A Crane Operators View

Feedback and comments from recent Step Change

network meetings and Marine Safety Forum all
members meetings:

◦ Very often the cargo is loaded on PSV’

PSV’s shore side with little attention
given for offloading on location. Installations find and change offloading
plans at the last moment.

◦ Misunderstood signals causing loads to be lifted or moved when deck

deck
crew unaware.

◦ Vessel Masters not understanding platform deck management issues.

issues.
Stress caused by not understanding the platform issues; possible
familiarisation visits

◦ Proper illumination during night operations


So what are your immediate thoughts?

◦ Distance?
◦ Moving target?
◦ Congested deck?
◦ What cargo 1st?
◦ Safety/Risks?
◦ ??????

What are the crane operators immediate thoughts?

◦ Review of weather & sea conditions

◦ Communications in place – Master & deck
◦ Offload/Backload plan
◦ Manifested weights
◦ Cargo and bulk
◦ Position of deck crew

Typical list of issues during vessel operations

◦ Congested deck, cherry picking – NO! NO!

◦ Potential to snag loads – deck crew awareness
◦ Deck crew positioning – escape routes
◦ Deck crew handling of empty hook – NO! NO!
◦ Poor communication with deck crew – No radios!
◦ Preparation for bulk hoses –

Hang off points to manifold, know your requirements

Different methods, operating knowledge

Positioning, ensure you are not in load path

What goes wrong?

Cargo snagging on safe havens & handrails

◦ Cargo caught on vessel safe haven causing damage to
lifting slings during offshore offloading/backloading
operations.
◦ Cargo caught on handrails/other vessel structures causing
damage to lifting slings during onshore
offloading/backloading operations

Awareness of Crane Ops best Practices?


Influencing factors

◦ Vessel Masters influence on vessel loading?

◦ Consistent message to crew and crane ops at dockside on
snagging?
◦ Realisation of snagging potential by all parties involved?
◦ Vessel loading best practices?
◦ Communication between vessel crew and crane ops
offshore?
◦ Person in charge of lift – vessel crew!

What goes wrong?

Personnel injuries
◦ Crushing potential – equipment knocked over during
backload
◦ Struck by parting sling – near miss, saved by safety helmet
◦ Caught up in hook – lifted from deck, strain injury

Influencing factors

◦ Congested decks making positioning of loads more

hazardous.
◦ Positioning of crew when releasing bulk hoses.
◦ Handling hook between loads – DON’T!
◦ If two men are required to open/steady the hook, consider
a 3rd man to keep radio / contact with the crane op and
hoist line
◦ Robustness of Risk Assessments for vessel deck operations

Equipment pre-
pre-use inspection?

Good condition pendant

Stretched pendant

An issue for installation deck crew and for vessel deck crew
to capture!

Don’
Don’t take it for granted that someone else has done this
inspection!

NWEA Guidelines for the Safe Management of Offshore Supply
and Rig Move Operations

Oil & Gas UK Guidelines for the Safe Packing and Handling of
Cargo to and From Offshore Locations

Step Change Bulk Hose Handling Guidance

IMCA Guidance for Lifting Operations