To qualify for advancement in rating, you must be familiar with the construction, operation, and maintenance of anchor windlasses, winches, capstans, and cranes. The following discussion of such machinery and other weight-handling equipment is supplementary to that given in Fireman, NAVEDTRA 10520.

Anchor Windlasses

In an electrohydraulic mechanism, one constant-speed electric motor drives two variable-stroke pumps through a coupling and reduction gear. Other installations include two motors, one for driving each pump. Each pump normally drives one wildcat. However, when a cross-connect valve is used, either pump may drive either of the two wildcats. The hydraulic motors drive the wildcat shafts with a multiple-spur gearing and a locking head. The locking head allows the operator to disconnect the wildcat shaft and permit free-wheeling operation of the wildcat when dropping anchor.

Each windlass pump is controlled either from the weather deck or windlass room. The controls are handwheels on shafting leading to the pump control. The hydraulic system will require your attention. Be certain the hydraulic system is always serviced with the specified type of clean oil.

You may have to maintain two types of anchor windlasses-electric and electrohydraulic. In an electrohydraulic windlass, your principal concern is the hydraulic system.

A windlass is used intermittently and for relatively short periods of time. However, it must handle the required load under severe conditions. This means you must maintain and adjust the machinery when it is not in use. This practice will prevent deterioration and ensure windlass reliability.

Windlass brakes must be kept in satisfactory condition if they are to function properly. Wear and compression of brake linings will increase the clearance between the brake drum and band after a windlass has been in operation. Brake linings and clearances should be inspected frequently. Adjustments should be made according to the technical manual for the equipment.

Follow the lubrication instructions listed on applicable maintenance requirement cards (MRCs). If a windlass has been idle for some time, it should be lubricated. Lubrication protects the finished surfaces from corrosion and prevents seizure of moving parts.

The hydraulic transmission of electrohydraulic windlasses and other auxiliaries are manufactured with close tolerances between moving and stationary parts. Use every precaution to keep dirt and other abrasive material out of the system. When the system is replenished or refilled, use only clean oil. Filter the oil as you pour it into the tank. If a hydraulic transmission has been disassembled, clean it thoroughly before reassembly. Before installing piping or valves, clean their interiors to remove any scale, dirt, preservatives, or other foreign matter.

Winches

Winches are used to heave in on mooring lines, to hoist boats, as top lifts on jumbo booms of large auxiliary ships, and to handle cargo. Power for operating shipboard winches is usually furnished by electric motors. Sometimes delicate control and high acceleration without jerking are required, such as for the handling of aircraft. Electrohydraulic winches are usually installed for this purpose. Most auxiliary ships are equipped with either electrohydraulic or electric winches.

CARGO WINCHES.-Some of the more common winches used for general cargo handling are the double-drum, double-gypsy and the single-drum, single-gypsy units. Four-drum, two-gypsy machines are generally used for minesweeping.