ISO 3078:2016

Overview

ISO 3078:2016 - "Shipbuilding - Cargo winches" specifies general requirements for cargo winches used on cargo derricks, with emphasis on electric and hydraulic drive systems. The third edition updates definitions (e.g., maximum setting down speed) and adds rope‑reeling requirements to support safe operation. This standard applies to design, testing, acceptance and designation of winches on merchant ships and related marine lifting appliances.

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

• Scope and definitions: Nominal size, nominal speed of hoisting, drum load and maximum setting down speed are defined to standardize capacity and performance ratings.
• Design and stress calculation:
  • Allowable stresses based on drum load and motor torque (limits given relative to 0.2% proof stress).
  • Stress checks consider most severe working conditions; torque limiter settings are noted where fitted.
• Control and ergonomics:
  • Direction of motion: raising is by clockwise hand‑wheel or lever‑toward‑operator.
  • Controls must return to braking position automatically on release and allow the operator to observe the lifting area.
• Dynamics:
  • Acceleration/deceleration for direct manoeuvre at drum load: mean value not greater than 3 m/s².
• Braking and safety:
  • Automatic braking that engages when control is released or on power loss.
  • Brake capacity to arrest and hold at least 1.5 × nominal load; means to lower load during power failure required.
• Drum and rope requirements:
  • Minimum drum diameter: ≥ 18 × wire rope diameter (design based on ISO 2408 Group 3, Class 6×37 example).
  • Minimum rope remaining on drum: not less than three turns; provisions for even reeling (coilers, grooves) and limits on layers.
  • Minimum flange clearance: at least 2.5 × rope diameter (unless guards fitted).
• Performance and testing:
  • Performance classes (nominal sizes from about 20 kN to 160 kN) and speed series (A, B, C) are specified in Table 1.
  • Type and individual acceptance tests at manufacturer’s works and on‑board tests, including overload test at 1.25 × nominal load and continuous cycling procedures.

Applications and Who Uses It

ISO 3078:2016 is used by:

• Shipyards and naval architects for specifying deck machinery.
• Winch manufacturers and designers for compliant product development.
• Classification societies, maritime inspectors and purchasers for acceptance testing and certification.
• Marine operations, cargo handling planners and safety engineers to ensure safe lifting equipment performance and maintenance.

Practical uses include procurement specifications, factory and on‑board testing protocols, installation checks, and conformity demonstrations for commercial and regulatory compliance.

Related Standards

• ISO 7825 - Shipbuilding: Deck machinery - General requirements
• ISO 2408 - Steel wire ropes - Characteristics
• ISO 6482 - Deck machinery - Warping end profiles
• ISO 3828 - (referenced for terms)

Keywords: ISO 3078:2016, cargo winches, shipbuilding, deck machinery, electric winch, hydraulic winch, winch performance, braking system, drum design, acceptance tests, nominal load.