Your examiner asks: "On-load release gear has been linked to a number of serious historical lifeboat drill accidents. What periodic maintenance regime applies to it, and why was this tightened?"

A. On-load release gear (the mechanism that releases the lifeboat from its falls, including under load) is subject to a periodic THOROUGH EXAMINATION as part of the overall lifeboat/davit maintenance regime, including examination before and after the operational (dynamic) load test described in the previous question, at the same longer-interval (five-yearly) cycle. This regime was specifically TIGHTENED by IMO following a series of serious, sometimes fatal, accidents where release gear failed or was inadvertently operated during lifeboat drills, dropping the boat (and its occupants) — these incidents led to mandatory, detailed requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul, and repair of lifeboats, rescue boats, launching appliances, and release gear, going well beyond a simple visual check.

B. On-load release gear has never been the subject of any accident history, and its maintenance regime has remained unchanged and untightened since the original SOLAS Chapter III was adopted.

C. On-load release gear requires no periodic examination at all — once fitted, it is assumed to remain fully serviceable for the entire life of the lifeboat with no further testing.

D. The thorough examination of release gear is carried out weekly, using an identical scope and rigour to the five-yearly examination.

A. Nothing — a test lift can proceed immediately after repairs

B. Testing should wait until cargo operations begin

C. The area within the grab's swing radius should be cleared of personnel before the lift

D. Only the crane operator needs to be aware the lift is happening

A. Who must remain clear of the exclusion zone while the lift takes place

B. The lunch schedule for the deck team

C. Only the weather forecast for the next watch

D. The cargo manifest for the next port