Offshore crane operator course. Stage 3

This section provides a summary of the assessment process at Stage 3 level where the candidates assessed on his skills as a crane operator.
The candidate is fully briefed on the assessment format but does not receive any form of prior tuition, unless the assessment is being delivered in conjunction with a training programme.

Crane Operator Stage 3 Assessment Format

The Assessor will accompany the crane operator into the cab and ask the operator to "familiarise" him with the crane as if he were handling it over to a new member on board. Points to be noted will include, but not be limited to:

• use and understanding of load indicator functions, both static and dynamic modes
• limiting devices
• drive train
• wires fitted to the crane in use
• crane controls
• understanding of the crane operator's responsibilities under LOLER regulations or prevailing legislation

Through the caliber of response, the assessor can identify any areas of weakness in the operator's knowledge of the equipment, safety systems or company operating procedures.
The practical assessment will be structured, where possible, around normal operations, scheduled to coincide with the arrival of a supply vessel.
The Instructor will visually check whether the system has been adjusted to reflect differing operating criteria, i.e. sea state, then leave the cab and observe.

The operator will undertake a series of lifts to demonstrate his ability to:

• operate the crane in a safe manner, displaying awareness of any conflicting activity
• control the crane whilst operating unloaded and with load on hook
• demonstrate the ability to remove swing from the load
• follow instructions given by the banksman through hand signals and radio contact

Following liaison with the client representative, a suitable opportunity will be identified for the crane operator to complete a multi-choice theoretical examination to identify the extent of his underpinning knowledge of crane operations. The minimum pass mark is set at 80%.
Successful completion of the assessment process allows operators to carry out all lifts unsupervised