OCIMF releases guidance for transferring personnel using a crane

OCIMF releases guidance for transferring personnel using a crane

in International Shipping News 31/12/2018

OCIMF has released a new information paper called Transfer of Personnel by Crane between Vessels.

Personnel have been transferred by crane between offshore vessels and offshore platforms for many years and there are well established guidelines and regulations for this activity, including the requirement to have cranes certified for personnel transfer. A similar level of guidance and regulation has not been available for transfers of personnel between vessels, however, even though incidents have occurred.

Cover: Transfer of Personnel by Crane between Vessels. Click image to download PDF.

This information paper is intended to help vessel operators and owners, Masters, officers, Marine Superintendents and Mooring Masters evaluate the risks associated with the transfer of personnel by a vessel’s onboard crane. It includes guidance on risk assessment, equipment, maintenance, training, company policies, procedures and emergency planning. An example transfer by crane plan is included, as well as competence assurance guidelines to help make sure everyone involved in the personnel transfer – including the people being transferred – are competent to do so.

As part of the information paper, OCIMF recommends the following:

• All new tankers, irrespective of current intended trade/operations, should be fitted with equipment that is certified for the transfer of personnel.
• Operators of existing tankers should consider upgrading and certifying equipment at the next opportunity.

Source: OCIMF