Mars Reports 2014
The Nautical Institute has issued a Mars Report regarding weakened hoist wire leaving gangway hanging.
When the vessel left port the accommodation ladder was left un-stowed in the horizontal position, hanging from the hoist wire, while crew were busy with departure tasks. Once away from berth, deck crew started the procedures for stowing the accommodation ladder in its seagoing position. Suddenly the hoist wire broke, letting the shore-end of the ladder fall. The ladder was now only attached to the ship by the main ramp. The vessels speed was reduced and the cargo crane was used to retrieve the ladder and place it on deck.
The wire was found to be in generally good condition and had been recently greased. Records and related photos indicate that inspection and maintenance intervals had been followed. The wire was almost two years old and was without indications of rust or defects along almost all of its length. However, it was observed that the point where the wire broke had more rust and less grease than elsewhere. After further investigation using the wire layout it was found that the break occurred at a point where access is difficult, thus rendering maintenance and greasing more arduous and less efficient. The wire at this particular point is continually exposed to sea/weather conditions yet can be less well maintained than the rest of the wire. Additionally, when the ladder is about to be stowed or deployed these same wire parts experience the maximum amount of tension.
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Source and Image Credit:Nautical Institute
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