scope:

This Recommended Practice is intended to serve as a guide to Crane Owners and Crane Operators in developing operating and maintenance practices and procedures for use in the safe operation of pedestal-mounted revolving cranes on fixed or floating off-shore platforms, jackup drilling rigs, semi-submersible drilling rigs and other types of mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs). Guidelines are also given for the pre-use inspection and testing of temporary cranes (also called self-erecting, leapfrog or bootstrap cranes) that are erected offshore. These minimum practices are presented on the premise that:

a. Inspections are intended to identify all deficiencies or items, which would affect the safe operation or reduce the lifting capability of the crane. Inspections should utilize methods and procedures appropriate for the crane type and its past and anticipated usage, as determined by the Crane Owner.

b. Action taken to correct a deficiency should be made as soon as practicable.

c. Limited (restricted) service may, in some cases, be continued after the identification and before correction of a deficiency. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the Qualified Crane Operator or Qualified Inspector to document the deficiency, reporting it to the Crane Owners. Based on this information, the Crane Owner should define the appropriate restriction and post necessary cautionary notices, after consultation with the Crane Manufacturer, Authorized Surveyor, certifying authority or other qualified source (such as an API-licensed 2C Crane Manufacturer, or an engineer experienced in the design of the crane, as determined by the Crane Owner).

d. Conformance to the intent of the programs and practices recommended herein is intended to result in cranes that operate safely and efficiently between inspection periods and in accordance with a company's Safety and Environmental Management Program (SEMP) (see API RP 75).

Each Crane Owner, Qualified Crane Operator, Qualified Inspector, and Qualified Rigger is encouraged to follow the recommendations outlined herein, and to modify or supplement them with any practices or procedures which are more appropriate for the type and duty cycle-both past and future-of the crane, provided the minimum recommendations and the intent of the programs stated herein are met.