Heavy Lift Cargo Precautions
Introduction When it comes to maritime operations, the handling of heavy lift cargo requires meticulous planning and execution to ensure safety and efficiency. This article outlines the critical precautions that must be taken before, during, and after heavy lift operations on board merchant vessels.
Pre-Operation Risk Assessment
- Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and ensure all risks are reduced to an acceptable level.
Stability and Rigging
2. Vessel Stability: Confirm the ship’s stability is sufficient to counterbalance the expected angle of heel during maximum outreach.
Also Read: IG blower requirements as per SOLAS Ch II/2.
3. Minimizing Free Surface Effect: Reduce or eliminate all free surface elements to maintain a positive GM value throughout the operation.
4. Rigging Inspection: Secure any additional rigging, such as preventer backstays, according to the ship’s rigging plan and inspect all lifting gear for integrity.
Equipment and Load Handling
5. Equipment Inspection: Perform a full inspection of all lifting equipment, ensuring everything is in proper order with correct Safe Working Load (SWL) shackles.
6. Weight Considerations: Account for the weight of the load plus the purchase weight, ensuring all equipment can handle the combined weight.
Slinging and Lifting
7. Sling Protection: Use wood or other materials to protect slings from sharp edges and prevent damage to the load.
8. Shock Avoidance: Prevent shocks by avoiding load slipping or sudden movements.
9. Gangway Management: Ensure the gangway is lifted from the quayside and personnel are in standby positions to tend to the vessel’s moorings.
Fendering and Deck Preparation
10. Fender Rigging: Arrange ship fenders to prevent contact with the quayside during heeling.
11. Deck Clearance: Clear the deck area where the load will be landed and prepare it with timber barriers to distribute the load’s weight.
Operational Competence and Safety
12. Winch Operation: Verify the experience and competence of winch operators and set winches to double gear for slow operation.
13. Barge Release: Release any moored barges or boats before starting heavy lift operations.
14. Steadying Lines: Secure steadying lines to the load and any attachments to the lifting hook.
Final Checks and Operation Control
15. Lifting Point Inspection: Ensure lifting points are attached directly to the load and not just to protective casings.
16. Personnel Clearance: Clear the area of unnecessary personnel and ensure winch operators are visible to the controller.
17. Rigging Readiness: Once all rigging is ready, “float the weight” clear of the quayside to assess the vessel’s heel and manage lateral drag.
Conclusion
By adhering to these heavy lift cargo precautions, maritime operations can be conducted safely and efficiently. It is crucial for the chief officer to verify the rigging’s adequacy before handing over control to the hatch foreman. These steps help mitigate risks and ensure the protection of personnel, cargo, and the vessel itself.
