Marine contractors revise guidance

After an extensive review of all sections of the document the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has added appendices on subsea lifts, diving operations, lifting personnel, lifting at extreme heights and dismantlement of offshore structures.

Additions to the main body of the guidance document are designed to ensure greater levels of safety. These include: a new lift planning flowchart; a detailed look at the personnel involved – lifting team, lifting supervisor and dive supervisor - and their roles; a new lift categorisation flowchart; a section defining lift categories - routine, non-routine and engineered lifts; use of crane charts; tag line use; out of plane forces; vessel stability; heave compensation; and inspection, examination and marking of lifting equipment.

The IMCA’s technical manager, Mark Ford, said: “The objective of the guidance document, which is intended for world-wide offshore industry lifting operations, is that when each step of the process is followed, then every lift should be carried out safely.

“The Guidance shows the essential elements which should be included in company procedures for lifting operations, with industry recommended practice to promote safety.

“The addition of the new sections, flowcharts and appendices means that all relevant material is now in just one 66-page document.”

The guidance has been developed by IMCA’s Lifting & Rigging Management Committee, with input from IMCA’s Diving Division Management Committee, for offshore industry lifting operations including supporting manned diving operations.

‘Guidelines for Lifting Operations’ can be found on, and ordered from, the IMCA website at www.imca-int.com. Mark Ford, ICMA’s technical manager, will be speaking about the revised guidelines at the 23rd International Offshore Crane and Lifting Conference, taking place from 24 to 26 April in Aberdeen.