201506 Painted capstan/windlass drum ends = danger

From Marine Safety Forum – Safety Flash 14-29

Many recently audited ships have been found to have painted capstan or windlass drum ends (rounded contact surface) and some crews and Masters are adamant that there is nothing wrong with this practice. The problem, however, is that the paint itself is the hazard. As the rope is surged on the drum, it creates friction which melts the paint. As soon as the surging is stopped, the paint solidifies and glues the rope to the drum. The rope will then not surge and cannot be slacked until the bond is broken, usually with a corresponding jump in the rope. This jump is easily capable of breaking a wrist or worse.