Towing & Ship-Assist · Gear — Wire Rope Retirement
A towing wire rope should be retired (replaced) when inspection finds:
- AExcessive broken wires, severe corrosion, kinks, or significant diameter reduction✓ Correct
- BAny visible grease on the surface
- CIt has been used on more than one voyage
- DIt is a synthetic-jacketed type
Explanation
Wire rope is condemned when broken wires exceed the allowable number in a given length or lay, when corrosion or pitting is severe, when kinks/birdcaging/crushing has deformed it, or when the measured diameter has reduced beyond the limit. Grease (lubrication) is normal and protective, not a defect.
Authority: Wire rope inspection standards; towing references
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