Section 1 Introduction

1.1.1 This Chapter is applicable to the crane types as generally indicated in Ch 4, 1.2 Lifting appliances and crane types 1.2.1. In addition, it covers all types of diving and submersible handling systems, both manned and unmanned.

1.1.2 Handling of Personnel (HoP) aspects of shipboard and offshore cranes are detailed in Ch 4, 6 Handling of personnel of this Chapter.

1.1.3 Derrick cranes are not covered by this Chapter, and are to be in accordance with the requirements of Ch 2 Derrick Systems.

1.1.4 Life Saving Appliances are not covered by this Chapter, and are to be in accordance with the requirements of Ch 3 Launch and Recovery Appliances for Survival Craft and Rescue Boats.

1.1.5 The design of the crane shall be carried out following the principle that in general the supporting structure of the crane cabin is not the first to fail. Furthermore, the crane shall enter a less critical state (taking into account the safety of persons, equipment and environment) after the first element has failed. This behaviour of the crane is usually achieved by carrying out a failure mode analysis (taking into account all operational conditions) which is to evaluate the failure load of all critical load carrying elements (e.g. pedestal, slewing ring, crane house, jib, reeving systems, hook, etc.) and the failure sequence.

1.1.6 The operation of the crane is in general to be smooth, controlled and carried out by trained personnel.

1.2.1 This Chapter will be the basis of approval by Lloyd’s Register (hereinafter referred to as LR) of the following types of crane or lifting appliance:

1. Deck cranes mounted on ships for handling equipment, cargo or containers in harbour or sheltered water conditions.

2. Gantry cranes mounted on ships for handling containers or cargo in in-harbour conditions.

3. Floating cranes mounted on barges or pontoons for handling loads in harbour or sheltered water and open sea conditions.

4. Grab cranes mounted on ships, barges or pontoons for operating in harbour or sheltered water and open sea conditions.

5. Engine room, stores cranes, etc. mounted on ships for handling equipment and stores in harbour or sheltered water conditions.

6. Cranes mounted on fixed or mobile offshore installations for transferring equipment, stores, etc. to and from supply ships.

7. Cranes mounted on ships or mobile offshore installations for handling or transferring non-manned equipment in an open-sea or offshore environment, e.g. pipe handling (or transfer) cranes.

8. Installations mounted on ships and fixed or mobile offshore installations for handling manned submersibles and diving systems.

9. Launch and recovery appliances for small watercraft which are manned while being handled.

10. Launch and recovery appliances for small watercraft which are unmanned while being handled.

11. Heavy lift cranes (or lifting appliances) mounted on vessels, pontoons and offshore installations. Heavy lift cranes (or lifting appliances) are defined by the following:

    • Safe Working Load (SWL) ≥ 160 t; and/or
    • Influences the vessel inclination by more than 5° (if not compensated by ballasting).

1.2.2 Any crane or lifting appliance not covered by the description or environmental conditions in Ch 4, 1.2 Lifting appliances and crane types 1.2.1 will be specially considered.

1.3.1 The service category as defined in Chapter 1 must be clearly stated on all submissions together with all relevant design criteria.

1.3.2 It is considered that shipboard cranes will generally fall into standard service category, whereas offshore cranes, shipboard cranes operating in open sea conditions and submersibles handling systems will fall into the specified service category.

1.3.3 In the case of offshore cranes, the rating for the standard and specified service category, which, in general, will comprise load versus radius diagrams for various sea state conditions (usually expressed as significant wave height), is to be submitted for approval. Approval on the basis of standard service category only will not be permitted for cranes on offshore installations except where the crane is to be used solely for lifting operations on the installation itself and will also not be permitted for cranes operating in open sea conditions.

1.3.4 The service category applicable to the particular appliance will also apply to the supporting pedestal and foundations.

1.3.5 For shipboard cranes operating in open sea conditions, the design criteria (e.g. offlead angles, hoisting factors, etc.) and environmental conditions (e.g. significant wave heights) are to be considered as in Ch 4, 3 Offshore cranes. The requirements for slewing rings and materials are to be complied with as in Ch 4, 2 Shipboard cranes for shipboard cranes.

1.4.1 A recognised National or International Standard may be considered as an alternative basis for approval of cranes and other lifting appliances (as considered applicable), provided LR is satisfied in each case that the criteria are at least equivalent to the design criteria specified in this Chapter for the applicable service category.

1.4.2 The combination of design requirements from recognised National or International Standards with the requirements of this Code is not generally permitted. Where it is intended to apply to only certain parts of a recognised National or International Standard to lifting appliances, which are intended to be certified to this Code, special permission is to be requested.