Personnel have been transferred by crane between offshore vessels and offshore platforms for many years and there are well established guidelines and regulations for this activity, including the requirement to have cranes certified for personnel transfer.
A similar level of guidance and regulation has not been available for transfers of personnel between vessels, however, even though incidents have occurred. This information paper is intended to help vessel operators and owners, Masters, officers, Marine Superintendents and Mooring Masters evaluate the risks associated with the transfer of personnel by a vessel’s onboard crane. It includes guidance on risk assessment, equipment, maintenance, training, company policies, procedures and emergency planning. An example transfer by crane plan is included, as well as competence assurance guidelines