Crane operations, Heavy lift

Heavy lift cargo vessels have cranes that can lift individual pieces of very heavy cargo, as well as being used for loading and discharging cargo in ports where suitable cranes do not exist. The forces exerted on the crane hook can be extremely large and the safety of the personnel, cargo and vessel depend on the operation being undertaken in a competent manner.

Increasing knowledge of how crane and lifting equipment are effectively maintained, this module stresses the importance of planning and preparing for heavy lift operations and identifies the safety requirements of different types of operations, ensuring that the vessel has adequate stability and that the crew ensure cargo and equipment is well secured at all times. The module covers topics like crane maintenance requirements, effective communications, content of a heavy lift cargo plan and risks associated with a heavy lift and how they are controlled.

Learning objectives:

• Demonstrate knowledge of how the crane and lifting equipment are effectively maintained
• Identify preparations necessary on board a vessel before and whilst working heavy lift cargo
• Identify reasons to plan for a heavy lift cargo operation
• Demonstrate knowledge of how the security of cargo and equipment is ensured at all times whilst on a vessel
• Identify safety requirements for the type of heavy lifting operation performed on a heavy lift vessel