To ensure reliability and safety, the following maintenance actions must be routinely carried out:

1. Visual Inspections – Examine hull, davit, winch, and fittings for cracks, corrosion, deformation, or damage.
2. Lubrication – Grease sheaves, winch bearings, and all moving parts to prevent wear and corrosion.
3. Release Mechanism – Test and service both on-load and off-load release gear; confirm proper resetting.
4. Safety Equipment – Check that lifejackets, flares, rations, first-aid kits, and water are present and within expiry.
5. Engine and Systems – Run and inspect the engine, fuel system, lubrication, batteries, lighting, and communication devices.
6. Corrosion Protection – Apply protective coatings or anti-corrosion agents, especially in saltwater-exposed areas.
7. Wire Falls and Davit – Inspect for broken strands, kinks, or wear; renew as per planned maintenance schedule.
8. Log-keeping – Record all inspections and maintenance in the ship’s logbook as per ISM/IMO requirements.
9. Training and Drills – Carry out monthly lowering drills and quarterly full launch drills with crew participation.
10. Replacement – Immediately replace defective, expired, or worn-out equipment and parts.

Procedure:

1. Preparation: Ensure the area is clear and all crew members are aware of the test. A test load, typically water bags, is prepared.
2. Apply Test Load: A test weight equal to 1.1 times the lifeboat's fully loaded weight (the weight of the lifeboat plus its full complement of crew and equipment) is attached to the wire falls. This margin accounts for dynamic forces that may occur during a real launch.
3. Operate Davit: The davit is operated to lower, slew (swing out), and hoist the test load using normal operating procedures.
4. Monitor System: During the test, technicians monitor the system closely for any abnormal noises, brake slippage, hydraulic leaks, or signs of structural strain.
5. Post-Test Inspection: After the test, a thorough inspection of the davit arms, winch, brakes, and wire falls is conducted to check for any damage, deformation, or malfunction.

Acceptance Criteria:

• The davit system must handle the load smoothly without any mechanical failure.
• The winch brakes must hold the load securely without slippage.
• There should be no permanent deformation, cracks, or excessive deflection of any structural components.
• All safety systems, such as limit switches and emergency stops, must operate correctly.

Importance of the Test:

The dynamic load test is essential to confirm the davit’s safe performance under emergency conditions. It detects hidden weaknesses such as fatigue, brake slippage, or hydraulic malfunction, and ensures compliance with SOLAS and classification society rules. Most importantly, it guarantees crew safety in an abandon-ship situation.