Complete Guide to Lifeboat Davit Inspection and Maintenance

Lifeboat davits are critical marine safety equipment designed to launch and recover lifeboats in emergency situations. Proper lifeboat davit inspection and maintenance directly determine whether these systems will function reliably when lives depend on them. Neglecting davit maintenance risks catastrophic failures, regulatory violations, port state control detention, and crew safety. This guide provides actionable maintenance procedures to ensure your davit systems remain SOLAS compliant and operationally ready.

Why Lifeboat Davit Maintenance Directly Impacts Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Lifeboat davit systems operate in exceptionally harsh marine environments where salt spray, thermal cycling, and constant vibration accelerate mechanical degradation. When properly maintained, davits can deploy lifeboats even with vessels listing up to 20 degrees or trimmed 10 degrees, ensuring rapid evacuation during emergencies.

Regular lifeboat davit maintenance prevents costly failures and extends equipment lifespan. Failed lifeboat davit inspections result in port state control detentions, insurance policy voidance, and operational suspensions—consequences carrying both financial and reputational impact.

Understanding SOLAS Requirements for Lifeboat Davit Inspection

International Maritime Organization regulations establish strict maintenance frequencies under SOLAS Chapter III and the Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code. All lifeboat davit maintenance must follow manufacturer-approved procedures, and complex inspections require certification by authorized service providers or classification society surveyors.

Weekly Inspections by Crew Members

Weekly visual inspections form the first line of defense against davit degradation. Crew members must verify davit structural integrity, checking for corrosion, misalignment, deformation, and loose fasteners. The inspection should examine wire ropes and sheaves for kinks, visible broken strands, and signs of inadequate lubrication. Additionally, lifeboats should be moved from the stowed position to confirm that launching appliances operate smoothly.

Monthly Inspections and Maintenance Testing

Monthly procedures combine visual checks with operational testing of critical systems:

• Lubricate all davit grease nipples with marine-grade NLGI #2 lithium grease to eliminate metal-to-metal wear

• Verify hydraulic oil levels and check for discoloration or cloudiness signaling degradation requiring fluid replacement

• Test limit switches to confirm that over-hoisting and over-slewing protection engages immediately

• Inspect the wire rope condition and apply marine-grade penetrating lubricant to protect both outer wires and the internal core

• Test brake holding power by suspending the rated load and verifying there is no drum slippage

Annual Thorough Examination by Certified Personnel

Annual inspections conducted by manufacturer-certified personnel or classification society surveyors include full disassembly of release mechanisms, dynamic brake performance testing, and detailed structural assessment:

• Load test at 110% of safe working load (SWL) using water bags to verify structural safety margins

• Dynamic winch brake testing to verify descent speed compliance with SOLAS formula: S = 0.4 + (0.02 × H), with maximum not exceeding 1.3 m/s

• Functional test of on-load and off-load release mechanisms

• Hydraulic system pressure verification and accumulator precharge inspection

• Detailed inspection of all welded joints for cracks, particularly at arm-to-base connections and foundation mounting points

Five-Year Overhaul and Structural Renewal

The comprehensive five-yearly survey requires complete disassembly of winches, gearboxes, and hydraulic components under manufacturer and classification society oversight. All wire rope falls must be renewed in accordance with SOLAS Chapter III requirements. The davit undergoes dynamic load testing with 1.1× SWL to verify structural integrity.

Critical Lifeboat Davit Inspection Procedures

Visual Structural Assessment

Conduct a methodical 360-degree inspection of the davit structure, examining welded joints for surface cracks and stress marks. Pay particular attention to davit arm connections, foundation mounting points, and gusset plate reinforcements. Inspect sheaves for wear grooves and verify bolt security. Examine slewing bearing surfaces for deterioration, hydraulic cylinder rods for scoring or corrosion that damages seals, and limit switch housings for water ingress.

Hydraulic System Verification

Oil discoloration indicates thermal degradation requiring replacement per manufacturer recommendations. Sample hydraulic oil at intervals specified by the equipment manufacturer and submit for laboratory analysis of water contamination, viscosity breakdown, and particulate matter. Visually inspect all hydraulic hoses for bulging, which indicates wall weakening.

Wire Rope and Sheave Condition

Measure wire rope diameter at multiple points along each length and compare to manufacturer specifications. Replace the rope in accordance with SOLAS requirements and manufacturer guidance. SOLAS regulations establish strict renewal requirements for wire rope falls used in launching appliances. Inspect sheave grooves for deterioration before applying fresh lubricant to remove salt deposits. Document all rope inspections with measurements and maintenance dates for regulatory compliance.

Winch and Brake System Testing

Test the primary brake by suspending the rated load and verifying the drum holds without slippage. For systems with centrifugal brakes, test descent speed and verify it follows the SOLAS formula with maximum descent not exceeding 1.3 m/s. Test manual emergency pump operation to ensure the system can function if power is lost. Verify that the hydraulic accumulator maintains sufficient pressure for emergency davit operations.

Limit Switch Testing

Manually activate every limit switch during monthly drills to verify immediate power cutoff at maximum travel extremes. Replace any switch that does not function smoothly or cut power immediately when activated. Document all testing for regulatory compliance.

Common Lifeboat Davit Maintenance Errors

Error 1: Overlooking Hydraulic Oil Degradation and Moisture Contamination

Hydraulic oil degrades through thermal cycling and moisture absorption, causing pump cavitation and valve damage. Using oil beyond the manufacturer-recommended service life significantly increases malfunction risk during emergency deployment.

Solution: Change hydraulic oil per manufacturer specifications. Use only approved fluid grades and specifications. Always filter oil during transfer and maintain detailed records of all oil changes with dates and batch numbers.

Error 2: Using Incorrect Lubricants for Wire Rope Protection

Inadequate wire rope lubrication allows corrosion and internal rust formation. Proper lubrication protects rope longevity and maintains structural integrity.

Solution: Use only marine-grade lubricants specifically recommended by the davit manufacturer for wire rope and lifting equipment applications. Follow the manufacturer's lubrication schedule and apply lubricant as specified.

Error 3: Delaying Limit Switch Testing and Replacement

Failed or sluggish limit switches allow winches to over-hoist or over-slew, causing severe damage to structural components. Timely maintenance prevents system degradation and safety risks.

Solution: Test limit switches monthly during routine drills, replacing any that do not function smoothly or cut power immediately when activated. Document all testing with dates and results.

Error 4: Skipping Annual Load Testing

SOLAS regulations explicitly mandate annual load testing for all davit systems. Missing required load tests violates maritime regulations and creates safety and liability exposure.

Solution: Schedule annual load tests per your davit maintenance manual. Work with manufacturer-certified personnel to conduct load testing and document all test results with signed certifications.

Documentation and Regulatory Compliance

Maintain comprehensive lifeboat davit maintenance records documenting inspection dates, personnel conducting inspection, specific findings with photographic evidence, corrective actions completed, parts replaced, and test results. Port state control officers review these records during their inspections—complete, accurate documentation demonstrates your commitment to compliance and safety.

Ensuring Long-Term Davit Reliability

Lifeboat davit inspection and maintenance are non-negotiable for maritime safety and regulatory compliance. Proactive, systematic inspection prevents mechanical failures that endanger crew lives and trigger costly operational disruptions.

New Marine manufactures SOLAS-compliant davit systems—including gravity davits, A-frame davits, single-arm davits, and advanced hydraulic models—designed and engineered with reliability and maintenance accessibility as a core design principle. Each system incorporates standardized components, accessible maintenance points, and corrosion-resistant materials that contribute to proper inspection and maintenance.

Contact New Marine today for a consultation with our engineering team to discuss your lifeboat davit needs and ensure your life-saving appliances meet all current regulatory requirements and perform reliably when crew safety depends on them.