Step 2 of 3•2 minutes read
Safe Working Loads and Strength Requirements
In general, equipment onboard should be of adequate strength and stability for each load. It should also be fastened securely to the vessel's structure and rated correctly for the task.
For the emergency towing system, it is vital that the parts are of a sufficient Safe Working Load (SWL) to handle the stresses involved in the towing operation. The parts should be maintained regularly following the scheduled maintenance plan. Where there is suspicion that any component is damaged or has been subjected to undue pressure, that part should be replaced.
Photo: Jörgen Språng
Strength of the Towing Components
Towing components for use in the emergency towing system should have a working strength of:
The strength should be sufficient for all relevant angles of the towline, i.e. up to 90° from the ship's centreline to port and starboard and 30° vertically downwards.
Other components should have a working strength sufficient to withstand the load to which such components may be subjected during the towing operation.