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Risk Assessment
To ensure the operation can be carried out safely, a risk
assessment should be conducted beforehand. The advice set
out in this Bulletin may be used to assist this process.
During the risk assessment the movement of the other vessel
should be evaluated, bearing in mind that small service craft
may roll and pitch considerably more than the vessel on which
the transfer crane is situated. Similarly, the ability of the other
vessel to maintain station in the prevailing weather conditions
should also be considered.
Transfers by personnel basket should only take place with the
prior approval of the company and the master.
Crane Specification
If a ships crane is likely to be used for personnel transfers,
certification for man-riding should be obtained from the
vessels classification society. Many hose-handling cranes on
tankers are not designed for man-riding and should not be
used unless adapted and certified for this purpose.
In order for a crane to be made suitable for man-riding, a
Weather Conditions
Marking the crane conspicuously as Suitable for ManRiding or similar, and displaying its lifting capacity in terms
of both Maximum Persons and SWL.
Arranging for the crane to be inspected and tested by class
during annual, intermediate and special surveys.
The crane hook should be equipped with a pennant (or stinger)
of sufficient length to keep the hook and block well clear of the
basket. The pennant itself should be fitted with closed securing
devices (eg masterlink, locking hook or similar).
Deck Preparations
A deck landing area should be designated for personnel
baskets, ensuring that it is free from obstructions (eg sounding
pipes, vents, tank lids, pipelines, mooring equipment). The
deck itself should be clean, clearly marked and coated or
covered with anti-slip material. One or more lifebuoys should
be readily available in the vicinity of the crane.
Deck Personnel
Crane Operation
Personnel
on
deck
tending baskets should
wear suitable personal
protective
equipment
(PPE) in accordance with
the requirements of the
vessels SMS. Such PPE
should include a hard hat
with chin strap and, on the
open decks of offshore
vessels, a securely fitted
working life vest.
Communications between
the bridge, the crane
driver, the other vessel,
deck personnel and all
Personnel Baskets
There are several different types of personnel basket in use
and the three most common designs are described below.
In practice, the type of basket used will often depend on
regulatory requirements, the industry sector, the companies
involved and the region.
FROG/TORO Basket
These are specialised capsule type baskets with a low centre
of gravity to provide more stability during the transfer. The
design includes a metal frame, moulded buoyancy and shock
absorption, and the capsule is able to self-right in the water.
Personnel sit on seats inside the capsule and wear quick
release, four point harnesses. Two different designs are in use,
the FROG and the TORO, but they are more likely to the
encountered in the offshore industry. The FROG is available
with capacities of between 4 and 10 persons. The TORO is
limited to 4 persons and is intended for use in benign
environments.
knots, loops, eyes and anything else that may snag on fixtures
and fittings during transfers.
Personnel due to be transferred should be directed where to
stand by the deck crew tending the basket. Care should be
taken to ensure that their weights are distributed evenly around
the basket and that the base will be as horizontal as possible
when lifted. The SWL and maximum person capacity of the
basket must never be exceeded.
Other Considerations
In the event of unforeseen safety issues arising, the transfer or
further transfers should be suspended and another risk
assessment should be carried out taking the new
developments into consideration. Operations should not start
or resume until the risk has been reduced to an acceptable
level.
Members requiring further guidance should contact the
Loss Prevention department.
West of England Insurance Services (Luxembourg) S.A., Tower Bridge Court, 226 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2UP
Loss Prevention Dept: T: +(44) (0)20 7716 6106 F: +(44) (0)20 7716 6061 E: loss.prevention@westpandi.com W: www.westpandi.com