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Chapter 18
Maintenance – Schedule, Log, Checklist
Keeping your ship in top running order can avert a dangerous situation
from arising, as well as prevent costly mechanical breakdowns. Safety
can depend on how well a vessel is maintained and the ability of systems
and components to perform as they were designed. Servicing your vessel
according to a schedule will keep your vessel at peak performance, economy,
and safety. It will also safeguard the environment, extend the life of
your vessel, and increase its resale value.
A routine maintenance schedule and frequent checks of fluid levels and
high wear items, the engine, hull, electrical system and accessories will
help to ensure that your vessel can function at its designed level. Emergency
maintenance may still be required, but this should be minimized. Defective
gear or equipment should be dealt with immediately by way of repair or
replacement. Immediate attention can save the cost of a large repair later,
and it will help keep your vessel safe for passengers and crew.
It is a good idea to keep a log of repairs and replacement of parts.
This will help you to keep track of equipment that needs regular servicing
and parts that must frequently be replaced. For example, by noting the
time interval for zinc replacements, you will get an idea of the rate
at which they are consumed, which is mostly related to time, not engine
hours, allowing for regular scheduling of future replacement.
Maintenance intervals should be determined according to the number of
hours of service or number of months, whichever comes first. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Most engines normally
require careful and complete inspection at 300 hour intervals. For a standard
maintenance checklist, see Sample Maintenance Items, below.
Remember, negligence in maintaining a vessel will eventually lead to
an unsafe vessel. With a regular maintenance routine, your vessel will
stay in the proper state of repair and safety.
Sample Maintenance Items
Hull
- Anti-fouling bottom paint and topside cleaning, waxing or periodic
painting, depending on the hull material and condition. (Tin-based anti-fouling
paints were phased out January 1st, 2003).
- All through-hull fittings and attachments should be inspected.
- Above decks all watertight and through-deck fittings should be checked,
including cleats, stanchion mounts, hatches, ports, doors, antenna mounts
and the hull to deck seal.
- The cabin interior should be checked for water and stains, which could
indicate a leak and a weakening of materials. Repairs should be made
immediately.
Machinery
- Regular oil and filter changes for the main engine and auxiliary generator.
(i.e. at the hours of operation interval recommended by the manufacturer
or annual, whichever comes first).
- All fluid levels should be regularly checked. The engine(s) should
be inspected for any oil or fuel leaks.
- Gasoline engines should be tuned up annually, electrical parts, such
as spark plugs, should be replaced as necessary.
- All hoses and drive belts should be routinely inspected and tightened.
They should be replaced when worn or cracked.
- The starter motor and alternator should be inspected.
- Painted surfaces should be maintained and annually a light coating
of oil applied to reduce corrosion.
- Transmissions and outdrive units should be inspected and serviced
as required. Outdrive units should be pressure checked.
- Transmission fluids and gear oil should be checked for water and changed
periodically.
- Universal joint, gimbal bearing, propeller spline and unit fittings
should be greased.
- Bellows and water seals should checked and replaced as necessary.
- Check and replace the sacrificial zinc anodes on shafts, props, tabs
and other underwater gear, as well as engine-mounted zincs on the underside
of exhaust elbows or risers and on the end caps of heat exchangers to
guard against corrosion.
- Outdrive unit should be cleaned and serviced.
Electrical System
- All circuits should be tested for proper operation. Exposed wiring,
fuse/ breaker panels and electrical equipment should be inspected. Any
defective parts should be replaced. Any loose wiring should be properly
secured.
- Batteries should be inspected and tested. Batteries should be in approved
boxes or trays and securely fastened.
- All wiring, connectors and contacts should be checked. Wire insulation
should be intact and contacts should be secure and clean.
Other Systems
- The fuel tank, filter, fitting and lines should be inspected and serviced
on a regular basis. Tanks should be kept free of scale, dirt and water.
- The fresh water system should be flushed and chlorinated.
- All fresh water lines and connections should be checked for tightness.
Repairs and or replacements should be made as necessary.
- Mechanical components of all systems should be checked, cleaned and
lubricated as necessary for proper operation. These systems include
hydraulic trim systems, air systems, anchoring system, bilge and sanitation
systems.
- All safety equipment should be checked: life jackets, flares, fire
extinguishers, life rafts, life buoys, and any others.
- Radio Equipment, antennas, batteries and backup systems should be
checked.
- Covers and upholstery should be inspected and cleaned.
- Any out-dated or damaged equipment should be replaced.
Sailing vessels should have all standing and running rigging and sails
inspected. Sails should be cleaned and repairs made as necessary. Winches,
blocks, turnbuckles and other mechanical equipment should be properly
lubricated.
MORE INFORMATION ^
To consult your local Transport Canada Centre, please see Appendix
2.
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