Annual Winch brake test

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Mta_MEEGEU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82qtI7C-6Zg

Winches testing must be conducted annually, and for many case many do not know whats the reason/ concept for it, and how to test it, Thus testing it wrongly. It is not tested to make sure the brakes are holding.

Firstly the reason for testing the winches is to ensure that the brake lining is still in a good condition, and most importantly to get rendering point.

Rendering point is the point at which the winch will slip, which is through adjusting the brakes on the winch. The reason for adjusting the slip is so that during at anchor/ port, in case of ships shifting due to rough weather, the winch will not be damaged. You can observe a marking, or a restrictor often placed the brakes wheel which had been adjusted.

Adjust the winch brakes to its rendering point, then by the use of special equipment, a bracket and pins ( as seen in the video above) and hydraulic jack, we pump the pressure until the Brake renders pressure.

Note previous records and compare, make sure the rendering points are in place if not adjustment. Pressure on the hydraulic jacks are calculated through a formula, ( size of the winch, diameter of ropes, distances which you place your testing tools )

Once the hydraulic pressure is achieve and the winch yet to renders, it means it is too tight, adjust the brake wheel.
If the winch already renders before the pressure, it means it is too loose, adjust the brake wheel. Make a proper marking, or on the restricter. Some cases I only see a cable tie on it.