Question 14 QMED02 - Electrician-Refrigerating Engineer

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (adjust the centrifugal brake mechanism):** The centrifugal brake mechanism (often referred to as the 'governor' or 'speed limiter') is the primary safety device designed to regulate and limit the speed of descent of a lifeboat during lowering operations. If the lifeboat is descending at an excessive speed (free-fall or dangerously fast), it indicates that the centrifugal brake is either malfunctioning, incorrectly set, or worn out, and is failing to generate sufficient braking force. Therefore, the immediate corrective action is to stop the descent, retrieve the lifeboat (if possible), and adjust, repair, or replace the components of the centrifugal brake mechanism to ensure it limits the speed to the regulatory maximum (usually around 1 meter per second). **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **B) remove unnecessary weight from the boat:** The speed of descent is governed by the brake mechanism, not the weight (within the certified limits). A fully loaded lifeboat is designed to be lowered safely by the brake. Removing weight will not fix a malfunctioning brake, which is the root cause of the excessive speed. * **C) adjust the davit mounted limit switches:** Limit switches are safety devices designed to stop the winch motor when the boat reaches the 'stowed' position or the 'high limit.' They have no function in regulating the lowering speed once the brakes are released and the lifeboat is descending under gravity. * **D) engage the motor friction clutch bands:** The motor friction clutch bands are part of the powered recovery system (raising the boat). When lowering a lifeboat under gravity, the gears are disengaged from the motor, and the speed is controlled solely by the manual brake handle (operating the primary brake) and the automatic centrifugal brake. Engaging the motor clutch would not slow the descent.