Section 6 Handling of personnel

6.1.1 Ships’ deck cranes and offshore platform cranes, used for the occasional transfer of personnel between ship-to-ship or rig-to-ship, or for maintenance work, are to be certified as being suitable for personnel handling (often called man-riding) and the following minimum requirements are to apply. Other applications will be specially considered.

6.1.2 The handling of life saving appliances is not covered by these requirements.

6.1.3 It should be noted that these are the minimum requirements to certify this equipment for personnel handling operations. However, some National Administrations and offshore jurisdictions may have additional requirements with which this equipment will need to comply.

6.1.4 Reference is made to the requirements of Ch 9,4 regarding the machinery aspects of handling of personnel applications.

6.2.1 The certification of personnel handling is based on the assumption that instructions for use are in place that cover all operational and emergency procedures including any conditions, precautions and limitations for the personnel handling.

6.2.2 The crane operator is to have a continuous direct means of communication with the personnel to be lifted or via a person who has direct visual contact with the personnel being lifted.

6.2.3 Personnel handling operations are to only be performed using baskets or carriers specially designed and certified for this purpose.

6.2.4 Personnel handling operations will normally be restricted to:

1. Sea conditions where the significant wave height does not exceed 2 m;

2. Conditions where the wind speed does not exceed 10 m/s;

3. Visibility condition: daylight or equivalent.

6.2.5 The personnel handling SWL is not to exceed 50 per cent of the SWL for lifting of loads (e.g. cargo) at the actual outreach and (if applicable) also at the actual significant wave height. Personnel handling is not permitted in combination with lifting of load (e.g. cargo) operations.

6.3.1 The crane operator’s control panel is to be equipped with a dedicated manual switch for the purpose of engaging personnel handling operations, including a continuous visual indication (e.g. warning light) that the personnel handling mode is activated. Automatic or manual overload protection systems, constant tension systems or motion compensation systems, if installed, are to be automatically switched off when the personnel handling is activated. For retrofits, alternative proposals will be specially considered.

6.3.2 The required minimum wire rope safety factor in connection with the personnel handling SWL is to be 10:1 for the hoisting and (where fitted) luffing system. Where a safety factor of 10:1 cannot be achieved on the luffing system, as may be the case for heavy lift cranes, a lower safety factor may be specially considered. The safety factor of 10:1 is related to the minimum breaking load of the wire rope.

6.3.3 The crane's hoisting and (where fitted) luffing winches are to be approved for personnel handling. Alternatively, details of the winches are required to be submitted for approval.

6.3.4 The design of the hook shall be such that inadvertent opening is prevented (e.g. by means of securable safety latches or any other suitable means).

6.4.1 A six-monthly thorough examination is required on all cranes and equipment used for personnel handling operations.

6.4.2 Before any personnel handling operation commences, an inspection of the crane and gear is required prior to use.