The UK P&I Club has issued a safety bulletin about the need to examine and properly mark small gear on shipboard lifting equipment. Inspectors have noticed “an increasing lack of awareness” of the need to mark and certify lifting equipment such as derricks and cranes. Issues include a lack of proper documentation, maintenance and safe access, or incorrect function.
The P&I Club urges mariners to understand that they have a “duty of care” and that lifting appliances must be examined by a “competent person.” Shackles should be stamped with their “safe working load.” The offshore industry is “well ahead”of the merchant marine industry in marking this type of equipment, the safety bulletin said. Lifting eyes and slings also should be marked. Transverse crane beams should be marked at multiple locations.
Click here to view the bulletin on the website of the UK P&I Club.
