Knowledge is power; and knowledge logged in one place by crane operators about their experience on different types of offshore cranes in differing scenarios has ensured that copies of the new 'Crane Operator's Logbook for Offshore Vessels' published by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) are selling like those proverbial hot cakes.

"We believe that this new logbook will be invaluable to offshore crane operators throughout their working life and prove to be a vital safety aid,"

says IMCA's technical director, Jane Bugler.  "It is, of course, equally valuable to employers as it enables them to quickly and easily verify a crane operator's past experience and competence."

The hardback A5-sized logbook has sections devoted to personal details, the operator's training record, competence assessment record, and previous experience as well as the actual crane operation record.  As well as sections for completion by the operator, there are sections devoted to an explanation of the codes used and worked examples to further clarify use of the logbook.

Section by section

The personal details section of the Logbook include the need for a photograph which not only has to be renewed after ten years, but is also endorsed with a company stamp/seal · Training Record  - offshore crane operators should receive training applicable to their discipline. Details of formal training course are entered in this section and proof forwarded to the employing company's designated official.  Onboard training can also be recorded in the logbook, as can time spent under instruction from an appropriately experienced crew member · Previous Experience - this is where previous experience on offshore crane operations onboard vessels is logged. This should be verified on production of a discharge book or other proof of service to the company's designated official · Crane Operation Record - is the section to be used for logging time spent as a crane operator. Entries - and there is enough room for over 40 entries - should be authorised by the relevant authority, such as the vessel master, and endorsed with the vessel's stamp and signatory's name.

"Our aim in producing the logbook was to ensure that it proved a valuable and verified tool for all crane operators involved in the potentially hazardous job of offshore lifting operations," says Jane Bugler.  "Form filling is no-one's favourite occupation, but sensible use of this logbook aims to ensure that the right man is involved in the right operation with obvious safety benefits."

IMCA also publishes logbooks for professional divers, diving supervisors, diving inspection personnel, diving technicians, life support technicians, survey personnel, ROV personnel, and DP personnel.

IMCA is an international association with 350+ members in more than 40 countries representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies. IMCA has four technical divisions, covering marine/specialist vessel operations, offshore diving, hydrographic survey and remote systems and ROVs, plus geographic sections for the Americas Deepwater, Asia-Pacific, Europe & Africa and the Middle East & India regions, as well as a core focus on safety, the environment, competence and training. IMCA seeks to promote its members' common interests, to resolve industry-wide issues and to provide an authoritative voice for its members.
IMCA publishes some 200 guidance documents and technical reports.  These have been developed over the years and are widely distributed.  They are a definition of what IMCA stands for, including widely recognised diving and ROV codes of practice, DP documentation, marine good practice guidance, the 'Common Marine Inspection Document', safety recommendations, outline training syllabi and the IMCA competence scheme guidance.  In addition to the range of printed guidance documents, IMCA also produces safety promotional materials, circulates information notes and safety flashes

Last Updated ( Monday, 20 November 2006 )