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QUESTION 9.1.1

Mooring winch brake testing and correct operation

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGDocumentation, Cargo Control Room, Mooring Decks

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether the brake will render at the intended load, whether the setting can be traced to the Ship Design MBL, and whether the Master and deck officers understand the system fitted. Records, markings and the physical winch must agree.

Ready onboard

0/8 complete

DOCUMENTSCompany procedure and MSMP identify the test frequency, method and responsibility.RECORDSTest records cover the annual test and any retest after brake-related maintenance, modification, premature slippage or malfunction.TECHNICALThe primary brake holding load is set to render at 60% of Ship Design MBL on the first layer, unless approved vessel-specific guidance requires interpretation for an undivided drum.EQUIPMENTTest equipment is in good order and the pressure gauge or other measuring device has valid calibration.MARKINGSEach winch shows reeling direction, last test date, brake holding load and the applicable torque, pressure or setting indicator.ARRANGEMENTLines are reeled in the correct direction. A split drum has one layer on the tension section and the required minimum turns are maintained.CONDITIONBrake drum, band, lining and mechanism are clean, sound and free from defects that could alter performance.KNOWLEDGEDeck officers can explain the fitted brake, the correct setting and the signs that require maintenance or retesting.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1Show the Ship Design MBL and explain how the required brake setting was derived.

Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.

2Show the last brake test for this winch. What is the next due date?

Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.

3Which repairs or operating signs would require the brake to be retested?

Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.

4What torque, hydraulic pressure or indicator confirms the correct setting on this winch?

Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.

5Why does the line reeling direction matter for this band brake?

Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.

6What action would you take after premature brake slippage?

Use the vessel’s approved procedures, records and fitted-equipment instructions. Demonstrate the evidence rather than giving only a general answer.

Where an observation may arise

PROCEDURE

No vessel-specific procedure or MSMP route for brake testing and operation.

KNOWLEDGE

Officer or crew cannot explain the setting, testing or operation of the fitted brake.

RECORDS

Periodic test is overdue, or no retest followed relevant maintenance, modification or slippage.

CALIBRATION

Brake test equipment is defective or its gauge calibration is invalid.

MARKINGS

Required winch markings are missing, unclear or inconsistent with the latest test.

ARRANGEMENT

Wrong reeling direction, excess layers on a split-drum tension section or insufficient turns.

CONDITION

Brake mechanism, drum or lining is visibly defective or improperly set.

Master's practical note

Select one winch at random and trace the complete chain: Ship Design MBL, calculated brake holding load, test record, torque or pressure setting, drum marking and the actual line arrangement. Then ask the accompanying deck officer to explain it at the winch. A contractor's certificate alone does not prove that the deck team understands the system or that the physical setting still matches the record.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: The outcome is common, but the test rig, torque method, hydraulic-assist pressure and indicator arrangement vary by winch make and model. DeepDraft should never publish a universal operating sequence without the approved manual.

References

OCIMF MEG4 sections 6.3.4, 6.4.5 and 6.4.6
SOLAS II-1/3-8
ISM Code section 10.1
Manufacturer's approved winch-brake testing instructions

Last reviewed: 2026-08-11