§ 71.47-30 - 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 71.47-30(a)(3).

Table 71.47-30(a)(3)Article of gearProof loadChains, rings, hooks, links, shackles, swivelsTwice the safe working load.Single sheave blockFour times the safe working load.1Multiple sheave block with safe working load up to and including 20 tons1Twice the safe working load.Multiple sheave block with safe working load over 20 tons up to and including 40 tons20 tons in excess of the safe working load.Multiple sheave block over 40 tonsOne and a half times the safe working load.Roller chains (pitched chains) used with hand operated chain falls, and rings, hooks, shackles, or swivels permanently attached theretoDo.Chain fall blocks used with roller chains (pitched chains), and rings, hooks, shackles, or swivels permanently attached theretoDo.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.

(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 loose gear certificate shall show the distinguishing number or mark applied to the article of gear; a description of the article 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.