Tail Shaft

Aftermost length of the propeller shaft, running through the stern tube to the propeller; subject to bearing wear and torsional fatigue.

In practice

Surveyed at intermediate (5-yearly) and renewal (10-yearly) intervals; condition often determines drydock duration. Modern oil-lubricated stern tubes extend intervals; water-lubricated bearings are mandatory in some jurisdictions.

Regulatory detail & full definition

Class survey item with mandatory periodic withdrawals (typically every 5 years for full inspection, 15 years for replacement on older designs). Modern oil-lubricated stern tubes extend intervals; water-lubricated (rubber) bearings are mandatory in some jurisdictions for environmental reasons.

Authoritative source: IACS Unified Requirements ↗

Stern Tube
Shaft Alley

Source: IACS UR M68 (tail shafts); class-society surveying rules

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Tail Shaft

In practice

Related

Tail Shaft

In practice

Related