Section 1 Cranes

101. General

1. Each crane, including its supporting structure, which is used for the transfer of material, equipment or personnel between the unit and attending vessels should be of a design and construction to the satisfaction of the requirements of Pt 9, Ch 2 of Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships or with national or international standards or codes.

2. Cranes should be so located and protected as to reduce to a minimum any danger to personnel, due regard being paid to moving parts or other hazards. Their design should have regard to the materials used in construction, the working conditions to which they will be subjected and the en- vironmental conditions. Adequate provisions should be made to facilitate cleaning, inspection and maintenance.

3. Consideration should be given to the failure mode for each crane in the event of extreme overload so that the crane operator is exposed to minimum danger.

4. The Society should survey the installation of each crane, with particular regard to its supporting structure.

5. After each crane has been erected on board, and before it is placed in service, operational and load tests should be conducted. These tests should be witnessed and verified by the Surveyor. A record of these tests and other information concerning initial certification should be readily available.

6. Each crane should be examined at intervals not exceeding 12 months. It should be further tested and recertified, at intervals not exceeding five years, or after substantial alteration or repairs. These tests should be witnessed and verified by the Surveyor. A record of these examinations, tests and certifications should be readily available.

7. Cranes used for loading and discharging of offshore supply vessels should be furnished with rating tables or curves which take into account the dynamics associated with the unit’s and vessel’s motions.

8. Except when loads are determined and marked prior to lifting, each crane should be fitted, to the satisfaction of the Society, with a safety device to give the crane operator a continuous indication of hook load and rated load for each radius. The indicator should give a clear and continuous warning when approaching the rated capacity of the crane.

9. The Society should give consideration to the installation of limit switches to provide for the safe operation of the crane.

10. A crane manual should be provided for each crane and should be readily available. This manual should contain full information concerning:

(1) design standard, operation, erection, dismantling and transportation;

(2) all limitations during normal and emergency operations with respect to safe working load, safe working moment, maximum wind, maximum heel and trim, design temperatures and braking sys- tems;

(3) all safety devices;

(4) testing of the emergency lowering system for personnel transfer, if fitted;

(5) diagrams for electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems and equipment;

(6) materials used in construction, welding procedures and extent of non-destructive testing; and

(7) guidance on maintenance and periodic inspection.