Mast and rigging inspection for sailing vessels
PROFESSIONAL SAILING RIGGING CERTIFICATE
In commercial sailing, it is mandatory that the mast and rigging be inspected and thus certified every 2.5 years. After approval of the inspection, the vessel is given a Proof of Rigging which is a mandatory certificate on board.
PLEASURE SAILING CERTIFICATE OF RIGGING
This is not yet an issue in pleasure cruising, but ships carrying 12 passengers or less are advised to have the rigging inspected. After approval, they too will receive a Rigging Proof Certificate.
EXPERIENCES
I have more than 25 years of experience with masts and their rigging on board professional sailing ships, having worked with them as a skipper but also built and having carried out extensive inspections on various ships.
If you run into a situation you are unsure what to do, feel free to contact me.
Wooden mast/ spar inspection
Besides visually checking both your mast and fellow booms, jib boom, gaff, etc., I can carry out a thorough inspection. I apply various techniques. For example, it is possible to measure the humidity of your spars if necessary, or I can even use a resitograph to exclude rottenness in the mast. After a thorough inspection, you will receive a detailed report stating the condition of your rigging, spar and/or mast.
Steel mast/ spar inspection
A steel mast is also subject to the elements of weather and of course it will also need to be maintained. By properly inspecting and maintaining the mast, it will last for a long time. However, it is wise to have your mast thoroughly inspected from time to time. Using an ultrasonic thickness gauge, we check the plate thickness of the mast during the inspection.
Aluminium mast and boom inspection
A product that is becoming established in sailing passenger vessels (brown fleet) but has been present on large and small yachts for many years. Aluminium is a product that can also be subject to different elements of weather and sailing behaviour. (Think different elongation and tensile stresses). With this product too, it is important to inspect for such things as hairline cracks and weakening.
