Section 2 Marking

2.1.1 Each lifting appliance and each item of loose gear is to be clearly and permanently marked with its safe working load, with an identification mark to enable it to be readily related to its appropriate test certificate and with the mark of the Surveyor or manufacturer who carried out the proof test.

2.1.2 In view of the importance of ensuring that each item of loose gear has the correct safe working load for its particular position in the lifting appliance, and to facilitate the ordering of replacements, it is recommended that a Particulars Book or a fully detailed Rigging Plan and Block List be kept on board. Typical symbols used in rigging plans are given in Figure 12.2.1 Symbols for fittings used in key plans or rigging.

Figure 12.2.1 Symbols for fittings used in key plans or rigging

2.2.1 Every item of loose gear, including lifting beams and similar items, is to be marked with:

1. The safe working load of the item, in tonnes. For asymmetric lifting beams, the maximum reaction at each lifting point is also to be marked.

2. An individual alphanumeric identification mark to relate it to its test certificate.

3. A mark indicating the grade of steel in accordance with Table 12.2.1 Material quality grade marks.

4. The Surveyor’s or manufacturer’s stamp.

5. For blocks, the maximum rope diameter for which the block is designed.

6. For lifting beams and similar items, the tare weight in tonnes.

7. Where appropriate, an identification mark corresponding to the position of the item on the ship’s Rigging Plan.

2.2.2 Permanent identification marks or symbols are to be made, with stamps having rounded profiles (low stress stamps). The number of marks on an item is to be kept to the minimum.

2.2.3 The use of fractions and oblique strokes is to be avoided and a dot or hyphen is preferable to a dividing line. Values of SWL are, generally, to be marked to one place of decimals (except for 0,25 and 0,75) up to 100 t and in integers thereafter. The word ‘tonnes’ may be abbreviated to ‘t’.

2.2.4 Recommended sizes of marks are given in Table 12.2.2 Size of marks based on the diameter of the part to be marked or on the SWL of the item as appropriate. Typical arrangements of marks are shown in Figure 12.2.2 Typical marks for loose gear.

2.3.1 The following information is to be marked on a disc or tally attached to the rope or sling, or an approved electronic capture system:

1. An individual identification mark to relate the rope to its test certificate.

2. The Surveyor’s or manufacturer’s stamp.

2.3.2 Where the rope is fitted with a ferrule or socket, this is to be marked to relate it to the manufacturer’s test certificate. The marks required by Ch 12, 2.3 Steel wire and fibre ropes, including slings 2.3.1 may also be made on the ferrule or socket where appropriate.

2.3.3 Markings on slings are also to include the number of legs and the safe working load in straight lift and when the angle between the legs and the vertical is 45°.

2.3.4 The identification mark on synthetic or fibre slings is also to show its:

• SWL in straight lift;
• SWL when the angle between the legs and the vertical is 45°;
• Material;
• Nominal length;
• Manufacturer’s or supplier’s name.

2.4.1 Every lifting appliance is to be conspicuously and permanently marked near the heel of the boom, jib or equivalent component with its safe working load and the minimum operating angle or limiting radius as indicated in Table 12.2.3 Typical marks on lifting appliances.

2.4.2 Where more than one method of rig is possible, or, for derricks, where union purchase operation is proposed, the safe working load for each method of rig is to be marked.

2.4.3 The letters and numbers are to be not less than 75 mm high and painted in yellow or white on a dark background or black on a light background.

2.4.4 The heel fitting of the appliance is to be marked with the number of the relevant test certificate and with the Surveyor’s stamp. The stamps are to have rounded profiles (low stress stamps).