Page 70: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Oct/Nov 2013)

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The USCG defnes a crane as an ofshore pedestal with a minimal lifting capacity of 5 tons. (Photo: Huisman)

Guard Authorization Act (

Pub. L. 104- 324 , 110 Stat. 3901), the USCG could only delegate marine safety functions

Gulf of Mexico related to vessel plan review and inspection to the American Bureau of

Shipping (ABS), and the International

Cargo Gear Bureau (ICGB). Section 607 of   amended 

Pub. L. 104-324 46 U.S.C. 3316  to allow delegation of these func- tions to international classifcation societies.

Revisions also authorize the USCG to approve organizations other than the

ABS and the ICGB as crane-certifying authorities.

The USCG expects that the addi- tional classifcation societies will reduce crane operational down time, and allow greater fexibility in sched- uling crane inspections and meeting required standards. Before any clas- sifcation society can be delegated authority under this amendment to act on behalf of the USCG for any purpose, the statute requires that the classif- cation society be recognized by the

USCG.

According to the USCG, using out- side organizations for crane approvals and inspections has proven success- ful on other USCG inspected vessels.

The USCG has verifed that these organizations have personnel who are specifcally trained and qualifed to witness tests of cranes and conduct

Offshore cranes crane inspections, and that these inspections can be scheduled more receive regulatory update conveniently than inspections by the

USCG.

The US Coast Guard updated decades old regulations

ABS Vice President of Offshore

Technology Bret Montaruli, said that

Anthresia regarding ofshore cranes and inspection practices. this update in crane regulations is

McWashington takes a look at the changes to come.

essential in improving day-to-day operations offshore. “The USCG is introducing new regu- he US Coast Guard (USCG) The regulations proposed in May lations to address safety issues because recently proposed revisions to will affect businesses that own OSVs it is important in a rapidly-changing the design, certifcation, inspec- with cranes that have a minimum lift- market to make sure rules are in line

T tion, and testing of cranes installed ing capacity fve tons (10,000 lb); busi- with industry needs,” Montaruli on Mobile Offshore Drilling Units nesses that own MODUs with cranes; said. “ABS takes a similar approach, (MODU), Offshore Supply Vessels and businesses that own 18 foating gathering input from industry experts (OSV), and foating Outer Continental OCS facilities. In all, 2 cargo gear orga- to develop guidance like Guide for

Shelf (OCS) facilities. The USCG also nizations, 19 crane manufacturers, and Certifcation of Lifting Appliances to proposed bringing in organizations about 7 classifcation societies will be help companies work safely as the other than USGC marine inspectors to affected by the changes. work environment and the government certify, inspect, and test cranes. Until the passage of the 1996 Coast rules change.

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