This SS type release gear system is complying with the requirements of chapter III of the 1996 Amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention, the LSA Code and resolution MSC.81 (70).

　

The SS type release gear system is equipped with the interlock system consisting of the hydrostatic unit so as not to release the hooks where the boat is in air (not waterborne).

　

The SS type release gear system has auxiliary hooks to sling the lifeboat without using the hooks for both purposes of the on-board maintenance of the hooks and use of the recovery strops required by regulation 16.2 and regulation 17.5 of chapter III of the 1 996 Amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention, respectively.

　

Be sure to read this manual carefully before using this SS type release gear system. And, it is recommended to take this manual into the lifeboat whenever the release gear system is used.

　

For user's checklist, a checklist for the inspection required by regulation 36. 1 of chapter III of the 1996 Amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention is attached at the end of this manual. It is recommended that a photocopy of the checklist should be made, for use when the inspection and the maintenance are conducted.

　

　

　

This section describes the details of the SS type release gear system. Read this section carefully for safe operation and maintenance.

　

This SS type release gear system consists of fore/aft hook units, a release handle unit near the steering console, a hydrostatic unit and the associated cables (see Figure 2.1).

　

Releasing operation of the hooks is conducted at the release handle unit near the steering console through the control cables terminating the fore/aft hook units. And, the interlock system by the hydrostatic unit is provided for protection against releasing the hooks when the boat is not waterbome.

　

The system also has an emergency function which makes it possible to over-ride the interlock by the hydrostatic unit and to release the boat. For this emergency function, pay enough attention to this operation so that a serious accident may be prevented.

　

　

　

Structure and parts name of the hook unit are shown in Figure 2.2 (a) and (b). The hook units are equipped on both fore and aft ends of the boat and they are identical, except their directions.

　

　

When the release handle near the steering console is pulled, the cam lever pin is turned through the control cable and the lock piece is then set free, and finally the hook is turned and released (see Figure 2.2 (c)).

　

　

When the hook is returned with great force, the lock piece is forced to lift. Furthermore, hold the hook as it was by the left hand and turn the reset lever fitted to the cam lever pin towards the other side until stop by the right hand, and then the hook is reset. As a note, the reset lever is required to operate at the same time on both fore and aft side. After resetting of the hooks, the release handle near the steering console also returns (see Figure 2.2(d)).