Installing Decklash

1 USAGE

The Checkmate Decklash is a device used to restrain deck cargo when used on-board ocean going vessels. To ensure correct operation, the units should be evenly distributed along the length of the load at a distance that takes into account the weight and type of cargo, reference must be made to the vessel’s cargo securing manual. The Decklash unit is tensioned by simply rotating the shaft, and quick released by hitting the release lever as described below.

2 SAFETY

When tensioning or releasing the Decklash unit care must be taken to keep hands away from all moving parts. The ratchet lever may cause a trapping or pinching hazard, therefore hands must be kept clear from this area when tightening the Decklash.

3 OPERATION

For the operation of the Decklash it is necessary to load and tension the webbing using the procedure set out below. This is to ensure that the required tension can be achieved with the minimum effort from the operator. Figure 1 details the different components of the Decklash which are used in the tightening process.

3.1 Positioning

The Decklash must be positioned on top of a deck load, with the webbing laying at 90 degrees to the direction of the load, as shown in Figure 2. The webbing must pull in line with the Decklash unit with no twists. Position the Decklash over the centre of the deck cargo, spaced evenly between each side. Throughout the tightening process aim to keep the Decklash positioned towards the centre of the load as much as possible.

3.2 Inserting Webbing

The deck terminations of the webbing must be secured at a certified anchorage point and brought up the sides and across the top of the cargo. Care must be taken to ensure the webbing is not twisted at any point along its length. Consider the two shafts as shaft one and shaft two. Do not touch the release handles during the tightening process.

1. Feed webbing over the cross bolt then up through the slot in the shaft as far as possible. Lay the excess webbing back along its length, and pull ALL the slack or loose material through the slot in the shaft. Do this for both shafts. Figure 2 shows the Decklash with taut webbing on the left and slack webbing on the right. The webbing must be taut on both sides before proceeding to the next step. Figure 2: Pull slack webbing through both shafts.
2. Use ratchet to tighten either shaft by 1½ turns, this is now shaft one.
3. Take up any slack webbing through the slot in other shaft, which is now shaft two.tighten.
4. Fit both ratchets to shaft two, see Figure 3, and ensure the ratchet direction lever is set so both ratchets will tighten the webbing. Figure 3: Tighten with ratchets
5. Tighten the Decklash using the ratchet levers provided, therefore loading shaft two with webbing. If more than 2½ turns can be made by hand then the webbing should be released and pulled through the shaft slot by hand to take up the slack material, as in step 1.
6. To create the tension required for sea passage, fit both ratchets to shaft one, check that ratchet levers are set to tighten.
7. Align handles to each other, at approximately 45° to the horizontal.
8. Slide large handle assembly over end of both ratchets down to the ratchet head, as shown in Figure 4.
9. Create full tension on the Decklash by pulling down on large handle to obtain at least two notches on the Decklash ratchet, and more if possible. Do not touch the release lever during the tightening process.
10. Remove the large handle first by sliding off of the ratchets, then remove the ratchets.
11. Once the above procedure has been completed on all Decklash units, return the handle and ratchets to the designated area for storage.

3.3 Re-Tensioning

During passage the deckload may shrink and settle, and require re-tensioning of the Decklash units to ensure the cargo is properly restrained. To re-tension the device, take up any slack webbing with the ratchets on shaft two, the shaft with the larger number of turns of webbing. Load the ratchets and large handle onto shaft one, as in steps 6 to 8, Figure 4, and tighten by two notches. Remove large handle and ratchets and store in the designated area.

3.4 Releasing

To release the Decklash use a heavy hammer and hit the release lever as shown in Figure 5. Due to shifting of the load and the tension in the webbing a heavy hit may be required to release the ratchet. Keep feet clear of the Decklash unit while this is done. Do not use more than one handle to release the tension. Once the initial tension is released, hold the release lever in the open position and pull out the webbing to unwind it from the shaft, as shown in Figure 6. Repeat on other shaft to completely remove the webbing from the unit. Release webbing from one shaft at a time.

4 MAINTENANCE

The Decklash unit must be washed with fresh water before storage under deck. This is to remove any salt contamination. Following this every unit must be sprayed with a lubricant spray, such as light oil or white grease, to protect the unit during storage. Each unit must be inspected by hand before each use, to ensure that all nuts are in place and not loose.

5 STORAGE

The Decklash unit must be stored in the maintenance room, or appropriate container, when not in use, in an area free from loose dirt and water.