* LEVEL A - comprehensive visual inspection, several times per year
* LEVEL A - comprehensive visual inspection, several times per year
* LEVEL B - jack-down visual and fitting inspection/lubrication, once per year with a maximum of four years between inspection intervals
* LEVEL B - jack-down visual and fitting inspection/lubrication, at least once per year with a maximum of two years between inspection intervals
* LEVEL C - comprehensive full-service mast inspection/refurbishment, once every four years with a maximum of ten years between inspection intervals
* LEVEL C - comprehensive full-service mast inspection/refurbishment, once every two years with a maximum of four years between inspection intervals
Mast system inspection categories
LEVEL A Visual inspection - Mast in
LEVEL B Visual inspection - Mast in/Jack down
* Comprehensive general mast system visual inspection
* Pre-check rig to assess service (Level A inspection)
* Check all fittings/terminations, rod/fiber/wire, spreaders, sheaves, halyards, headstay, backstay, mast base, partners, halyard blocks and chainplates
* Un-jack mast
* General visual inspection
* Check for bends/kinks in fittings and rod
* Check/lubricate all accessible fittings
* Check for cracks, corrosion, pitting, rust
* Properly re-tune to align and seat all cold heads and hardware, and generate proper tension/tuning
* Service log/update schedule for next service
* Service log/update schedule for next service
LEVEL C Full service - Mast out
* Pre-check rig to assess servicing schedule (Level A inspection)
* Non-destructive testing (NDT) of rod - we recommend: dye penetrate testing (liquid penetration testing) by authorized professionals, alternative methods are X-ray, ultrasound testing, eddy current testing
* Un-step mast
* Complete dissasembly of mast/fittings
* Visual inspection - Clean/polish, cold heads and fittings to facilitate inspection process - Visual inspection for cracks, corrosion, pitting, rust, general discoloration:
remember - rust indicates cracks
* Visually inspect and safe working load (SWL) pull test all fiber rigging
* Make repairs as needed: re-head rod, replace any fittings or rigging screws
* Reassemble mast system
* Update service log/update schedule for next service
