200137 Rescue Boat Problems

Rescue Boat Problems
Report No. 200137

Whilst at anchor it was intended to launch and run the rescue (MOB) boat and to carry out training of the crew in its use. In preparation for the exercise the master tested the boat engines and controls. He found that:

(a) The combined clutch/throttle lever spline (slotted) connection to the rotating shaft was worn away completely and only loosely held by a set screw which was gouging out the shaft. The engine would only clutch in the ahead mode occasionally and at high engine revolutions.

(b) The boat engine's (which had been fitted new 12 months previously) cooling system had NOT been filled with coolant - there was just a small quantity of fresh water in the header tank but the engine, the external heat exchanger and all supply pipes were empty of water due to excessively long flexible piping causing a major air lock.

(c) The boat batteries were found unable to hold sufficient charge to start the engine after just a few hours disconnected from the mains supply charger.

(d) The hydraulic steel supply pipe to the boat fall lowering winch ruptured as boat was lowered.

I leave readers to judge the probable/basic/root cause to which the incident can be attributed.