Selecting OCIMF Chafe Chain And Towing Equipment
Which OCIMF guideline edition applies, what a typical chafe chain assembly is rated at, and what the rest of the emergency towing kit contains.
What Chafe Chain Does
Chafe chain is the chain at the end of a towing line or single point mooring hawser, guided through a chock at the edge of the tanker deck. It takes the wear that would otherwise cut through the hawser.
Three Guideline Editions Are Still In Service
Assemblies are supplied as chafe chain A and B to the OCIMF 2018 Guidelines 1st edition, chafe chain A and B to the 2007 Guidelines 4th edition, and chafe chain A, B and C to the 1993 Guidelines 3rd edition. Fleets often run more than one of these at the same time.
A Typical Assembly
A representative specification is 54 mm nominal diameter, grade 3, bituminous paint execution, total length about 9 to 10 metres, with an end link proof load of 1590 kN and a breaking load of 2270 kN.
The Bracket That Holds It
The end link is secured by an OCIMF type Smit towing bracket to JIS F2029:1997, in 35CrMo alloy steel, with SWL ratings of 100, 150, 200, 250, 320 and 380 tonnes for grade 2 and 3 chain up to 114 mm.
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The Full Emergency Towing System
The complete arrangement follows IMO resolutions A535(13) and MSC35(63) of May 1994 as adopted into SOLAS, and includes a Smit bracket, Panama chock, chafe chain, fairlead, towing shackle and towing pennant.
Questions On This Topic
Which OCIMF edition should I order to?
The one your operation is audited against. We supply chafe chain to the 2018, 2007 and 1993 guidelines.
Can the assembly be built to our own specification?
Yes. Bespoke assemblies are configured to individual operator specifications.
How is the Smit bracket SWL chosen?
The bracket is selected to be compatible with the breaking load of the chain being deployed, from SWL 100 up to 380 tonnes.
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Send the size, grade and standard you are working to and our team will confirm what fits, then quote within 24 hours.