201128 Unauthorised repairs on cargo crane jibs

Management recently discovered that the ship's staff on some of our vessels had carried out unauthorised repairs to crane jibs by cropping and welding inserts over damaged or wasted sections to hide the damage from surveyors and port/dock labour authorities. These 'repairs' were not communicated to the management office.

Crane jibs are subject to heavy, fluctuating loads and are subject to strict periodical inspections, surveys, load tests and certification. Crane jibs are often made of high-tensile or another special grade of steel and special procedures have to be observed during repairs. For this reason, repairs on jibs must be carried out only in consultation with the manufacturers and classification society. Any damage noticed on crane jibs must be reported to the company immediately and advice sought before continuing use or carrying out any kind of repairs.

Editor's note: Apart from slewing deck cranes, corrosion, wastage and cracks can affect the structurals and components of monorail hoists, overhead and travelling gantry cranes, derricks and other lifting gear. The ship's planned maintenance system (PMS) must ensure that all these items are carefully inspected and maintained strictly as per manufacturer's recommendations. Records of these, including gauging and clearances at critical locations and other observations must be documented and the shore management kept fully informed at all times.