Section 3 Operational aspects

3.1.1 The transfer or handling of personnel and the handling of cargo should not be conducted simultaneously. An exception to this is the use of cargo baskets or trolleys during transfer of personnel operations via the gangway. The cargo baskets or trolleys should be secured against uncontrolled movements on the gangway and elsewhere on the OPTS as applicable.

3.1.2 Dropped or moving objects posing a hazard to the transferring personnel, the Operator and any part of the OPTS shall be considered during the operation of the OPTS. If cargo operations close to the OPTS or suspended loads being moved over the OPTS cannot be avoided, it shall be ensured that personnel transfer operations are not conducted, and personnel are not on or near the OPTS at those times of operation.

3.2.1 The Operator and all transferring personnel should wear a lifejacket, tracking device, safety boots, safety goggles and helmet throughout OPTS operations commencing.

3.2.2 A lifebuoy equipped with a self-igniting light and a buoyant lifeline should be available for immediate use in the vicinity of the OPTS when in use.

3.2.3 It is further recommended that, depending on the weather condition (e.g. cold climate and/or harsh weather), transferring personnel wear suitable PPE, such as survival suit, tracking device.

3.2.4 Signs reminding personnel to wear the required PPE should be fitted.

3.2.5 For A-GU type systems it is recommended that a safety net is used between the mothership and the target unit preventing persons from falling directly into the sea.

3.3.1 The following aspects should be observed during the operation of the OPTS in order to ensure continued safe operation:

1. approaching the operational limitations as defined in the instruction for use;
2. change of environmental conditions and approaching environmental limitations (e.g. significant wave height, wind speed);
3. application of correct consequences when approaching or exceeding operational and environmental limitations as required by the instructions for use;
4. limitations of personnel simultaneously allowed on the gangway and/or the OPTS in general;
5. behaviour of the personnel to be transferred;
6. combined movements of various parts and components of the OPTS (e.g. slewing of gangway together with luffing or telescoping);
7. potential collision of moving parts of the OPTS (i.e. gangway) with the environment;
8. conditions to be fulfilled to initiate starting or stopping motions;
9. conditions for emergency stop and the resulting consequences; and
10. evaluation that the requirements for safe transfer are always kept throughout the operation as required by the instructions for use.

3.4.1 The Operator should be qualified, trained and certified before operating the OPTS in accordance with the instructions from the manufacturer and/or requirements of the National Authority (i.e. Flag State) and/or Coastal State Authorities.

3.4.2 The transferring personnel should be properly instructed prior to any commencing transfer operation.

3.5.1 The maximum wind speed during any personnel transfer operations should be limited to 15 m/s. Higher wind speeds will be specially considered. Reference is to be made to Ch 2, 4.1 Pre-use risk assessment on operational aspects for the use of the OPTS in high winds.

3.5.2 Ice and snow should be removed from areas where personnel and/or the Operator have access to before and during operation of the OPTS and where such ice and snow will pose a hazard to personnel and/or Operator.

3.5.3 Signs reminding personnel to remove any accretion of ice and snow should be fitted.