Page 44: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Oct/Nov 2013)

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EPIC

Crane transfer operations “The safe transfer of per- Refex Marine specializes sonnel is a key challenge in in crane transfer and offshore the offshore environment,” access with two products, says Refex Marine founder FROG and TORO, driving & CEO Phillip Strong. improved safety standards.

The company organized a The FROG-XT is an evolution 3-hour seminar on crane of the current FROG hard transfer safety at EnerMech capsule, based on 20 years in Aberdeen prior to the of experience, with more start of SPE Offshore than 650 capsules in use

Europe 2013, in response to worldwide. The stainless- a recent North Sea inci- steel frame encloses seats

The FROG-XT’s stainless-steel frame encloses seats that dent where four offshore with safety restraints and are equipped with safety restraints and shock-absorbing workers were killed in a shock-absorber springs, and springs. (Photo: Refex Marine) ditching accident. In addi- has self-righting buoyancy tion to lectures, attendees participated developed FROG-XT crew transfer panels. The unit can accommodate in hands-on, practical review using a device at the Offshore Europe confer- a full-size, horizontal stretcher in

FROG-3 unit. ence this year, showing a prototype at emergencies—a massive improvement

The company unveiled its newly Stand 1B85. over the rope baskets of yesteryear. •

Golden rules for safe crane transfers

Refex Marine and partners Seacor Marine and Sparrows Ofshore joined together

Know your vessels

The vessel is to create a set of ‘golden rules’ for safe crane transfer practices ofshore. “These major consider- rules refect what’s been learned from millions of transfers in varied conditions ation with around the globe, with a focus on those few that go wrong,” the company said (www.

attention paid refexmarine.com/industry-expertise/golden-rules). “Crane transfer may seem a to station-keep- simple operation, but a wide range of variables is involved, and considering them ing and stabil- carefully will help you to achieve a safe transfer every time.” The company hopes the ity. Maintaining a large, clear landing rules will eventually become a part of established industry best practices.

area, free from adjacent obstacles, will reduce risks. Crew competence and

Understand your risks Be familiar with your conditions

Refex Marine Check prevail- familiarity with the installation and says it is ing weather communications (particularly radio necessary to and sea and hand signals) are also key factors.

perform a risk conditions, assessment to including tides

Know your cranes ensure you and currents. Knowing the understand site-specifc risks. Consider Discuss vessel positioning and limitations of the vessels, cranes, transfer equipment, station-keeping with the vessel master your cranes is weather, and sea-state and crews and crane operator (identifying important.

involved. Identify the key risk drivers. specifc risks or concerns). Cranes

Extra scrutiny is required for personnel Understand the limits of your should be lifting. equipment. well maintained with all appropriate

OE | October 2013 oedigital.com 46 046_OE1013_Epic2_reflexMarine.indd 46 9/29/13 9:46 PM