PSC Concentrated Inspection Campaign on Ships’ Lifting Appliances: An In-Depth Overview
The Riyadh MoU has initiated a significant Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) this autumn, running from the 1st of September to the 30th of November 2024. This campaign focuses on the critical inspection of Ships’ Lifting Appliances.
Lifting appliances encompass all stationary or mobile devices used on board ships to suspend, raise, lower, or move loads from one position to another while suspended. Loose gear refers to any equipment not integral to a lifting appliance or load but used to attach or connect the load to the lifting appliance.
Objectives of the CIC
The primary objective of this CIC is to ensure that all lifting appliances and loose gear used on board ships undergo thorough examination, testing, and maintenance at regular intervals. Additionally, the campaign aims to heighten awareness among crew members about the inherent risks associated with lifting operations and to ensure adherence to best practices as outlined in safety manuals.
Detailed Questionnaire
Riyadh MoU PSC Officers will utilize a comprehensive CIC questionnaire, included in Appendix A, alongside the standard PSC inspection checklist. This detailed questionnaire is designed to meticulously assess the condition and maintenance of lifting appliances and loose gear.
Required Actions
For Company Managers and Shore Personnel:
- Provide clear and thorough guidance and directions to crew members to aid in their preparation for the PSC CIC.
- Ensure that training programs are robust and cover all aspects of lifting appliance safety and maintenance.
For Crew Members:
- Immediately implement the guidance and directions provided by the company into daily routines.
- Vigilantly identify any potential discrepancies related to lifting appliances and loose gear.
- Collaborate with the company to establish and execute corrective or preventive measures as necessary.
Appendix A: Inspection Questionnaire
| No. | Description | Yes | No | Detention |
| 1. | Are all relevant documentation for the ship’s lifting appliances, including cargo operation manuals, approved lifting gears certificates, and loading instrument function documentation, available on board the ship? | |||
| 2. | Is the cargo gears record logbook and loose gears conformance test report of all the ship’s lifting devices available onboard the ship? | |||
| 3. | Are the inspection reports for the lifting appliances, including those conducted by the classification society and the ship’s crew, available onboard the ship? | |||
| 4. | Are the lifting appliances maintained and working in good condition? | |||
| 5. | Are the ship’s communications devices maintained and working in good condition? | |||
| 6. | Are the safety operation procedures available onboard the ship? | |||
| 7. | Is the master’s order for cargo operations available onboard the ship? | |||
| 8. | Is cargo operation Risk Assessment available onboard the ship? | |||
| 9. | Have the lifting appliances on the ship been inspected for oil leaks and cleanliness? | |||
| 10. | Are the ship’s crew and shore operators properly familiarized with the cargo and lifting appliances operations? |
Appendix B: Best Practice Guidance on Inspection Campaign Questionnaire
- Is all relevant documentation for the ship’s lifting appliances, including cargo operation manuals, approved lifting gears certificates, and loading instrument function documentation, available on board the ship?
The Technical and Operations Managers, along with the Master and other designated responsible Officers, must ensure that all documentation and certification regarding lifting appliances, loose gear, and manuals relevant to cargo operations and the functioning of loading instruments are valid and available. If any documentation is missing, corrective actions must be taken immediately, such as issuing the missing documentation or suspending the use of appliances/loose gear until their certificates are available.
- Is the cargo gears record logbook and loose gears conformance test report of all the ship’s lifting devices available onboard the ship?
The Master and responsible Officers must ensure that the cargo gears record logbook and loose gears conformance test report for the ship’s lifting devices are always valid, updated, and available. Technical and Operations Managers ashore should monitor expiration dates and schedule the necessary testing of equipment as required.
- Are the inspection reports for the lifting appliances, including those conducted by the classification society and the ship’s crew, available onboard the ship?
The Master and responsible Officers must ensure that inspection reports for the lifting appliances, including those conducted by the ship’s crew, are always valid, updated, and available. A copy of the latest classification society’s inspection report for lifting appliances should also be available. Technical and Operations Managers ashore should regularly supervise the crew’s obligations and follow up on class comments and findings. If a report indicates a defect that poses a threat to safe loading operations, it must be officially recorded, and the use of the affected lifting appliance/loose gear should be suspended until the defect is rectified.
- Are the lifting appliances maintained and working in good condition?
A Planned Maintenance System (PMS), based on manufacturers’ instruction manuals, must be in place for every appliance/loose gear and followed without deviations. Officers on board, under the supervision of the Master, are responsible for ensuring proper maintenance and keeping corresponding records. The technical department should monitor all required actions and reports as applicable.
- Are the ship’s communications devices maintained and working in good condition?
Communication devices must be maintained according to manufacturers’ instructions. Portable devices should be stored, protected, and recharged in designated areas after use. Officers on board, under the supervision of the Master, are responsible for ensuring this process. Malfunctioning communication devices should be replaced or serviced immediately when identified.
- Are the safety operation procedures available onboard the ship?
The company’s Safety Management System (SMS) should provide the crew with adequate written guidance, directions (directives, posters), and preventive safety measures for loading operations to achieve high safety standards. The Master and Safety Officer must follow SMS instructions and ensure adequate implementation onboard.
- Is the master’s order for cargo operations available onboard the ship?
The Master, considering SMS guidance for lifting operations, should provide additional guidance and permits for lifting operations. If ship’s cranes are operated by shore personnel, a pre-transfer meeting should be arranged for the Master and Cargo Officer to provide guidance and verify the shore personnel’s ability to perform lifting operations.
- Is cargo operation Risk Assessment available onboard the ship?
The SMS should include a procedure for hazard identification and mitigation related to lifting operations in the relevant Risk Management section. The Master and Safety Officer should follow the risk management procedure and discuss hazards during toolbox meetings before operations. Shore personnel should participate in final risk identification and mitigation control measures. The developed Risk Assessment should be available for review.
- Have the lifting appliances on the ship been inspected for oil leaks and cleanliness?
Beyond the PMS, the ship’s crew must check lifting appliances for cleanliness and oil leaks during preparation before loading operations, after completion, or after exposure to rough weather conditions. Attention should also be paid during loading operations, and the crew must be ready to suspend operations if needed to avoid hazards due to potential extended oil leaks.
- Are the ship’s crew and shore operators properly familiarized with the cargo and lifting appliances operations?
The SMS familiarization section should include lifting appliances familiarization. Only certified personnel can operate mounted lifting appliances/cranes, and the certification must be available on board. The company’s personnel or agent should ensure that shore operators are also aware of the ship’s lifting appliances operations before loading/unloading begins. Confirmation correspondence must be sent to the Master.
How We Can Assist
Our consultancy is dedicated to supporting your compliance efforts during this critical inspection campaign. We offer comprehensive training programs and expert guidance to ensure your crew is well-prepared and your equipment meets all regulatory standards. Contact Marine Survejor Consultant today to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving full compliance and ensuring the safety and efficiency of your lifting operations.
Appendix C: Inspection Questionnaire
Deficiency Codes Related to Inspection Campaign
(Source RiSK4SEA)
| No. | Finding | Related PSC codes |
| 1. | Are all relevant documentation for the ship’s lifting appliances, including cargo operation manuals, approved lifting gears certificates, and loading instrument function documentation, available on board the ship? | 01101 – Cargo Ship Safety Equipment 01305 – Log-books/compulsory entries 01313 – Booklet for bulk cargo loading/unloading/stowage 01317 – Cargo record book |
| 2. | Is the cargo gears record logbook and loose gears conformance test report of all the ship’s lifting devices available onboard the ship? | 01317 – Cargo record book 01322 – Conformance Test Report 06199 – Other (cargo) |
| 3. | Are the inspection reports for the lifting appliances, including those conducted by the classification society and the ship’s crew, available onboard the ship? | 01101 – Cargo Ship Safety Equipment 01305 – Log-books/compulsory entries 01313 – Booklet for bulk cargo loading/unloading/stowage 01317 – Cargo record book 06101 – Cargo Securing Manual |
| 4. | Are the lifting appliances maintained and working in good condition? | 06199 – Other (cargo) 09225 – Loading and unloading equipment 15109 – Maintenance of the ship and equipment |
| 5. | Are the ship’s communications devices maintained and working in good condition? | 05116 – Operation/maintenance 05199 – Other (radiocommunication) |
| 6. | Are the safety operation procedures available onboard the ship? | 15106 – Shipboard operations 15109 – Maintenance of the ship and equipment |
| 7. | Is the master’s order for cargo operations available onboard the ship? | 15104 – Masters responsibility and authority 15106 – Shipboard operations |
| 8. | Is cargo operation Risk Assessment available onboard the ship? | 15106 – Shipboard operations 18432 – Risk evaluation, training and instruction to seafarers |
| 9. | Have the lifting appliances on the ship been inspected for oil leaks and cleanliness? | 09225 – Loading and unloading equipment 09297 – Other (working space ILO) 09298 – Other (accident prevention) |
| 10. | Are the ship’s crew and shore operators properly familiarized with the cargo and lifting appliances operations? | 15106 – Shipboard operations |
Analysis of related Deficiency Codes
Last 36 Months (August 2021 – July 2024) Global Statistics
(Source RiSK4SEA)
| Global Rank | DC | Deficiency Code Description | Deficiency Area | # DET Defs | # NON DET Defs | Total DEFs | Share |
| 63 | 01101 | Cargo Ship Safety Equipment | Certificate & Documentation | 117 | 1,101 | 1,218 | 0.30% |
| 223 | 01305 | Log-books/compulsory entries | Certificate & Documentation | 24 | 1,409 | 1,433 | 0.35% |
| 335 | 01313 | Booklet for bulk cargo loading/unloading/stowage | Certificate & Documentation | 6 | 71 | 77 | 0.02% |
| 455 | 01317 | Cargo record book | Certificate & Documentation | 1 | 70 | 71 | 0.02% |
| 247 | 01322 | Conformance Test Report | Certificate & Documentation | 19 | 172 | 191 | 0.05% |
| 208 | 05116 | Operation/maintenance | Radio Communications | 27 | 525 | 552 | 0.13% |
| 229 | 05199 | Other (radiocommunication) | Radio Communications | 24 | 681 | 705 | 0.17% |
| 193 | 06101 | Cargo Securing Manual | Cargo operations including equipment | 32 | 505 | 537 | 0.13% |
| 228 | 06199 | Other (cargo) | Cargo operations including equipment | 24 | 763 | 787 | 0.19% |
| 394 | 09225 | Loading and unloading equipment | MLC | 3 | 125 | 128 | 0.03% |
| 392 | 09297 | Other (working space ILO) | MLC | 3 | 169 | 172 | 0.04% |
| 342 | 09298 | Other (accident prevention) | MLC | 6 | 605 | 611 | 0.15% |
| 163 | 15104 | Masters responsibility and authority | ISM Code | 43 | 48 | 91 | 0.02% |
| 62 | 15106 | Shipboard operations | ISM Code | 118 | 449 | 567 | 0.14% |
| 9 | 15109 | Maintenance of the ship and equipment | ISM Code | 544 | 1,143 | 1,687 | 0.41% |
| 507 | 18432 | Risk evaluation, training and instruction to seafarers | MLC | – | 211 | 211 | 0.05% |
Global rank: The rank of deficiency code taking into consideration the findings of last 36 months. Max Rank 588
DC: Deficiency Code
DC Description: The description of specific deficiency code
Deficiency Area: The area the deficiency code is assigned as per global PSC system
# of DET Defs: The number of times this specific DC has led to a ship’s detention
# Non DET. Defs: The number of times the deficiency code has been marked on ships but without leading to detention
TTL Defs: The sum of # for DET Defs + # Non DET Defs
Share: Percentage of TTL defs to global findings for all deficiency codes L36M
