End of this post

Weather Fronts at Sea: Warm, Cold and Occluded Fronts Explained

1 / 5

End of this post

MLC 2006 Legal Structure — Articles, Regulations, Standards & Guidelines

Ask SailRabout this topic

1 / 5

End of this post

Fixed CO₂ Fire Extinguishing System – Principles, Components & Safe Operation

Ask SailRabout this topic

1 / 4

End of this post

MARPOL Annex I & V Compliance Essentials

Ask SailRabout this topic

1 / 4

Keep what you read

You can save topics to revise later, sort them into your own collections, and pick up where you stopped in each.

Use email instead

By continuing, you agree to SailR's Terms and Privacy Policy.

End of the list

That's every topic for now

Browse the Playbook

Heavy lift operations using ship’s gear

2nd Mate
Chief Mate
UK EOOW
UK Management
MEO Class 4

times asked: 62; times asked
questions: 16; questions
last asked: 2026; last asked

The slides, written out

AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.

Slide 1 · MARITIME KNOWLEDGE FOR A SAFER TOMORROW

PLAN | PREPARE | LIFT | STAY SAFE HEAVY LIFT USING SHIP'S GEAR RIGHT PLANNING. SAFER OPERATIONS. SAFE LIFTS STRONGER VOYAGES SAFETY FIRST

Slide 2 · 1/4

HEAVY LIFT SERIES HEAVY LIFT PLANNING PHASE PLAN WELL. LIFT SAFELY. 01 KNOW THE LOAD Confirm the actual gross weight, including lifting tackle. Verify centre of gravity, dimensions and lifting points. Resolve any conflicting weight information before lifting. SWL CG LIFTING POINTS 02 VERIFY THE LIFTING ARRANGEMENT Follow the approved lifting and rigging plan. Confirm the ship's gear, ropes, shackles, slings and attachments are suitable for the planned configuration. Do not substitute or modify lifting gear without competent technical review. APPROVED LIFTING PLAN 03 CHECK SWL AND STABILITY Confirm the appliance remains within its certified SWL and applicable radius/load limits. Check vessel stability, heel, trim and downflooding risk throughout the lifting sequence. Use the approved ballast plan where ballasting is required. KEEP THE VESSEL UPRIGHT EXAMINER'S KEY POINT A heavy lift must be properly planned, supervised and carried out safely.

Slide 3 · 2/4

HEAVY LIFT SERIES HEAVY LIFT PREPARATION & RIGGING RIG IT RIGHT. LIFT IT SAFE. 01 INSPECT THE GEAR Check lifting appliances and loose gear for wear, corrosion, deformation and damage. Confirm required examination / certification is valid. Report defects before the operation. 02 CHECK THE RIGGING Ensure all loads are properly slung and securely attached. Check leads, blocks, falls, guys and attachments. Protect ropes and slings from damaging edges. Follow the approved configuration and manufacturer's instructions. 03 CONTROL THE WORK AREA Establish the danger / exclusion zone. Keep unnecessary personnel clear. Ensure competent personnel are assigned to the operation. Maintain effective communication between the operator and lifting team. KEY PRINCIPLE The lifting accessory must be suitable for the load, gripping points, loose gear, atmospheric conditions and slinging configuration. CERTIFIED & SERVICEABLE LIFTING TEAM DANGER KEEP CLEAR OF SUSPENDED LOAD

Slide 4 · 3/4

HEAVY LIFT SERIES HEAVY LIFT DURING THE OPERATION CONTROL THE LIFT. KEEP IT SAFE. 01 TAKE THE WEIGHT SLOWLY Avoid snatch loading and sudden acceleration. Control hoisting, lowering and slewing speeds. Keep the load under positive control. 02 WATCH THE SHIP Maintain acceptable heel and trim throughout the lift. Monitor stability and downflooding risk. Follow the planned ballast sequence where required. 03 WATCH THE LOAD AND GEAR Maintain safe clearances. Never allow personnel beneath a suspended load. Avoid side loading, dragging and excessive overturning moments. Stop the operation if unsafe conditions develop. SAFETY ALWAYS NEVER STAND UNDER A LOAD 04 LANDING THE LOAD Use the approved landing and load-transfer procedure. Do not use improvised methods. Control the transfer of load from ship's gear to the landing surface. EXAMINER'S KEY POINT Never allow the lifting operation to create an uncontrolled load, excessive heel or overturning moment.

Slide 5 · 4/4

HEAVY LIFT SERIES WIRE ROPE WHEN DO YOU CONDEMN? INSPECT. IDENTIFY. REPLACE WHEN IN DOUBT. 01 BROKEN WIRES Excessive or significant broken wires are a discard concern. Do NOT use a universal "10% of wires in one rope lay" rule. Follow the applicable standard, manufacturer's criteria and company inspection procedure. 02 DIAMETER LOSS Significant reduction in rope diameter. Excessive wear or abrasion. Localised reduction caused by damage or loading. 03 CORROSION Severe external corrosion. Pitting. Suspected internal corrosion. 04 DISTORTION / DAMAGE Kinking, crushing, birdcaging, flattening. Strand damage. Damaged or slipping termination (socket, eye, ferrule, splice). 05 SHOCK / OVERLOAD / HEAT Evidence of thermal or heat damage. If the rope has been subjected to shock loading, overloading or treatment likely to cause damage, take it out of service and have it examined by a competent person before further use. BROKEN WIRES WEAR / DIAMETER LOSS CORROSION KINKING / BIRDCAGING HEAT DAMAGE GOLDEN RULE When applicable discard criteria are reached, replace the rope. Follow the relevant standard (e.g. ISO 4309), manufacturer's guidance and company inspection / discard procedure.

In exams

Asked 62 times across 16 different questions, most recently in 2026. Asked most in 2nd Mate (48), Chief Mate (7), UK EOOW (4), UK Management (2).

Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.

Spotted a mistake?

Ask SailR about this