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 TB 55-1900-201-45/1
2-81. Air Tanks. If so equipped, all air tanks shall be examined for deterioration and also tested for tightness by re-
moving the cap. If, when the cap is removed, a vacuum or air pressure is indicated, the tank will be deemed satisfactory.
When using compressed air for retesting the tank, a maximum of one pound of air pressure shall be used. When in-
specting buoyance units, the outer wrappings shall be examined for damage and each unit weighed. Those units which
are overweight may be set aside for further examination. All wood items in the boat shall be examined closely for dete-
rioration, damage, and to ascertain that they are painted international orange.
2-82.
Releasing Gear. The releasing gear and its attachments shall be examined with emphasis given to the follow-
ing:
a. Center pieces of universal joints. Excessive stress in these will be evidenced by hairline cracks, bent lugs,
etc.
b. Preventer bars.
c.
Release handle, toggle pin and keeper clip.
2-83. Suspension Test. Normally, the suspension test should be per- formed at least once, every 2 years to each life
boat. The life boat in a light condition should be lowered to a point where the keel is approximately one foot above the
surface of the water. Then the life boat should be loaded evenly throughout its length to its allowed weight capacity. The
boat should then be lowered partially into the water. With the boat partially in the water but the falls under tension, the
releasing gear shall be operated to check the release of the boat from the falls. Deadweight used in the loading may be
in the form of water, sandbags and/or other suitable material. Personnel in the boat during lowering or raising operations
shall be kept to a minimum and shall be cautioned to use life lines. The basis for dead- weight loading is 165 pounds of
weight for each person of the capacity of the boat. Weights shall be kept as low in the boat as possible to prevent cap-
sizing. When water is used, it should be metered or otherwise measured.
2-84. Winch Brakes. On winches using external brakes for lowering the brake hand assembly pins shall be carefully
examined. If necessary, the entire assembly should be removed to determine the condition of the brake band, lining and
drums. Worn linings shall be renewed. Heavy rust and pitting on the drums shall be removed by refinishing the surface.
On winches having internal brakes for lowering, the brake assembly should, in all instances, be opened for examination.
On winches utilizing centrifugal brakes, the assembly shall be opened for examination of shoe linings or rough surfaces
on the drums. Brake shoes shall clear the drum when the winch is stopped and the springs should permit the shoes to
contact the drum upon appliance of hand pressure. Where there are winches, care should be taken to determine
2-40
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