IMCA updates crane specification document

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has reviewed and published an updated version of its Crane specification document IMCA M 171 Rev.1 to help crane buyers or those chartering crane vessels.

The document, first published in 2003, is aimed at marine contractors. The document contains updated sections on man-riding and personnel lifting, and the certification and documentation of multi-layer winches.

Jane Bugler, technical director at IMCA, said, “In IMCA M 171 we discuss the various aspects of crane design and performance in general terms. This document can equally be used by customers either purchasing a new crane for installation on their vessel, or chartering a vessel in order to carry out a lifting operation using that vessel’s crane.

“Where the term ‘manufacturer’ or ‘provider’ is used, it should be understood that these terms are interchangeable depending upon whether the purchase or charter of a crane is being discussed. IMCA M 171 can also be used for the specification of other appliances used for lifting in an offshore environment.”

Sections in the publication cover functional and technical specifications; supply requirements; control and instrumentation system requirements; maintenance and repair requirements; testing, installation, trials and training; and certification and documentation.

The revised Crane specification document can be downloaded from the IMCA website at www.imca-int.com