One time ago, we received one work order to inspect one lifeboat whit a problem in the aft hook.
The email said that the crew, during the lifeboat training, the aft hook was impossible to close. But the curio was that the lifeboat was new, only some month old.
In this moment i thought the release wire must be broken but, Why?
once the vessel docked we went on board and the crew hung the lifeboat with the hanging off.
The first step was disconnect the release wire clevis of the hook cam. Once done I checked again moving the cable to see if the cable is moving correctly. And the release wire did not move on aft end but yes in the release handle end.
Conclussion, the cover of the release wire was broken.
I removed the lid side of the driving console, which should pass the release cable, I noticed that the cable was damaged by the contact between it and the console.
If you have problems to open the hooks, the first step must be disconnect the cam hook of the clevis wire. once did it you can check moving the release handle. You can see two options:
- The cables are moving correctly, the problem are on the hooks. (Normally is that hook is dirty).
- The cable are no moving correctly. the cover is broken, the wire is broken or corrosión inside the wire. In all cases is necessary change the release wire for a new one.
Serafín Carrera Bernal.