applied to the catcher.
If any of the above factors are unfavourable, an alternative should be used to reduce the potential failure of the buoy catcher. A heavier chain may be pulled around the pennant under the buoy or around the crucifix with a tugger wire or mooring line and shackled back to the work wire, thus providing a much more substantial buoy catcher which is less likely to fail under heavy load.

Ensure that the heavy chain buoy catcher is properly stoppered while connection is being made due to the likelihood of snatch loads being suddenly applied to the gear.

All anchor handling vessels must carry equipment that may be used as a heavy duty alternative to the 'Lightweight' buoy catchers.

Regardless of the type of catcher used, it is essential for safety that all crew are 'off the deck' or behind the crash rail while heaving the buoy as excessive weight may suddenly come on the catcher, parting it. This may happen due to a fouled anchor making the pennant shorter than expected, the vessel drifting away from the line of the anchor in the swell or some other unforeseen circumstance.

Chasers

It is preferable for chain chasing operations that the chaser wire be one continuous length. This reduces the hazards associated with numerous shackles and sockets on the winch drum