OFFSHORE CRANE OPERATOR COURSE

Course Aim

• To provide the delegate with necessary knowledge

and skills to operate an offshore crane in safe
manner, in line with LOLER/PUWER/API guidelines
and industry best practices.
• To enhance awareness of risks associated with lifting
and hoisting operation, roles and responsibilities and
local governance regulation.
 Roles & Responsibilities
Crane Operator Shall:-

• Carry out first line inspection and maintenance of the crane.

• Ensure the crane pre-use inspection is carried out prior to commencing a
lifting operation.
• Report any fault or damage that may affect the safe operation of the crane.
• Ensure a crane operation is carried out within the approved lift plan.
• Ensure that the load is directly under the hook.
• Be conversant of the crane load rating chart, crane Safe Load Indicator (SLI)
selection and understand the limitation of crane.
• Maintain and update the crane log book.
• Be familiar with and understand the specific crane control functions through
crane familiarization and crane operation manual.
 Roles & Responsibilities – cont.

• Ensure safe and smooth crane operation throughout the lifting operation.
• Never leave the crane control cabin while the load is still suspended.
• Never allow any override in the crane safety system and unauthorised
meddling of crane SLI device throughout the lifting operation.
• Ensure agreed communication method is established with Banksman.
• Ensure multiple part lines are not twisted around each other throughout
the lifting operation.
• Maintain good housekeeping in the crane engine room and operating
control cabin at all time.
• Suspend the lifting operation immediately when situation arises where
safety of the personnel, equipment or plant may be jeopardized, poor
visibility and/or inclement weather.
Reporting Structure
 Crane Types
Lattice Boom
Fixed “A” Frame Mast
Crane

Lattice Boom
King Post Crane
 Crane Types

Hydraulic Folding Hydraulic Telescopic

Knuckle Boom Crane
Boom Crane Boom Crane
 Crane Types

Boxed Boom Crane Counterweight Live Mast Crane

 Crane Stability

Stability of a mounted crane depends solely on the

strength of the connection between the crane and
the platform. This may be the swing joint (slew ring)
or the crane itself.

Therefore the load that a crane can lift is usually

based upon the structural strength of the crane and
its components.
 Crawler Crane

Crawler Crane Hydraulic Crawler Crane Telescopic crawler crane

 Boom Structure

Lattice Boom
Consists of a steel web-like framework that is capable of lifting and
supporting heavy load.
 Boom Structure

Box Boom
Enclosed and rigid boom structure control through hydraulic ram.
 ‘A’ - Frame Mast Assembly

Bridle Sheaves
Assembly

A Frame Mast

“A” Frame Mast consist of sheaves assembly that provide multi part reeving
ability to boom bridle sheaves for luffing control .
 Machinery Room

Machinery Room

Machinery room consists of all machineries such as winches, brakes, gears,

motors, hoist and derrick drums and power pack etc.
 Control Lever

There are 3 basis types of

offshore crane control lever as
per API Spec 2C.
❑ Basic Single Axis (4 – Lever)
Control Arrangement
❑ Basic Dual Axis (2 – Lever) –
(Option 1)
❑ Basic Dual Axis (2 – Lever) -
(Option 2)
 Control Lever
All primary motions (hoist, luff, swing)
must automatically stop when
controls are set free. Swing motions
are exempt from this requirement
when "free swing" is specified. This is
the default provision for most
suppliers. The intention is for the
boom to freely move from side to side
as the supply boat drifts, preventing
potentially damaging side-load to the
boom. This can cause a problem (of
booms drifting to the side) on ships
that tilt or on non-level platforms.
 Safe Load Indicator
UK’s Lifting Operations & Lifting
Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998
regulation 4 clearly states: ‘Where
there is a significant risk of
overturning and/or overloading
arising from the use of the
equipment, it should be provided
where appropriate with equipment or
devices such as safe load indicators
Safe Load Indicator (SLI) is also known
(SLI) and rated capacity limiters. Such as Rated Capacity Indicator (RCI)
devices provide audible and/or visual
warning when the safe lifting limits
are being approached.
 Safe Load Indicator
Visual Warning Lights

Maximum SWL

Actual Radius

Actual Load

Actual Angle

Winch Select
Robway RCI 4100IS
Robway RCI 4000IS

Most of platform pedestal cranes are fitted with Robway RCI system as shown
above
 Safe Load Indicator

Other than the most commonly use Robway 4000Is & 4100IS SLI,
there are also few other type of SLI being installed in some SMEP
offshore location as shown below:-

Mipeg 2000 LSI GS550 Wireless

 Safe Load Indicator

AMBER if reached 95% of crane SWL.

RED if reached 100% of crane SWL.

The red light should be accompanied by an audible signal,

generally a buzzer, bell or horn.
 Safe Load Indicator

It is the Crane Operator’s responsibility to familiar with type of

Safe Load Indicator fitted to his machine.

A Crane Operator must also required to know how to select

the particular duties chart, sea state and hoist for the required
crane operating configuration.

It is the Crane Operator's responsibility to avoid meddling with

Safe Load Indication device or switch to override mode during
lifting operation.
 Angle Indicator

The mechanical angle indicator usually fitted at the boom to allow Crane
Operator to view the boom angle as the back up device in case SLI accuracy is in
doubt.
 Anti-Two-Block Device

Anti two block device is a mandatory safety

device to prevent the crane hook block and
sheave block come into contact accidentally.

If a crane in two blocking without notice, hoist

rope will continue to pull the hook block
upward and crush onto the sheaves block,
resulted huge damaged to the crane.

Likewise, the hoist rope will be damaged or

parted through the excessive force exerted.
 Anti-Two-Block Device

It is the Crane Operator

responsibility and duties to
carry out the anti-two-
block function test each
day during pre-use
inspection to ensure it is
working properly.
 Anti-Two-Block Device
Some crane equipped with rotary gear cam type limit switch, and the physical
anti-two-block (ATB) bob weight is not required. That is because the rotary
limit switch take measure from number of hoist drum rotation instead of
mechanical contact.
If the rotary limit switch activated, a electrical signal will be sent to cut off the
hoist up motion.

Geared Cam
Rotary Limit
Switch
 Limit Switch

Slew limit Switch

Slew limit switch is fitted to limit the crane slew due to proximity
obstruction or over a sensitive area.

Slew Limit Switch

 Limit Switch
Boom Up Stopper
A boom up stopper act as a limiting device to prevent Crane
Operator from over boom the crane. The boom stopper is either
configured in mechanical valve or in electrical limit switch will stop
the boom up motion upon activated.

It is the Crane Operator responsible not to overly boom up the

crane exceeded it limit.
 Gross Overload Protection
A gross overload protection device is a system fitted to an offshore crane
intended to protect the crane from damage in situation where hook is
entangled with supply boat, which subject the crane to an unbounded
gross overload outside the limit of any operational design condition.
The gross overload protection system can be either automatic or manual
activated, and must be operational in all reeving configurations and
operational hook radius.

Manual Gross Overload Protection Device

 Winch Brakes

A non-personnel lift enable hoist winch normally fitted with

hydraulic static friction disc brake system. The static friction disc
brake must be able to hold the drum from rotation when the
control lever is in neutral position or power shut down.

Static Friction
Disc brake

Hydraulic
Motor

Braden PD Series Hydraulic Winch

 Winch Brakes

A personnel lift enable hoist winch must be fitted with dual

braking system - static friction disc brake and auxiliary brake
or band brake for the safe operation of personnel transfer.

Secondary Band Brake Auxiliary Static Frictional

Brake Disc Brake
 Boom Holding Device
It is the requirement in API Spec 2C, a secondary holding
mechanism shall be provided for boom support regardless of the
type of drive.
Boom (luff) winches have a secondary dog (ratchet & pawl) to catch
should the brakes slip. Hydraulic rams have a secondary lock valve
to catch if a hose should burst.

Ratchet & Pawl Auxiliary Brake

 Aviation Light
Aviation warning lights are lights that are placed on
any tall structure – normally at boom tip. Their
purpose is to prevent collisions between aircraft and
structures during the night.
Aviation Light
 Emergency Load Lowering

Emergency load lowering is the safety device that allow

load to be lowering safely in the event of crane power lost
and the load is left suspended.

The emergency load lowering device is either a hydraulic

breed-off needle valve, or manual hydraulic pump.

Emergency load lowering device is mandatory for

personnel lift hoist. Crane Operator must be trained to
know how to operate the device.
 Emergency Stop Push Button

An emergency stop push button shall be fitted in the crane

cabin and power pack for emergency crane shut down.

It is the Crane Operator responsible to check the emergency

stop push button during the daily pre-use inspection.

Emergency Stop Push Button

 Load Charts

Crane load chart contained critical information of the crane lifting capacity
at various boom length configuration and working radius. There are some
differences in between the onshore and offshore crane load charts.

For onshore crane, load charts are based on 75% of the crane tipping load.

For offshore crane, load charts are based on 75% of the structural strength
for static load rating, and 50% for dynamic load rating.
 Load Charts
Offshore Crane Load Chart
A static load rating is also known as on-board load rating. An on-board
load rating restricted to only deck-to-deck lift on the fixed/floating
platforms or vessels, the deck-to-deck lifts will have relatively low
dynamic amplification on the crane structural load bearing components.

An dynamic load rating is also known as off-board load rating. As the

name imply, an off-board load rating covered any out board lifts of the
fixed/floating platforms or vessels such as to and fro platform and
supply vessel, and vessel to vessel. the off-board lifts will have relatively
high dynamic amplification on the crane structural load bearing
components.
 Load Charts

Main Hoist
On-Board
Rating Main Hoist
Off-Board Rating

Example of
Offshore Crane
Auxiliary Hoist
Load Chart Rating

Personnel Lift
Rating
 Load Charts
DF = 2.0 known as
dynamic factor of 2.0
DF = 1.33 known as have been considered
dynamic factor of in the load chart, In
1.33 have been other words, the
considered in the crane SWL is at 50%
load chart, In other of the structural
words, the crane strength. Normally
SWL is at 75% of the the maximum
structural strength. allowable sea wave
height for DF=2.0
shall not exceed
2.5m.

In some cases, dynamic

factor (DF) is substitute
Example of by sea significant wave
height (SWH) in order to
Offshore Crane limit the maximum
Load Chart allowable wave height
condition.
 Crane Operating Radius

A boom crane will have a minimum

radius, and a maximum radius.

The minimum and maximum crane

operating radius varies from crane to
crane depend upon the boom length
configuration.

Working range of crane is from Working Range

minimum to maximum radius.
 Crane Boom Angle
Crane boom angle is
the angle of the Centreline of
Rotation
boom from
horizontal, this
information provide Vertical
additional cross Load Line

reference to with
regard to crane load Angle in
Degree
chart.
Tail Swing Working
Radius Radius
 Crane Parts Line

Crane parts line refer to the number of wire rope line or falls
that reeve over a hook block. For normal duty offshore crane,
an auxiliary hook block usually come with single part line as to
achieved the required hoist speed for light load.

A main block usually come with multi parts in order to achieve

the required lifting capacity for heavier load. Hoist speed will
be much slower as the number of parts line increase.
 Crane Capacity & Utilization
Example 1:
To stay within 80% of the crane capacity utilization, what is the maximum allowable
crane working radius to lift a 10 Te load from offshore supply boat using a platform
crane, sea wave height is approximately 3.2m, wind speed is within allowable limit.
Given that hook blocks and rigging weight is approximately 500 kg.

ITEM WEIGHT
HOOK BLOCKS Rope weights
ROPE WEIGHT
500kg
RIGGING ACCESSORIES Auxiliary hook

LOAD 10000kg
Main hook
10% CONTINGENCY 1000kg

TOTAL WEIGHT 11500kg Load

Crane Capacity & Utilization
Answer:
At 15 Meters working radius the crane
capacity utilization is approximately
77%

ITEM WEIGHT

HOOK BLOCKS

ROPE WEIGHT
500kg
RIGGING ACCESSORIES

LOAD 10000kg

10% CONTINGENCY
1000kg

TOTAL WEIGHT 11500kg

Capacity utilization = Total Weight ÷ SWL x 100%

 Crane Capacity & Utilization
Example 2:
Given the same load chart, in order to stay within 80% of the crane capacity utilization,
what is the maximum allowable crane working radius to remove a 10 Te load from the
platform and place it on the platform lay down area, consider wind speed is within
allowable limit.
Given that hook blocks and rigging weight is approximately 500 kg.

ITEM WEIGHT
HOOK BLOCKS Rope weights
ROPE WEIGHT 500kg
RIGGING ACCESSORIES Auxiliary hook

LOAD 10000kg
Main hook
10% CONTINGENCY 1000kg
TOTAL WEIGHT 11500kg
Load
Crane Capacity & Utilization
Answer:

At 27Meters working radius the crane

capacity utilization is approximately 57%
ITEM WEIGHT
HOOK BLOCKS
ROPE WEIGHT
500kg
RIGGING ACCESSORIES

LOAD 10000kg
10% CONTINGENCY 1000kg

TOTAL WEIGHT 11500kg

Capacity utilization = Total Weight ÷ SWL x 100%

 Crane Pre-Use Inspection
The pre-use inspection shall be performed prior to the first crane use
of the day, prior to or during each change in operator, and then as
deems necessary during the day for extended operations.

Pre-use inspection performed by a crane operator may include but not

be limited to the following area:-
❑ Machinery Room ❑ Crane Structural
❑ Hoist System & Wire Ropes ❑ Electrical Connection
❑ Slew Bearing & Bolts ❑ Functional Checks
❑ Hook Blocks ❑ Report of Anomalies
❑ Sheaves
❑ Pendants & Bridle Assembly
 Machinery Room Inspection

Items to be visual inspect of the crane machinery room should

covered at least the following:-

✓ Check all fluid level of prime mover (hydraulic, diesel,

engine oil and coolant).
✓ Check for hydraulic oil leakage and damaged hydraulic
hoses and valves.
✓ Check for other leaked and damaged (pneumatic and non-
mechanical system).
✓ Check for loose connections.
 Hoist System & Wire Rope Inspection
Items to be visual inspect of the crane hoist system and wire rope
should covered at least the following:-
✓ Check for any loose mounting bolts and connections.
✓ Check hoist system lubrication level through side glass or dipstick.
✓ Check for any hydraulic hoses damaged and leaked.
✓ Check wire rope spooling.
✓ Check wire rope for any kinked, break wires, cuts etc.
✓ Check for worn or damaged wire rope termination.
✓ Check wire rope lubrication.
 Slew Bearing & Bolts Inspection
Items to be visual inspect of the slew bearing and slew
bolts should covered at least the following:-
✓ Check for any loose or missing slew bolts.
✓ Check for worn gears.
✓ Check for slew bearing lubrication.
 Hook Blocks Inspection
Items to be visual inspect of the hook blocks & terminations should
covered at least the following:-
✓ Check for damaged hook latch, wedge & socket, sheave and swivel.
✓ Check for any loose bolts.
✓ Check for worn and damaged hook jaw.
✓ Check for hook block lubrication.
 Termination Inspection

Ensure the socket and wedge termination is properly installed.

Correct Installation. Incorrect Installation.

 Sheaves Inspection
Items to be visual inspect of the sheaves should covered at
least the following:-
✓ Check for loose sheaves and worn sheaves groove.
✓ Check for sheaves lubrication and bearing.
 Pendant & Bridle Assembly Inspection
Items to be visual inspect of the pendant and bridle assembly
should covered at least the following:-
✓ Check for pendant broken wires and damaged termination.
✓ Check for any worn bridle sheaves.

Broken Pendant Bridle Sheave Assembly

 Crane Structures Inspection
Items to be visual inspect of the crane structures should covered
at least the following:-
✓ Check for damaged or rusty boom structure.
✓ Check for damaged or rusty crane structure.
✓ Check for any damaged cat walks, ladders, handrail, grating.
✓ Check for loose bolts.

Broken Boom Lacing

Damage Structure
 Hydraulic Cylinder Inspection
Items to be visual inspect of the crane hydraulic
cylinder should covered at least the following:-
✓ Check for damaged or leaked cylinder seal.
✓ Check for any corrosion on the cylinder rod.
✓ Check for any loose mounting.
 Electrical Connection Inspection
Items to be visual inspect of the crane electrical connection
should covered at least the following:-
✓ Check for broken and damaged termination/connection.
✓ Check for any sign of burned cables
✓ Check for any wires exposure from the main cable.
✓ Check for any loose and unsecured cables.

If found burned cable, shut of

the main supply and inform
supervisor.

Beware of Electrocution
 Functional Checks

Upon completed of visual inspection, Crane Operator may

start the crane and proceed for functional checks
✓ Check for any abnormal sound.
✓ Check for gauges, switches, emergency stop, horn
operation.
✓ Check for anti-two-block and slew limit switches
operation.
✓ Check for safe load indication setting and accuracy.
✓ Check lighting and other safety device, warning system
operation.
✓ Check hoist brake for operation.
 Report Anomalies
All anomalies found during pre-use inspection or during lifting
operation must be reported to the supervisor and recorded in
the crane log book.

It is the Crane Operator responsibility to maintain the crane

log book and report any anomalies.
 Wire Rope - Terminology

The number of wires in a strand and the number of strands in a

rope are known as the 'construction' of the rope. There are
variety of wire rope construction that give special characteristics
such as flexibility, rotation resistant, crush resistant, etc.
 Wire Rope - Terminology

Regular Lay
The wires in the strands are laid one way and the strands in the rope
laid in the opposite direction. Regular lay rope is completely stable,
easy to handle and have greater resistance to crushing than a Lang
lay rope
 Wire Rope - Terminology
Lang's Lay
The wires in the strands and strands in the rope are laid in the
same direction. Lang lay rope has better bending fatigue, wear
resistance and more surface area of wire per lay length than
Regular lay rope. It is less likely to exhibit crown and/or valley
breaks due to fatigue or wear. However, it is much more rotational
than Regular lay and sensitive to twist within a system.
 Wire Rope - Terminology
Right Hand Rule
With plain barrel drums, it
is difficult to achieve
satisfactory multi-layer
coiling beyond three layers.
The direction of coiling of
the rope on the drum is
important, particularly
when using plain barrel
drums, and should be
related to the direction of
lay of the rope in order to
induce lose coiling.
 Wire Rope Core
Fibre Core construction is much more elastic under load, as such
it has a greater energy absorption capability but is even less
crush resistant than Steel Core .

6 x 36 Independent Wire Rope

Core (IWRC)

6 x 36 Fiber Core (FC)

 Wire Rope Construction

Non-Dyform wire rope on adjacent

drum laps can cause point contact to
the sheave and accelerated wear.
Non-Dyform Rope
(Standard Rope)

The smooth surface of Dyform rope

creates better contact to the sheaves
and leads to longer life span.

Dyform Rope
Wire Rope Construction

Rotation Rope – Any external load creates

a moment which tries to untwist the rope
and to rotate the load.

Low Rotation Rope - Comprising a central

multi-wire strand, an intermediate layer of
multi-wire strands closed in one operation
around the central strand, and a covering
layer of multi-wire strands closed around the
intermediate layer. Each intermediate and
covering layer of strands has a direction of lay
opposite to that of the other layer of strands.
 Type of Hoist & Boom Rope
▪ Low Rotation Resistant Rope - Either main or auxiliary hoist,
recommended for high lifting operations, and reduced of
rope sheave wear.
▪ Rotation Rope – Boom hoist rope, recommended for multi
layer coiling, and have better crush resistant.
 Wire Rope Maintenance
Offshore crane hoist ropes must be properly maintained
and lubricated due to saline corrosive environment.

Initial factory lubrication will not last, therefore regular

wire rope lubrication must be carry out during quarterly
preventive maintenance.

Bright wire ropes are susceptible to corrosion, rope

lubrication must be carry out as soon as new rope
replaced.

Galvanized wire ropes are more corrosion resistant than

bright wire rope as it was zinc coated and it also serve as
lubrication. Therefore minimum maintenance is required
compared to bright wire ropes.
 Inspection of Wire Ropes
For correct measurement, take at least 3 measurement over a
lay length

Correct Method

Incorrect Method
 Inspection of Wire Ropes
Visual inspection should include verification of the following
rejection criteria:
✓ Broken wires
✓ Kink, Corrosion, Abrasion, Deformation
✓ Increase of lay length and accompany reduction in diameter
✓ Heat damage
✓ Bird Caged
✓ Protrusion of wire core
✓ Less than 5 full turns of rope is remained on the drum in any
operating condition.
 Rejection Criteria of Wire Ropes

Check the Following Wire

Rope:-
✓ Boom Hoist
✓ Main and Auxiliary
Hoist
✓ Boom Pendant
 Rejection Criteria of Wire Ropes
Boom hoist (rotation rope):-
✓ 6 randomly distributed broken wire in 1 lay length.
✓ 3 broken wires in 1 strand in 1 lay length.
Main and auxiliary hoist ( low rotation rope):-
✓ 4 randomly distributed broken wires in 1 lay length / 30 rope
diameters.
✓ 2 broken wires in 1 strand in 1 lay length / 6 rope diameters.
Boom Pendants:-
✓ 3 broken wires in 1 lay length.
✓ 2 broken wires at the end connection.
✓ 2 or more valley breaks are found in 1 lay length.

Any wear resulting in the outer wires of more than 1/3 of the
original diameter
 Lift Plan
A lift plan is a written document of a planned lifting activity, it must be
prepared by a competent person who have the required level of
competency to plan and supervise the specific lifting operation.

A lift plan shall includes at least the following information:-

✓ Lift categorization & Lift Description,
✓ Crane data and configuration,
✓ Load data,
✓ Minimum allowable environmental limits,
✓ Communication method,
✓ Lifting tackles required,
✓ Checklist,
✓ Sketch/drawings.
 Lift Planning – Flow Chart

Appoint competent person

to plan the lift

JHA & risk assessment

Lift Plan

Routine Non-Routine Simple Non-Routine Complicated

Technical authority review

Appoint team

Toolbox meeting

Yes Perform lift

*MOC

No
Post job de-brief *MOC = Management
of Change
 Toolbox Meeting

Toolbox meeting shall be held prior to lifting operation, this will

involved the Person in Charge (PIC), Crane Operator , Banksman
and Rigger. Similarly, the boat Master shall brief his crew.

A toolbox meeting shall discuss and review the Job Hazards

Analysis (JHA), Risk Assessment and Lift Plan to ensure that
everyone clearly understands his/her responsibilities and agree
with the methods and control measures to be deployed.

A toolbox meeting shall be conducted by the Person in Charge (PIC).

 Toolbox Meeting

Short Discussion 10 – 15 minutes

✓ Daily Activities
✓ Lift Plan
✓ JHA & Risk Assessment
✓ Roles & Responsibilities
✓ 10 questions for a Safe Lift
 10 Questions for Safe Lift

1. Are you aware of and fully conversant with the lifting and hoisting
procedures applicable to the lift?
2. Everyone involved with this lifting operation attended the toolbox talk?
3. Has pre use inspection of the lifting equipment been carried out?
4. Are all the safety devices working ?
5. Do you know who is the person in charge of the lift?
6. Is everyone competent and aware of his or her task?
7. Is there a current Lift Plan and JSA, which manages risk?
8. Do you know the environment limits for the lift?
9. Is the area controlled and everyone is clear if the load swings or falls?
10. Are signaling methods and communication agreed and clear to you?
 Personal Protective Equipment
OSHA requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
to reduce employee exposure to hazards when engineering and
administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing
these exposures to acceptable levels

The following are the minimum PPE’s mandatory at site:-

✓ Safety Helmet
✓ Safety Spectacle
✓ Gloves
✓ Safety Boots
✓ Coverall
✓ Ear Plugs/Ear Muffles
 Personal Protective Equipment
Depending on the inherent nature of tasks, other PPE’s may be a
mandatory requirement. Always consult your supervisor if you are in
doubt.
 Pre-use Inspection

Always ensure the equipment pre-use inspection have been

carry out on a daily basis or prior to lifting operation.
 Loose Lifting Tackles Color Code
Ensure all loose lifting tackles such as shackles, slings, chain blocks, beam
clamps etc is colour coded according to company’s colour code calendar.
Regardless of colour code validity, pre-use inspection is still require to be
carry out prior to lifting operation.

Year

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

WHITE YELLOW GREEN BLUE

 Loose Lifting Tackles Color Code
Ensure all loose lifting tackles is colour coded with
approximately 20mm colour code band.

Approximately 20mm
colour code band.
Loose Lifting Tackles Color Code
Can you see the crack line if the
loose lifting equipment is fully colour
coded with paint?
 Environment Limitation
Ensure the environmental limitations is within the permitted
range. Always remain alert to the changing condition, seek advise
from the supervisor if in doubt.

Change of environmental condition may included:-

✓ Change of sea significant wave height
✓ Change of wind speed
✓ Change of weather condition – rain, storm, lightning.
 Communication

Establish and agreed the method of communication

used throughout the lifting and hoisting operation.

The method of communication may be either by:-

✓ Hand signals
✓ 2-ways radio communication
Hand Signals
Hand Signals
Hand Signals
 Voice Command

❑ Controlling of lifting operation through 2-ways

communication radio (walkie-talkie) voice command have
been commonly adopted in the lifting industry.
❑ A Banksman shall establish and agreed with Crane Operator
on the type of voice command used through 2-way
communication radio during the lifting operation.
❑ Take note some of the key area in following when establish of
voice command:-
✓ The language used
✓ The agreed command
✓ Acknowledge the received of command
✓ Emergency response
 Voice Command Etiquette

Following are the examples of voice command etiquette through

walkie-talkie:-
✓ Always test the radio channel to ensure other parties is able to
hear from you.
✓ Always allow other parties to finish the sentence before press on
the talk button.
✓ Ensure command given is load and clear.
✓ Do not use long sentence, keep the command short.
✓ Do not use vulgar languages.
✓ Do not congest the radio channel unnecessary.
✓ Repeat the command if there is no response.
 Blind Lift

Blind lift is the lifting operation of which a crane operator do not

have direct view of the lifted load, and rely only to the banksman to
direct the crane movements.

It is mandatory to establish a 2-ways radio communication between

the banksman and crane operator during blind lift.

The Banksman at the load shall have a complete overview of the

activity:-

CAUTION: WHEN CARRYING OUT BLIND LIFT, THE USE OF MORE

THAN TWO BANKSMEN MAY RESULT IN SIGNAL TIME DELAY.
 Common Personnel Lift Offshore

FROG – A Semi Billy Pugh X- ESVAGT – Rigid Basket

Enclosed Basket 904 Series
 Trial Lift – Personnel Carrier
• A trial lift with the unoccupied personnel transfer carrier shall be
undertaken at the start of each day the personnel carrier will be used.
• After the trial lift and jus t prior to hoisting the personnel, the carrier and
rigging shall be hoisted a few centimeters and inspected by the PIC.

Frog – Semi Enclosed Basket ESVAGT - Rigid Basket

 Post-use Inspection & Crane Logbook

Upon completed of any lifting operation, Crane

Operator’s are responsible to perform a visual post-use
walk around inspection and update the crane logbook.
 Suspended Load

Falling of the crane suspended loads can be catastrophic.

It is compulsory no one is allow to stand, walk and work
under the crane suspended load.
 Falling Object

Ensure all loose objects is properly secured or removed before

commencement of any lifting operation. The falling object may be a
light weigh, however depend on the height of fall, the objects may
gain it acceleration due to gravity and resulted in great impact
 Load Swing

Swing load can be dangerous if it

is not properly controlled.
Always keep a safe distance from
a swinging load as there is
always a possibility to be crush
by the swinging load due to poor
weather condition, man made
error and equipment failure.
 Pinch Points
A pinch point is any point at which it is possible for a person or part
of a person’s body to be caught between the moving and stationary
parts of a machine or substance.

Always be alert when handling of lifting equipments, or dealing with

offshore cargo vessel handling activities.
 Pinch Points

Ensure personnel are not in between two object

Conflicting Activities
 Environment Factors

Wind Speed Wave Height

 Environment Factors

Darkness / Poor lighting Noise

 Environment Factors

Rain & Low Visibility Ground Condition

 Dynamic Loads

All lifts are exposed to dynamic effects due to variation

in hoist speeds, crane and vessel motions, cargo barge
movements, object movement etc.
 Dynamic Loads
Dynamic Amplification Factor (DAF) should be take into account
for all offshore lifts. Table below may be considered as minimum
factors for lifts in air, provided the lifting operation will not take
place under adverse weather condition.

Static Load DAF Onshore DAF Offshore

0 – 100 Te 1.10 1.30

100 – 1000 Te 1.05 1.2

1000 – 2500 Te 1.05 1.15

˃ 2500 Te 1.05 1.10

Note: Dynamic Hook Load = DAF (Rigging Weight + Load Weight)

 Dynamic Loads

All offshore crane built to meet API Spec 2C has build-in dynamic
coefficient of 1.33, in other word, the crane load chart is based
on 75% of the structural strength.

However, it is important to avoid utilized the maximum crane

load chart limit, always maintain some safety margin in account
of dynamic amplification factor offshore.

As a general guideline, do not exceed 80% of the crane load

chart limit.
 Human Error
Statistic shown than over 90% of crane and lifting accidents are
due to human error, there are number of things that are
known to contribute to human error as follow:-
✓ Inadequate training, guidance and experience.
✓ Inadequate facilities and information.
✓ Personnel mental & physical distraction.
✓ Repetitive, routine and boring task.
✓ Dangerous and difficult task.
✓ Others.
 Gross Overload Condition
Gross overload condition refer to situation when the offshore crane
hook entangled with supply boat that resulted serious damaged to the
crane. Although some cranes are fitted with manual gross overload
protector, the consequences is however catastrophic .

All Riggers & Banksman shall ensure the cranes hook is properly guided
and clear of any obstruction.
 Gross Overload Condition
Gross overload condition can be catastrophic especially when hook
entangled with supply boat as shown below:-
 Gross Overload Condition - Accident
“That never happened to me, are you sure??”
Picture below shown an offshore crane slew bearing bolts was
tear off due to hook entangled with supply boat.
Before the Incident After the Incident

Operator escaped from the cabin just before the crane fall into the sea.
Think about the consequences...
 Warning & Alert

Where necessary, Crane Operator sound horn or use the

crane public announcement system to alert or warn the
personnel at vicinity of lifting zone.