3.1 Annual operational testing should preferably
be done by lowering the empty boat. When the boat has reached its
maximum lowering speed and before the boat enters the water, the brake
should be abruptly applied.
3.2 The five-year operational test should be done
by lowering the boat loaded to a proof load equal to 1.1 times the
weight of the survival craft or rescue boat and its full complement
of persons and equipment, or equivalent load. When the boat has reached
its maximum lowering speed and before the boat enters the water, the
brake should be abruptly applied.
3.3 Following these tests, the brake pads and
stressed structural parts should be re-inspected.
Note In loading the boat for this test, precautions should
be taken to ensure that the stability of the boat is not adversely
affected by free surface effects or the raising of the centre of gravity.