18R4007_RFC_001_RESPONSE_WI_609_RESCUE_BOAT.doc

N3220518R4007

USNS LARAMIE (T-AO 203)

REQUEST FOR SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION

NAME OF CONTRACTOR:

SPECIFICATION ITEM NO.: 609

PARAGRAPH / SECTION NO:

TITLE: Rescue Boat Recertification

QUESTION:

Please see the following comments from OEM Willard and advise.

1. Please provide the engine model and serial numbers.

2. Section 1.1 “Inspect the vessel's two rescue boats and conduct the annual re-certification tests for the USCG/ABS.’ This SOW does not meet the minimum requirements for ABS/USCG/SOLAS annual rescue boat recertification. See below for additional criteria.

3. Section 7.2 is not IAW with OEM testing procedures.

4. Section 7.3.2 is not IAW with OEM testing procedures or SOLAS requirements.

5. Section 7.3.3 The approved batteries for these boats should be maintenance free type AGM batteries.

6. 7.4.1 states “Remove the injector nozzles. Perform a compression check on all cylinders of the diesel engine. Report the compression readings to the MSC Representative. Recondition and set each injector to lift at the manufacturer's specified design pressure. Reinstall the injectors.” This is not in line with the correct procedure for performing a compression test on these engines as per the OEM. A compression test conducted in this manner is likely to cause damage to the engine. The OEM procedure calls for the injectors to be left in the cylinder to properly determine cylinder compression. See attached memo from Steyr regarding compression testing.

7. SOW states to recondition the injectors. This is not IAW with OEM procedures. The injectors on these engines are non-serviceable items. See attached memo from Steyr regarding the injector testing.

8. Section 7.4 engine service does not include all OEM 300/12 month service requirements.

9. The SOW does not include OEM required annual tests, inspections and maintenance required for the single point off-load hook.

SOW item 609 does not include all the required tests and inspections to meet ABS/USCG and SOLAS requirements for annual certification tests.

To be IAW with all requirements and CFR’s the following additional tests are required:

The fuel tank must be removed and visually inspected inside and out in addition to the pressure test.

The rescue boat must be weight tested annually to its rated load and every five years to 1.1% of working load.

Below are all of the applicable CFR’s and regulations that apply to rescue boat annual certifications.

· 49 CFR 173.43 – DOT 3 Compressed gas cylinders maintenance and testing requirements.

· 46 CFR 199.175 Survival craft and rescue boat equipment.

· 46 CFR 160.156-17 Marking and labeling.

· 46 CFR 160.156-19 Operating instructions.

· 46 CFR 160.156-21 Operation and Maintenance instructions.

· SOLAS Chapter III.

· SOLAS III, MSC 92/25 ADD-1 SOLAS RESOLUTION MSC.402 (96) REQUIRMENTS FOR MAINTENANCE.

· SOLAS III, MSC-96-25 ADD 1.

· USCG Marine Safety Manual Volume II: Material Inspection COMDTIST M16000.7B, CHAPTER E2

ANSWER:

Conduct all test and inspections in accordance with the OEM procedures and SOLAS requirements to maintain the rescue boat certification.

Port RHIB engine is a Volvo Penta.

Stbd RHIB engine is a Steyr.

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