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MAINTENANCE OF SHIP'S RIGGING AND DECK MACHINERY

Wire rope must be lubricated properly to ensure long life and safety. The internal parts of the wires move against each other wherever the rope passes over a sheave or winds on a drum. Each wire rotates around its own axis, and all wires slide against one another.

CLEANING AND SLUSHING STANDING RIGGING

	A slush of specially prepared grease is used to prevent rust on standing rigging. It is very easy to handle and creates a minimal amount of drippings if applied sparingly. This is very important in regards to our protection of the environment. Remember that excessive use of cable lubricant will result in run off and eventual water pollution.
	Galvanizing metal gives it a very thin coating of rustproof zinc. However, this coating eventually wears off in places, or the elements penetrate below it. Therefore, even though much standing rigging is galvanized, it should be slushed periodically.
	The man going aloft should take a steel scraper and a wire brush to slush down standing rigging. Make sure that safety goggles and harness are worn. Any scale on the wire must be chipped or scraped off, and the wire brushed down, either to the bare metal or to a good hard coat of slush put on previously. New galvanized metal must be rubbed down with a rag soaked in vinegar before slush or paint is applied.

RUNNING RIGGING

A vessel’s running rigging consists of all the guys, tackles, whips, blocks, boat falls, and so on, used to control the motion of the ship’s movable gear or to handle cargo.

Blocks

Blocks on cargo davits and rescue boat davits must be periodically inspected and lubricated. Failure to do so could result in equipment failure at a critical time.

Slushing Down Running Rigging

Modern Army watercraft has very little, if any, running rigging. A thorough understanding of the care of this equipment is still necessary since it may be encountered. Wire in running rigging is protected from wear and the weather by being slushed at regular intervals with "Crater C" lubricant grease. On older break bulk type ships rigging was cared for from the boatswain’s chair, or the rigging may be unreeved and slushed while it is on deck. This slush is applied with a rag and it must be handled carefully to avoid getting spots on the deck, awnings, or paint work. The wire pendants or stationary supports on the ends of the tackles of cargo guys are also slushed because the pendants also need lubricated. Remember that excessive use of lubricant will result in deck run off that leads to water pollution.

WARNING: BEFORE SLUSHING ANY RUNNING RIGGING, BE SURE THE WINCH MOTOR IS DE-ENERGIZED.

SHACKLES AND TURNBUCKLES

Particular attention must be paid to protecting the threads of shackles and turnbuckles. They are the parts that will be eaten away first if not cared for properly. Turnbuckles should be opened out frequently, the threads should be brushed well, and the parts lubricated with graphite grease.

BOAT DAVITS

	Boat davits should be inspected at least once a week. The regular lubrication of the mechanical components, as outlined in the individual manufacturer’s manual, should be carried out.
	The wire rope of the hoisting slings should be coated entirely with grease. As an alternative, grease may be applied only to those rope areas where salt water would form a pocket, adjacent to shackles, buttons, or clamps, and around the thimble.

WINCHES, CRANES, AND ANCHOR WINDLASSES

The maintenance and lubrication of heavy deck equipment (such as winches, cranes, and anchor windlasses) are performed by personnel of the engineering department. You need to keep in mind that you must work with this equipment. Therefore, for your own protection, you should assist as much as possible in the maintenance and lubrication of this equipment