RAÍLES DE ACCESO Y EQUIPOS DE ELEVACION
INSPECCIÓN Y PRUEBAS DE CARGA DE RAÍLES DE ACCESO Y PUNTOS DE ANCLAJE.
INSPECCIÓN DE EQUIPOS DE IZADO:
- Eslingas y Grilletes
- Ojos de amarre y Pernos de anilla.
- Polipastos y Palancas de cadena.
- Mordazas y Carros de viga.
- Guíndolas Náuticas, Arneses, Líneas de vida y Sistemas Anticaídas.
PRUEBAS DE CARGA Y CERTIFICACIONES:
- Suministro y pruebas de carga de cables de grúa certificados y bridas de elevacion.
- Pruebas de carga de grúas y equipos de elevación.
- Pruebas de carga de pasarelas y plataformas.
SUMINISTRO DE EQUIPOS DE SEGURIDAD Y EQUIPOS DE ELEVACION.
Forward Rigging es Harken Access Rail approved installer y Harken Authorized Service agent.
WHAT PROFESSIONAL LOAD TESTING INCLUDES
Professional rigging companies like Forward Rigging typically carry out:
STATIC LOAD TESTING
-A proof load (constant weight) is applied and held to verify structural integrity without movement.
-Usually a multiple of the WLL (Working Load Limit) according to regulations.
-Verifies no permanent deformation under load.
-Water bags (water weights) are filled gradually to reach the desired test load.
-Calibrated load cells measure the actual applied load precisely.
DYNAMIC LOAD TESTING
-Simulates operational conditions, including lifting/lowering and brief load variations.
-Useful for brake performance, winch function, and overall system behaviour under moving load.
-Involves repeated lifts, slewing, controlled motions.
EQUIPMENT USED
-Water bags (water weights): safe, graded loading without heavy solid weights.
-Calibrated load cells / dynamometers: for precise load measurement and certification.
-Slings, spreader beams, certified rigging hardware.
FREQUENCY AND WHEN TESTING IS DONE
Periodic Tests / Surveys
-Frequently aligned with IMO/flag survey and class requirements (annual inspection + proof/load test every 5 years, or on flag/class schedule).
-Static and Dynamic load tests are often done as part of the quinquennial (5-year) survey (or after any repair.
-Visual inspections are carried annually.
Post-repair or modification Survey.
-Required after major crane repair, structural alteration, or if inspection flags anomalies.
-Ensures safe return to service.
STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCES
IMO / SOLAS / MSC Guidelines
-Lifting appliances (cranes, davits) need regular inspection and load verification.
-Testing should be documented and performed by competent, certified surveyors.
Industry and Classification Expectations
-Load tests should be recognized by classification societies (e.g., DNV, ABS, BV, RINA).
-Equipment calibration and certification are key for acceptance.
WHY WATER BAGS AND LOAD CELLS ARE USED
Water bags are excellent for marine crane testing because they ensure:
-Gradual, controlled load application.
-Easy to transportation and handling. Compared to steel or concrete weight reduce the risk of damages on board the vessels.
-High safety factor and flexibility for varying load requirements.
Calibrated load cells ensure:
-Precise load measurement.
-Traceable data with Geographics Coordinates for certificates.
-Certification meets Class,Flag & Insurance requirements.
In practice, a professional rigging company like Forward Rigging will provide:
-Qualified inspectors and certified procedures.
-Water bag and calibrated load cells.
-Detailed reports and certificates accepted by authorities and insurances.
GET IN TOUCH WITH FORWARD RIGGING AND BOOK YOUR SURVEY!
HOW IMPORTANT AND WHY THE ANNUAL SURVEYS ARE CARRIED ON THE ACCESS RAILS EN795 AND ANCHOR POINT EN795 OF THE LARGE YACHTS SPECIALLY MOTOR YACHTS?
Here’s an explanation of why annual surveys of access rails (EN 795 systems) and anchor points (EN 795 Class A–E) on large yachts , particularly motor yachts , are essential , and what makes them so important:
LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:
-EN 795 is the European standard that governs anchor devices for personal fall protection systems.
It covers fixed and temporary anchor points, safety rails, and lifeline systems.
-Under maritime safety management systems (e.g., ISM Code, MLC 2006, LY3, Red Ensign Code), owners and operators must ensure that all fall protection equipment is certified, maintained, and inspected annually by a competent or authorized person.
-Many flag states and classification societies (Lloyd’s, RINA, DNV, etc.) require documented annual inspections to maintain compliance and insurance validity.
Why: Without a valid inspection certificate, the system is technically not approved for use — meaning crew working at height or over the side may be operating outside legal and insurance coverage.
SAFETY OF CREW AND CONTRACTORS:
Access rails and anchor points are lifesaving equipment used by crew, deckhands, and contractors for:
-Window cleaning and hull polishing
-Maintenance and painting
-Tending fenders, lines, and toys over the side
-Working on masts, antennas, or upper decks
These systems are often exposed to harsh marine conditions — salt, UV, temperature changes, vibration — which can weaken fasteners, corrode stainless fittings, and degrade sealants or mounting substrates.
An annual inspection ensures each component will actually hold when loaded in a real fall
and not just appear intact.
EARLY DETECTION OF CORROTION AND STRUCTURAL DEGRADATION:
Professional surveyors check for:
-Hidden corrosion under deck fittings or covers
-Loosened fixings from deck flexing or vibration
-Sealant failure leading to water ingress (which can also damage the deck core)
-Wear or deformation of carriages and trolleys on rail systems
Early detection avoids catastrophic failure and prevents costly structural repairs later.
MAINTAINING CERTIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION:
-The survey provides a certificate of inspection confirming that each anchor device and rail system complies with EN 795 and remains safe for use.
-Each inspected point or rail section is logged, identified, and tagged with the inspection date, inspector, and next due date.
These records are essential for:
-Safety management audits
-Insurance claims
-Flag/state inspections
-Contractor safety compliance
Proper documentation proves diligence and protects the owner/operator legally in case of an incident.
PROFESSIONAL LOAD TESTING AND CERTIFICATION:
-Annual surveys include physical pull testing or proof load tests on a sample of points.
-This confirms that the installation still meets its design load.
-Any failed or questionable point can be replaced or re-certified immediately.
Real-world testing verifies not just appearance, but actual holding capacity under load.
LIABILITY AND INSURANCE PROTECTION:
If a person were injured due to anchor point failure:
-Authorities or insurers would request proof of current certification.
-If the system was out of date, the vessel, captain, and management company could face liability or negligence claims.
Annual inspections protect not only lives but also reputations and legal positions.
GET IN TOUCH WITH FORWARD RIGGING AND BOOK YOUR SURVEY!
