Crane Operator Course
Duration: 02 Days
Mode: Online (Live Interactive Sessions)
Target Audience:
Deck officers and crane operators
Offshore rig workers and support crew
Shipboard safety officers and supervisors
Marine engineers and maintenance personnel
Course Objectives
To enhance knowledge of safe offshore crane operations.
To understand accident causes and preventive measures.
To comply with IMO and international safety requirements.
To improve operational efficiency and minimize risk of accidents.
Course Content Overview:
Module 1: Introduction to Offshore Crane Operations & Accident Causes
Purpose and role of offshore cranes in ship and rig operations.
Types of offshore cranes (knuckle boom, lattice boom, pedestal cranes, etc.).
Common causes of accidents:
o Operator error, poor communication.
o Overloading or improper load rigging.
o Mechanical failure, poor maintenance.
Statistics on crane accidents and lessons learned.
Module 2: International Legislation, Regulations, and Operator Requirements
IMO Resolution A.1079(28) – Offshore crane safety guidelines.
Code of Safe Working Practices (Chapter 19) – Key requirements.
Other applicable standards:
o ISO 9927-1: Cranes – Inspections.
o OSHA and API standards for offshore lifting.
Operator qualifications, certification, and training requirements.
Importance of adherence to company-specific crane operation policies.
Module 3: Design and Construction of Offshore Cranes
Key structural components of offshore cranes (boom, jib, slew ring, pedestal).
Design factors for offshore environment:
o Load bearing capacities.
o Wind, wave, and dynamic loads.
Differences between onshore and offshore crane designs.
Fail-safe systems in crane construction.
Module 4: Foundation/Pedestal and Boom Structures
Role of pedestal and foundation in crane stability.
Load transfer from crane to deck structure.
Inspection points for pedestal and mounting bolts.
Boom structure:
o Fixed vs. telescopic booms.
o Stress points, fatigue zones, and safety features.
Module 5: Hydraulics, Electronics, and Mechanical Components
Hydraulic systems – pumps, valves, hoses, and pressure controls.
Electrical and electronic control systems:
o Sensors, joysticks, emergency stop systems.
Mechanical parts:
o Slew bearings, gears, winches, and brakes.
Common failures and troubleshooting methods.
Interactive Session: Case Studies on Offshore Crane Accidents
Review of real-world crane accident reports.
Identification of root causes and failures.
Group discussion on preventive actions and lessons learned.
📌 Day 2 – Safe Operations & Maintenance Practices
Module 6: Load Diagram, Rated Capacity Indicator (RCI) and Stability Considerations
Understanding crane load charts and lifting capacity.
Effects of boom length, radius, and weather on load capacity.
Function and importance of the RCI system:
o Preventing overload conditions.
Vessel stability and crane operations:
o Dynamic forces due to ship’s movement.
Module 7: Safety Equipment, Overload Prevention, and Emergency Procedures
Essential safety devices:
o Limit switches, anti-collision systems, alarms.
Overload prevention systems and load monitoring devices.
Emergency procedures:
o Handling power failure or brake failure.
o Safe lowering of suspended loads.
Role of signalmen and spotters in emergencies.
Module 8: Winches, Ropes, and Blocks – Safe Handling Practices
Types of winches and their operational checks.
Wire ropes:
o Selection, inspection, lubrication, and replacement criteria.
Sheaves and blocks:
o Correct reeving methods and wear checks.
Avoiding shock loads and side pulls.
Module 9: Inspection, Maintenance, and Documentation Requirements
Daily, weekly, and periodic inspection routines.
Preventive maintenance schedules:
o Lubrication, torque checks, hydraulic oil testing.
Pre-operation checklists and safe lifting plans.
Documentation requirements:
o Maintenance logs, inspection reports, defect tracking.
Module 10: Certification, Documentation & Safe Use of Offshore Cranes
IMO, flag state, and class certification requirements.
Lifting gear certification and marking (SWL).
Operator logbooks, test certificates, and third-party audits.
Best practices for safe use during routine and critical lifts.
