USCG Exam PracticeHydraulics and pneumatics
A vessel's hydraulic deck crane loses hydraulic pressure while holding a suspended load. Under 46 CFR §28.880(g), a system is considered 'fail-safe' in this situation only if:
- A. The load is immediately locked in position by a mechanical brake that requires manual release.
- ✓ A component failure results in a slow and controlled release of the load so as not to endanger personnel.Correct
- C. The system automatically restores pressure from a backup accumulator within 30 seconds.
- D. The operator can quickly disengage the equipment using an emergency control.
Why B is correct
46 CFR §28.880(g) defines a fail-safe system as one where a component failure results in a slow and controlled release of the load so as not to endanger personnel. A mechanical holding device (option A) satisfies the holding-device alternative but is not the definition of fail-safe. Backup accumulators and emergency disengagement controls are not part of the regulatory definition of fail-safe in this section.
Cited:46 CFR §28.880