[Title 46 CFR 91.37] [Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - October 1, 1996 Edition] [Title 46 - SHIPPING] [Chapter I - COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF] [Subchapter I - CARGO AND MISCELLANEOUS VESSELS] [Part 91 - INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION] [Subpart 91.37 - Inspection of Cargo Gear] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]46 SHIPPING 4 1996-10-01 1996-10-01 false Inspection of Cargo Gear 91.37 Subpart 91.37 SHIPPING COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF CARGO AND MISCELLANEOUS VESSELS INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION Subpart 91.37--Inspection of Cargo Gear Sec. 91.37-1 When made. (a) The specific tests and examinations shall be made at the intervals stated in the regulations in this subpart. (b) A thorough examination of the assembled gear shall be made at least once in every year. (c) An inspection to determine the condition and suitability of shipboard cargo gear will be made by a marine inspector at each inspection for certification. Inspections may be made at such other times as considered necessary by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. (d) For vessels fitted with cargo gear, an initial test of the assembled units under proof loads shall be conducted, followed by a complete dismantling or disassembling of such gear and a thorough examination of the parts to ascertain its condition. Subsequent tests of the assembled units under proof loads, followed by a dismantling or disassembling of such gear and a thorough examination shall be made once every five years, or oftener if necessary. [CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16974, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGD 87-089, 55 FR 21550, May 25, 1990] Sec. 91.37-3 Definitions of terms and words used in this subpart. (a) Cargo gear. The term ``cargo gear'' includes masts, stays, booms, winches, cranes, elevators, conveyors, standing and running gear forming that part of the shipboard cargo gear used in connection with the loading or unloading of a vessel. This term does not include material handling gear and rigging of special design vessels used solely in dredging, pile driving, drilling for mineral deposits, and construction work. (b) Dismantling or disassembling of gear. The ``dismantling'' or ``disassembling'' of gear contemplated is the taking apart of units of gear to the extent necessary to determine the suitability of such gear for continued service and as may be specifically required to carry out the intent of a particular regulation on this subpart. After proof load tests the disassembling need not include the sheaves and pins of the blocks included in the test unless there appears to be evidence of deformation or failure. (c) Thorough examination. The ``thorough examination'' contemplated is a visual examination, supplemented if necessary by other means such as by a hammer test or by a test with electronic or ultrasonic devices. (d) Ton. The word ``ton'' means a ton of 2,240 pounds. (e) Safe working load. The ``safe working load'' (SWL) contemplated is the load the gear is approved to lift, excluding the weight of the gear itself. Sec. 91.37-5 Tests and examinations of shipboard cargo gear. (a) For vessels fitted with cargo gear and without valid cargo gear certificates and registers issued by organizations or associations recognized by the Coast Guard, inspections shall be made by competent persons described in Sec. 91.25-25(c) (1) and (2) to determine the condition and suitability of the shipboard cargo gear. For the initial and subsequent fifth year inspections, all the cranes, winches, hoists, derrick booms, derrick and mast bands, and all parts used in loading or unloading cargo shall be assembled in units and such assembled units shall then be tested under proof loads. The proof loads shall be handled for various types of units as required by specific regulations in this subpart. After the proof load tests of the assembled units of gear have been made, such gear shall be disassembled or dismantled so as to permit them to be thoroughly examined. The sheaves and pins of the blocks included in these proof load tests need not be removed unless there [[Page 28]] appears to be evidence of deformation or failure. (b) For vessels fitted with cargo gear and holding valid cargo gear certificates and registers issued by organizations or associations recognized by the Coast Guard, the marine inspectors may accept such certificates as prima facie evidence of compliance with the requirements in this subpart. If an Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, is in doubt as to the condition and suitability of shipboard cargo gear for such a vessel, the tests and examinations, or such portions thereof as deemed necessary, provided for in this subpart will be required. (c) If any part or portion of the gear fails or becomes defective during such tests, such defective equipment shall be satisfactorily repaired or replaced. [CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16974, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGD 87-089, 55 FR 21550, May 25, 1990] Sec. 91.37-10 Cargo gear of special design and limited use. (a) The regulations in this subpart shall apply to cargo gear of special design and limited use (derrick barges rigged for heavy lifts, cargo booms on self unloaders, etc.) only to the extent that it is practicable to do so. These requirements may be modified by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, where the inspection is performed according to the design characteristics of such cargo gear. (b) Nondestructive tests, such as radiography, ultrasonic, electronic or other methods, may be utilized to determine the condition of heavy lift gear after it has been unit tested, provided such methods are acceptable to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, having cognizance of the tests. However, no deviations or modifications shall be permitted to lessen the requirements for cargo gear inspection as set forth in Sec. 91.37-70 and the maintenance of the applicable cargo gear records as set forth in Sec. 91.37-75. Sec. 91.37-15 Cargo gear plans required when plans are not approved by a classification society or recognized cargo gear organization. (a) For a new vessel or a vessel applying for initial inspection, the following plans of cargo gear shall be submitted in triplicate to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, having jurisdiction for approval: (1) Plans showing a stress diagram with the principal details of the gear. (2) Plans containing a diagram showing the arrangement of the assembled gear and indicating the safe working load for each component part. (b) The safe working load on which the design of any component part of the cargo gear is to be based, shall be taken as the maximum resultant load upon the component part in the design conditions assumed. The safe working load of the assembly is the load the gear is approved to lift, excluding the weight of the gear itself. (c) One approved copy of each set of cargo gear plans shall be retained on the vessel. Sec. 91.37-20 Cargo gear plans approved by a classification society. (a) The plans required by Sec. 91.37-15(a) need not be submitted to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, for approval if such plans are or have been approved by the American Bureau of Shipping or similar classification society recognized by the Commandant. (b) One approved copy of each set of cargo gear plans shall be retained on the vessel. Sec. 91.37-23 Cargo gear plans approved by a recognized cargo gear organization. (a) The plans required by Sec. 91.37-15(a) need not be submitted to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, for approval if such plans are or have been approved by a recognized cargo gear organization listed in paragraph (b) of this section. (b) The following cargo gear organizations are recognized as having the technical competence to handle the required review of cargo gear plans, including stress and arrangement diagrams, and this recognition will continue in effect until suspended, canceled, or modified by proper authority: (1) International Cargo Gear Bureau, Inc., with home office at 17 Battery Place, New York, N.Y. 10004. [[Page 29]] (c) One approved copy of each set of cargo gear plans shall be retained on the vessel. [CGFR 68-105, 33 FR 14703, Oct. 2, 1968, as amended by CGFR 69-116, 35 FR 6861, Apr. 30, 1970] Sec. 91.37-25 Factors of safety. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, in the design of cargo gear, the minimal safety factors in Table 91.37-25(a) must be used to meet the requirements of Sec. 91.37-15. (b) The Commandant may permit the use of safety factors different than those in Table 31.37-25(a) in the design of cargo gear that he considers special. Table 91.37-25(a) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Safety factors based on\1\-- --------------------------- Safe working loads for component parts Breaking Ultimate Yield test strength point load ------------------------------------------------------------------------ All metal structural parts except steel booms, stayed masts, pins, and connections: 5 tons or less working load of the assembled gear....................................... 5.00 \2\ 2. 75 ........ 15 tons working load of the assembled gear.. 4.00 \2\ 2. 20 ........ 60 tons or more working load of the assembled gear............................. 3.75 \2\ 2. 05 ........ Steel booms: 10 tons or less working load of the assembled gear............................. ........ 3.00 ........ 13 tons or more working load of the assembled gear............................. ........ 2.50 ........ Stayed masts: 10 tons or less working load of assembled gear....................................... 5.00 ...... ........ 13 tons or more working load of assembled gear....................................... 4.00 ...... ........ Pins and connections: 10 tons or less working load................ ........ \2\ 3. 00 ........ 13 tons or more working load of assembled gear....................................... ........ \2\ 2. 50 ........ Wire rope: 10 tons or less working load................ ........ ...... 5.00 13 tons or more working load................ ........ ...... 4.00 Fiber rope: For running rigging......................... 7.00 ...... ........ For fixed gear and vangs.................... 5.00 ...... ........ Wooden structural parts..................... 8.00 ...... ........ Chains...................................... 4.50 ...... ........ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \1\ Intermediate values of safety factors may be used. \2\ The minimum yield point for design purposes shall not be considered greater than 72 percent of the minimum ultimate strength of the steel. [CGD 72-150R, 37 FR 20826, Oct. 4, 1972] Sec. 91.37-30 Loose gear certificates and tests. (a) (1) Evidence of compliance with the proof load test requirements in this section for all chains, rings, hooks, links, shackles, swivels, blocks, and any other loose gear whether accessory to a machine or not, but which is used as ship's cargo gear shall be listed on an appropriate certificate. (2) This evidence of test and the recording thereof is required only once with respect to each article of gear so long as each article is identified and the certificates required are available on the vessel. (3) Proof loads applied to the articles of loose gear shall be as shown in Table 91.37-30(a)(3). (b) All chains, rings, hooks, links, shackles, swivels, blocks and any other loose gear whether accessory to a machine or not, but which is used or intended for use as ship's cargo gear, shall bear a mark or number by which each piece can be identified and shall be listed on a loose gear certificate. The safe working load ``SWL'' shall be marked on all blocks. (c) The certificate shall show the distinguishing number or mark applied to the articles of gear; a description of the articles of gear; the date when the test proof load was applied; and the safe working load. The forms for loose gear certificates shall be as prescribed by and acceptable to associations or organizations approved by the Commandant and shall be suitable for the purposes of this section. (d) After being tested all of the gear shall be examined to ascertain whether any part has been damaged, permanently deformed by the test or has other visible defects. The pins and sheaves of all tested blocks shall be removed for this purpose. If damaged during these tests, such gear shall be satisfactorily repaired or replaced. (e) The required examinations as set forth in paragraph (d) of this section may be accomplished by mechanical, electrical or other means provided the method employed is equal in efficiency to the visual examination of disassembled gear. Table 91.37-30(a)(3) Articles of gear Proof load Chains, rings, hooks, links, shackles, Twice the safe working load. swivels. Single sheave block....................... Four times the safe working load.\1\ [[Page 30]] Multiple sheave block with safe working Twice the safe working load. load up to and including 20 tons. Multiple sheave block with safe working 20 tons in excess of the load over 20 tons up to and including 40 safe working load. tons. Multiple sheave block over 40 tons........ One and a half times the safe working load. Roller chains (pitched chains) used with One and a half times the hand operated chain falls, and rings, safe working load. hooks, shackles, or swivels permanently attached thereto. Chain fall blocks, used with roller chains Do. (pitched chains), and rings, hooks, shackles, or swivels permanently attached thereto. \1\ The proof load applied to the block is equivalent to twice the maximum resultant load on the eye or pin when lifting the safe working load attached to a rope which passes around the sheave of the block. The proof load is, therefore, equal to four times the safe working load or twice the safe working load when the load is attached directly to the block instead of a rope passing around the sheave. Sec. 91.37-35 Test and certification of wire rope. (a) All wire rope used as shipboard cargo gear shall be able to withstand a breaking test load of at least five times the safe working load. In the case of gear with a lifting capacity of over 10 tons, the breaking test load of wire rope shall be at least four times the safe working load. All wire rope shall be identified and described in a wire rope certificate. Such certificate shall be furnished and attested to by the manufacturer or a testing agency and shall certify: (1) The breaking test load of a sample of the wire rope, which should be at least five times the safe working load or at least four times the safe working load if part of gear with a lifting capacity of over 10 tons; (2) The name and address of the manufacturer; (3) The diameter of the rope in inches and/or fractions thereof; (4) The number of strands and the number of wires in each strand; (5) The quality of the wire (e.g., improved plow steel); (6) The date of the test; and, (7) The load at which the sample broke. (b) The forms for the wire rope certificates shall be presented by and acceptable to associations or organizations approved by the Commandant and shall be suitable for the purposes described in this section. (c) In addition to the manufacturers' or testing agencies' attestations, a sample of the wire rope may be tested to destruction if required by the marine inspector when a visual inspection indicates an apparent defective condition. Sec. 91.37-40 Proof test of cargo gear as a unit. (a) Winches with their accessory gear, including the derricks and attachments, at least once in each five years, shall be tested as a unit with proof loads exceeding the safe working load as set forth in Table 91.37-40(a). Table 91.37-40(a). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Safe working load of assembled gear Proof load ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Not exceeding 20 tons..................... 25 percent in excess. Over 20 tons but not exceeding 50 tons.... 5 tons in excess. Over 50 tons.............................. 10 percent in excess. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (b) The proof load applied to winches and their gear shall be lifted with the ship's normal tackle including the winches and with the boom at an angle which should not be greater than 15 degrees to the horizontal or to the lowest angle approved in association with the design, or when these angles are impracticable to the lowest practicable angle. When the load has been lifted, it shall be swung as far as possible in both directions. (1) Where electrical winches are fitted with electromagnetic or hydraulic brakes at the winch, mechanical brakes for manual operation will not be required, but if so fitted shall be in satisfactory operating condition. (2) Current for electric winch operation during the test shall be taken from the ship's circuits. Shore current may be used if it passes through the ship's switchboard. (c) Cranes and other hoisting machines with their accessory gear, at least once in each five years, shall be tested with a proof load which shall exceed the safe working load as set forth in Table 91.37-40(a). (d) The proof load applied to cranes and hoists shall be lifted, topped and swung (slewed) as far as possible in [[Page 31]] each direction. If the boom of the crane has a movable radius, it shall be tested with a proof load as set forth in this section at the maximum and minimum radii of the boom. In the case of hydraulic cranes whose capacity is limited by pressure, and with which it is not possible to lift a load 25 percent in excess of the safe working load, the greatest possible load in excess of the safe working load shall be used. These tests and the amounts of the loads shall be recorded. (e) After satisfactory completion of the proof load testing of the cargo gear in accordance with paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this section, the cargo gear and all component parts shall be given a thorough visual examination, supplemented as necessary by other means such as a hammer test or with electronic or ultrasonic devices, to determine if any of the parts were damaged, deformed, or otherwise rendered unsafe for further use. If found defective, such gear shall be replaced. (1) When the test is being conducted for the first time on a vessel, accessory gear shall be dismantled or disassembled for examination after the test. The sheaves and pins of the blocks included in this test need not be removed unless there appears to be evidence of deformation or failure. (2) For subsequent tests such parts of the machinery and gear shall be dismantled and/or disassembled after the test as necessary to determine its suitability for continued service. (f) Appropriate means shall be provided to prevent the foot of the boom from being accidentally lifted from the socket during the test. (g) Vessels whose cargo gear has been in use but are without the valid registers and certificates described in Sec. 91.25-25 shall be inspected for defective cargo gear. The gear shall then be tested and examined as prescribed in this section. If the movable weights for proof testing are not reasonably available, a spring or hydraulic scale certified for accuracy may be used. Whenever such scales are used, the proof load shall be applied with the boom swung out as far as possible in one direction and then in the other direction and at such intermediate positions as may be indicated. At any position, the indicator of the scale must maintain a constant reading under the proof load for a period of five minutes. (h) On all types of winches and cranes efficient means shall be provided to stop and hold the proof load in any position, and the efficiency of such means shall be demonstrated. (1) Electric winches, electrohydraulic winches fitted with electromagnetic or hydraulic brakes at the winch, or cranes shall be equipped so that a failure of the electric power shall stop the motion and set the brakes without any action on the part of the operator. (2) Current for electric winches and crane operation during the tests shall be taken from the ship's circuits. Shore current may be used if it passes through the ship's switchboard. [CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16974, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGD 87-089, 55 FR 21550, May 25, 1990] Sec. 91.37-45 Marking of booms and cranes. (a) The safe working load (abbreviated ``SWL'') for the assembled gear shall be marked on the heel of each boom with the minimum angle to the horizontal for which the gear is designed. These letters and figures shall be in contrasting colors to the background and at least one inch in height. (b) Where the boom is rated at varying capacities depending on the radius, tables, indicating the maximum safe working loads for the various working angles of the boom and the maximum and minimum radii at which the boom may be safely used shall be conspicuously posted near the controls and visible to the operator when working the gear. Sec. 91.37-50 Use of wire rope and chains. (a) An eye splice made in any wire rope used as cargo gear, with or without a thimble, shall be at least three tucks with whole strands and two tucks with one half the wire cut from the tucking stand: Provided, That this requirement shall not preclude the use of any other form of splice or connection if it is as efficient as the splice specified. (b) Single wire rope cargo falls, wire rope pendants, topping lifts and preventers shall consist of clear lengths [[Page 32]] without splices except at the working ends. Wire rope clips shall not be used to form eyes in the working ends of single wire rope cargo falls. (c) Wire rope shall not be used for shipboard cargo gear if in any length of 8 diameters, the number of visible broken wires exceeds ten percent of the total number of wires in the rope, or if the rope shows other signs of excessive wear, corrosion, kinking, or defect. (d) Hoisting or sling chains used for shipboard cargo gear shall not be used if a length of chain has been stretched more than five percent of the original length, or the chain has become unsafe through over loading or faulty heat-treatment, or whenever other external defects are evident. (e) Chains used for shipboard cargo gear shall not be shortened by knotting, bolting, or wiring the links. The use of chains having a knot or kink as shipboard cargo gear is prohibited. Sec. 91.37-55 Annealing. (a) Chains, hooks, rings, links, shackles, and swivels of wrought iron used as cargo gear shall be annealed at the following intervals: (1) Wrought iron chains and gear in general use and of one-half inch or less, at least once in every six months. (2) All other wrought iron chains and gear, including topping lift chains, in general use, at least once in every twelve months. (b) The annealing shall be done in a suitable closed oven and not over an open fire. Wrought iron shall be annealed at a temperature of between 1100 deg. and 1200 deg. Fahrenheit for a period of between 30 and 60 minutes. After being annealed, the article shall be allowed to cool slowly and shall be then tested completely for defects. (c) The heat-treatment of the cargo gear shall be done only by reputable firms having suitable equipment and personnel trained for this purpose. A certificate attesting to the annealing of all gear heat- treated shall be furnished to the vessel. (d) The heat-treatment of chains, hooks, rings, links, shackles, and swivels of materials other than wrought iron used as cargo gear, if required, shall be effected in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Sec. 91.37-60 Additions to gear. (a) When articles of loose gear and/or wire rope conforming with the requirements in this subpart are added to installed gear, or used as replacements in such gear from time to time, a record shall be maintained on the vessel which shall identify each article and the certificate accompanying it. Sec. 91.37-65 Alterations, renewals, or repairs of cargo gear. (a) Whenever important repairs, renewals, or alterations are indicated or intended for the masts, booms, and permanent fittings of the cargo gear, such repairs, renewals, or alterations shall be undertaken only after compliance with the applicable provisions of Sec. 91.45-1. (b) Tests and examinations of the repairs, renewals, or alterations shall be in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 91.37-40. (c) When welding is used to lengthen, alter, or repair chains, rings, hooks, links, shackles, or swivels, they shall be properly heat- treated and shall before being again put into use, be tested and examined in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 91.37-30. Sec. 91.37-70 Responsibility of ship's officer for inspection of cargo gear. (a) All wire rope, chains other than bridle chains attached to booms or masts, and all rings, hooks, links, shackles, swivels and blocks used in loading or unloading shall be visually inspected by a ship's officer designated for that purpose by the master. (b) These inspections by a ship's officer shall be made at frequent intervals, and in any event not less than once in each month. (c) Immediately after such an inspection by a ship's officer notations of such an inspection shall be made in record form which shall be in or kept with the cargo gear register if carried. In addition, the same notations of inspections together with the date shall be entered in the Official Logbook for those vessels required to carry this record, or such information shall be kept with the log records maintained on vessels not required to carry the Official Logbook. (See Sec. 91.37-75 for entries required to be kept.) [[Page 33]] Sec. 91.37-75 Records regarding cargo gear. (a) The cargo gear records described in this subpart shall be maintained on the vessel and shall be made available to Coast Guard officials upon request. These records shall be kept for the periods of time they are valid and, in addition, until the next Coast Guard inspection for certification of the vessel. The certificates of manufacturers and/or testing laboratories, companies, or organizations shall be maintained on the vessel so long as the gear described in such certificates is on board the vessel. (b) The records of all the inspections of cargo gear made by the ship's officers in accordance with Sec. 91.37-70 shall be maintained on the vessel for periods of time which agree with those periods as covered by the current Coast Guard certificate of inspection issued to the vessel. These records show the dates of inspections, identify articles inspected, the conditions observed, and the name of the officer performing the inspection. (c) The records of all tests and examinations conducted by or under the supervision of surveyors of the organizations or associations approved by the Commandant shall be maintained on the vessel. (d) The Coast Guard will not issue cargo gear certificates and/or registers. The Coast Guard's records of inspections, tests, and examinations of a particular vessel's cargo gear made by a marine inspector or conducted under the supervision of the Coast Guard will be maintained in the office of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, having jurisdiction over the vessel at the time such work was performed. The original certificates or certified copies of certificates of manufacturers and/or testing laboratories, companies, or organizations for loose cargo gear, wire rope, or the annealing of gear shall be maintained on the vessel. Sec. 91.37-80 Advance notice that cargo gear testing is desired. (a) The owner, agent, or master of a vessel shall give an advance notice when it is desired that the tests and examinations of cargo gear be made by or under the supervision of the marine inspector. This advance notice shall be given to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, in whose marine inspection zone the vessel is available for such inspection and examination. (b) For the initial inspection and examination of cargo gear by the Coast Guard, the advance notice shall be to the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, as early as possible and shall include sketches and/or drawings showing each unit of cargo gear, the identification of component parts and the safe working loads. Copies of original certificates of manufacturers and/or testing laboratories, companies, or organizations maintained on the vessel may be accepted by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, when satisfied such certificates properly describe the qualities of the component parts of the gear in question. Sec. 91.37-85 Responsibility for conducting required tests and examinations. (a) The vessel's owners and/or operators shall furnish and pay the expenses required in conducting the tests and examinations prescribed by the regulations in this subpart, including the supplying of all instruments, other equipment, and personnel including personnel supervision for performance of all work required. (b) The Coast Guard's participation in these required tests and examinations shall be confined to witnessing required tests and examinations with the view to determining whether or not the gear is satisfactory for the purpose intended. In the event it is determined that the gear is defective or unable to meet the standards set forth in this subpart such gear, or portions thereof, shall be replaced to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, having jurisdiction over the vessel.