Page 72: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Oct/Nov 2013)

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Specifcation for the Offshore

API’s

Pedestal Mounted Cranes , published in

February 1971.

The USCG’s proposal updates these regulations by adopting more recent editions of the API Spec. 2c and RP 2D

Gulf of Mexico standards.

The proposed rules would also cause affected parties to include training, purchase API standards, and inspect- ing or reviewing operations in order to be in regulation. The USCG projects the costs of the proposal to be highest in the frst year of compliance, at about

US$886,000 (undiscounted 2011 US$), with additional annually recurring costs.

For the 10-year period of this analy- sis, the USCG estimates the annualized discounted cost of this proposed rule to be $445,000 at a 7% discount rate for a total of $3.12 million over 10

Subsea 7’s construction vessel Seven Borealis had its 5,000mt ofshore mast crane installed by Huisman in Schiedam, Holland, in 2011. (Photo: Huisman) years, and $435,000 at a 3% discount rate for a total of $3.71 million over 10 “It is an ongoing effort to keep pace that the regulations are clear.” years. with changes in the industry and to American Petroleum Institute If approved, the implementation of make sure the framework is in place (API) spokesman Brian Straessle said these regulations could take place at for publishing Guide and Rule updates that API agreed that the new rule is any time; however, Charlie Papavizas, when they are needed,” he said. necessary; however, the organization partner in the Winston and Strawn LLP

In addition to expanding the number believes a few technical edits would law frm, said that there is no certainty of crane-certifying authorities, the pro- help clarify certain requirements. to when updates will be put into effect. posed revisions include an explanation In a August 12th letter to the USCG, “In my recollection, these regula- of the term “crane,”—defning it as off- API’s Director of Standards, David tions were frst required in the 2010 shore pedestal cranes with a minimal Miller said: “This proposed rule is nec- Coast Guard Act,” Papavizas said. lifting capacity of fve tons that would essary to enhance the safety of offshore “Updates will be enforced immediately be listed in the Crane Record Book cranes by ensuring that industry uses upon effective date of the rule—some- (CRB). the best available and safest technolo- time in the future after comments are

Comments regarding the new gies for the operation, maintenance, received and analyzed.” proposals closed on August 12, and design, and construction of cranes despite some companies’ concerns used on MODUs, OSVs, and foating

FURTHER READING that sections of the revisions regarding OCS facilities. crane regulations are inconsistent, the “The proposed rule would also align

USCG insists that the current regula- Coast Guard regulations with Bureau of tions are outdated and scarcely used Safety and Environmental Enforcement 1. Guide for Certifcation of Lifting within the industry, indicating the requirements for cranes used on off- Appliances, American Bureau of necessity for revisions. shore fxed platforms. Shipping.

As an example, Alan Spackman, “Additionally, the proposed rule

IADC vice president of the offshore would provide owners and operators 2. 1996 Coast Guard Authorization division, pointed out a conficting of vessels the option and fexibility Act ( , 110 Stat. 3901),

Pub. L. 104-324 statement in the USCG’s clarifca- of using additional organizations and United States Coast Guard. tion of the types of cranes that will be associations for the certifcation of affected. cranes.” 3.

Recommended Practice for “They [USCG] defne cranes as According to the US Federal

Operation and Maintenance of having a lifting capacity of more than Register, the USCG points out that cur- API.

Offshore Cranes. fve tons, but later state that they rent regulations reference the frst edi- want something less than fve tons,” tion of API’s 4. API Specifcation 2c, API.

Recommended Practice

Spackman said. “We’re just trying to for Operation and Maintenance of get clarity as to what they actually , published in October 5. Recommended Practice 2D

Offshore Cranes want the records on, and make sure 1972, and the second edition of Standards, API.

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