RESPONSIBILITY
The Chief Officer is responsible for the maintenance of all lifting appliances and associated equipment which includes winches, cargo derricks, store derrick cranes, engine room lifting appliances, etc. This equipment is subject to inspection according to regulations laid down by the relevant flag state and the International Labour Organisation.
CHAIN REGISTER
The “Register of Chains, Wire Ropes, Cargo Gear, Etc. Book” and associated certificates are to be kept together in the custody of the master and kept up to date. All expired certificates and completed books should be preserved for at least five years from expiry date or date of last entry.
SWL AND MAINTENANCE BOOK
All derricks, cranes, blocks, shackles, hooks, etc. are to be marked with their safe working load and operating parameters. All maintenance work and equipment/wire renewal in respect of cargo gear is to be entered in the special maintenance book designated for this purpose.
International regulations require all operational lifting equipment to have valid test certificates and only be used within safe working parameters, taking full account of all alarms and limit switches. Measures shall be taken to ensure redundant and certificated lifting gear cannot be accidentally operated.
LIFTING APPLIANCES
In brief the regulations require:
All lifting appliances to be examined at least once during the preceding twelve months.
All associated loose gear to be thoroughly examined at least once during the preceding six months (for details on annealing see instructions in the register). No bridle sling, chain sling or other piece of loose gear should be used in any cargo handling operation unless it has been inspected by the Chief Officer or master vacancy chemical tanker prior to use. The visual examination shall check the ship’s associated fittings such as pad eyes, stays, cleats and mast bands. The gear should be checked for deformations, distortion, malfunction, wear, corrosion or any other visible defect liable to affect the safety of the appliance.
TESTING OF EQUIPMENT
Every lifting appliance should be tested:
After the renewal or repair of any stress bearing part.
At regular four yearly* intervals after the date the appliance was first taken into service.
* The four yearly interval is being extended to five years for most countries.
AUTHORIZED SURVEYORS
All testing and statutory examinations will be carried out by a Classification Society Surveyor or similar outside approved body acting on behalf of the flag state. Notwithstanding these statutory inspections the master vacancy chemical tanker and Chief Officer shall ensure all the operational lifting appliances onboard the vessel are thoroughly inspected prior to use.
