Supporting a lifesaving service

For something a little bit different, we were recently engaged to assist with facilitating the five-yearly service of six lifeboats from our Darwin workshop facility.

The team in Darwin are busy providing all onshore facilities and support functions for this important job, working with specialist service provider Viking Life Saving Equipment who are undertaking the service activities.

The first of the lifeboats, the ‘Fremantle’ was brought to our Darwin facility via oversize transport float back in March, where it was then unloaded by a 300-tonne crane onto our expansive hard stand. 

The team set up scaffold accesses to the perimeter and main rear hatch of the Fremantle to enable the service works to take place over the following two weeks.  With the lifeboat spanning 4.5 metres tall and nearly 15 metres long, this was no small task. We also provided all mobile equipment to support he scope, including generator, compressor, air conditioner, water blast unit and dust extraction.

The Fremantle had the full suite of works including:

• Removal and service of air bottles, including recertification before reinstallation;
• Replacement of all fluids onboard the Fremantle, including hydraulics, engine oils and coolant;
• Full engine service;
• Lifting and cradle restraint points NDT integrity verification;
• Cut and polish of gelcoat over entire boat;
• Modification, welding and NDT of SS flushing piping; and
• Replacement of all onboard ropes.

NT Area Manager Rick Doyle said that it was great to be able to support this important work and to get the first of the lifeboats as good as new.  

“By working together with Viking on this, the service was completed right on time and the Fremantle is ready for sea trials in Darwin Harbour,” Rick said.

The other five lifeboats will be arriving at the facility for their services over the remainder of this year.