7.(a) A crane is being fitted to deploy and recover a load from a vessel. With reference to the present regulations, state the standards that the crane must comply with before being used on board.
(b) State the information entered on a Proof Load Test certificate.(3)
(a) Standards that the crane must comply with before being used on board (7 marks)
Before a crane is placed in service on a vessel, it must comply with the requirements laid down in the Merchant Shipping (Lifting Appliances and Cargo Handling Gear) Regulations, the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen (COSWP), and relevant international standards or classification-society rules.
Specifically, the crane must:
- Be designed, constructed, and tested in accordance with recognised standards such as BS 7121, ISO 9927, or ILO Convention 152 on occupational safety (Dock Work).
- Be manufactured and certified by an approved body, ensuring it meets strength, stability, and safety-factor requirements.
- Be load-tested (proof-tested) to 1.25 × the Safe Working Load (SWL) before being put into service.
- Be thoroughly examined by a competent person after installation and before initial use, confirming it is properly erected, fitted, and operating safely.
- Be fitted with appropriate safety devices—overload protection, limit switches, emergency stops, and load indicators.
- Have a permanent marking of the SWL and a unique identification number clearly visible on the crane.
- Be recorded and certified in the vessel’s Register of Lifting Appliances and Loose Gear (Form GC/1) with a valid Certificate of Test and Thorough Examination issued by a competent person or approved organisation.
(Up to 7 marks for correctly identified and described points.)
(b) Information entered on a Proof Load Test Certificate (3 marks)
A Proof Load Test Certificate must include the following key details:
- Identification details of the crane – type, serial number, location, and Safe Working Load (SWL).
- Details of the test – date, proof-load applied (usually 1.25 × SWL), and method of testing.
- Results and certification – statement that the appliance was examined and tested and found satisfactory, together with the name, qualification, and signature of the competent person or surveyor issuing the certificate.
(3 marks total – 1 mark each for identification, test details, and certification information.)