HEAVY LIFT

Required information

I will try to collect information about the heavy lift, such as:

	What type of cargo.
	The weight of cargo.
	Dimensions and size of the cargo.
	Cargo will be loaded by ship/shore's lifting gear.
	When the cargo is arriving.
	Destination of cargo.
	Where the cargo will be loaded as per shipper's instruction.
	Include the heavy lift in cargo plan, considering all the aspects of cargo planning..

	All gears associated with lifting such as runners, guy pendants, tackles, blocks etc, to be examined carefully.
	Lifting gears and associated equipments to be greased and renewed as necessary.
	All other riggings cleared.
	Rig wires, blocks etc as per rigging plan.
	Rig Preventers and backstays as per the plan.
	Topping lift in good condition and securely shackled (moused).
	Winches should be in double gear.
	Derrick unclamped from mast.
	Set tight preventer guys.
	Rig extra stays if required
	Once clamp removed, take weight on messenger and slowly lower the derrick.

Check vessel’s stability.

	Maximum possible loss of GM in the operation to be calculated.
	Maximum possible list and trim during operation to be calculated.
	Free surface effects to be considered.

All tanks should be pressed up or empty to avoid free surface effect.

Vessel to be even keel and upright as far as practicable.

Rig fenders.

Cast off any barge.

Test the SWL of the lifting gear and associated equipments, it must be below the weight to be lifted.

Check load density of the hatch/deck area the load being loaded.

Load density must not exceed the value given in stability booklet.

Distribute load on deck using dunnage.

Rails removed.

Barges cast off.

Unnecessary personnel removed.

Lashing arrangement is sufficient. Extra lashing points may be welded.

	Inform E/Room and galley.
	Inform all relevant personnel.
	Ensure fore and aft moorings are taut and tended.
	Use steadying lines (swing preventers).
	Competent winchman.
	Communication signals understood. Standard signals as per COSWP to be used.
	Only one competent person to signal the whole operation.
	Whole operation to be supervised by a responsible officer.
	Raise gangway.
	The derrick to be plumbed over the weight.
	Take weight slowly.
	Lift the load slowly, swing in the correct position and load on the appropriate position.
	Control swing by steadying stays.
	Consider emergency action if vessel develops heavy list (more than calculated) during the operation.
	Take proper lashing, considering heavy weather on the voyage.

Best place is where extra strengthening is provided by:

	Longitudinals, plate floors.
	Solid floors or transeverses.
	Examples: along longitudinal center girder, lower hold abaft machinery space.
	Load density not to be exceeded.
	In the hatch, in preference to on deck because of larger GM.