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Standing and Running Rigging: Maintenance and Inspection

This course is intended for those who want to gain a better understanding of standing and running rigging, including proper inspection and maintenance. Brent Jacobi of Blackline Marine [1] will explain the basic principals of rigging inspection & maintenance and offshore cruising preparation.

Going Aloft Safely

  • Dockside
  • Underway
  • 2nd safety line
  • Bosun’s chair
  • Tool pouch
  • Messenger line

Standing Rigging

  • Have you dropped and inspected your mast lately? Ever?
  • Where to get it checked – professional riggers – tuning?
  • How to check?
  • How often to check?
    • rings vs cotter pins, clevis pins, toggles, connections
    • swage fittings, blue dye vs microscope for cracks
    • rigging tape or alternates
    • Duralac anti-corrosive jointing compound
    • spreaders and chafe guards/caps, shrouds, tangs
    • mast cap and attachments
    • keel-stepped vs deck-stepped mast
    • halyard sheaves and axle pins
    • chainplates, stanchions, lifelines
    • windex, anchor light, antennas
    • radar mount, steaming light, and other accessories

Running Rigging

  • Types, strength
  • Maintenance (washing/rinsing)
  • When to replace
  • Typical messenger lines and securing methods
  • Wear points, lines crossed
  • Jib car inspection and maintenance
  • Systems for cockpit adjustable jib cars
  • Winter/off-season maintenance.