Deck General · Cordage & Line
When inspecting wire rope, you should remove it from service if you find more than how many broken wires in any one lay length?
- A2
- B6✓ Correct
- C12
- D20
Explanation
The general rule for wire rope retirement is 6 or more broken wires in one rope lay, or 3 broken wires in one strand in one lay length. A 'lay' is the distance the strand travels to make one complete helical revolution. Broken wires indicate fatigue, overloading, or kinking, and the wire should be replaced before it fails under load.
Authority: Deck Seamanship (USCG deck topic)
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