Practical Training | Competence

COMPETENCE IN RIGGING & LIFTING OPERATIONS

Personnel who require to be deemed competent must possess and demonstrate a satisfactory level of practical skill and theoretical knowledge to be able to carry out a given task safely. To achieve competence you must undergo training and assessment. This is the process of gathering and documenting evidence about your achievements, skills, knowledge and abilities. NSL America’s competence program follows industry guidance on how to achieve competence.

Stage 1 Initial training and assessment
Stage 2 Supervised training in the workplace
Stage 3 Workplace assessment of competency
Stage 4 Ongoing performance advancement

NSL's competence programmes meet all four stages of this competence profile.

Achieving Competence
In September 2002, NSL in association with the award body, EMTA Awards Ltd (EAL) created competence programs designed specifically for personnel required to carry out lifting operations (Riggers) and those required to certify and inspect lifting equipment (Lifting Equipment Inspectors).
Both our programs begin with a training course, with delegates receiving a certificate of training upon successful completion.
Delegates now have the option to proceed with the completion of a competence portfolio. The portfolio is used to record their activities and experience, in the workplace, and used as evidence of their competence. Tasks recorded must be witnessed and when completed should be submitted for assessment and verification by NSL and EAL.
Once satisfactorily completed, EAL issue the delegate with a certificate of competence.
The competence certificate is valid for two years after which time the candidate can return for re-assessment to confirm competence is being maintained or progress to the next level.

NSL currently offer competence programs in the following subjects and levels:

RIGGING & LIFTING LEVEL 1
Aimed at Technicians, Banksman / Flagman and Load Handlers.
This program has no pre-requisites and is aimed at personnel who are required to perform Routine and Simple lifting operations. Personnel may also complete Complicated and Complex lifting operations under supervision.

RIGGING & LIFTING LEVEL 2
Aimed at Riggers and Deck Coordinators.
This program is aimed at personnel who are required to plan and perform Complicated and Complex lifting operations.
Personnel who require to proceed directly onto the level 2 competence program without completing level 1 must provide written evidence that they have at least 3 years experience working in lifting operations.

ADVANCED RIGGING & LIFTING LEVEL 3:
Technical Support
Aimed at Riggers, Deck Coordinators and Rigging Supervisors.
This program is aimed at personnel experienced in lifting operations. It comprises a 2-day theoretical course with continuous assessment covering angular loadings, forces triangles, calculating area, volume, load weights, load center of gravity, etc.
Personnel must have achieved level 2, gained 2 further years experience in lifting operations and completed / recorded a further six complicated / complex portfolio logs before entry onto this level.

COMPETENCE IN LIFTING EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATION

LIFTING EQUIPMENT INSPECTOR:
Module 1 General Lifting Equipment
Aimed at Experienced / new inspectors and employees who are required to ensure the safe use and control of lifting equipment. The successful completion of the 5-day course is the only pre-requisite to the competence program.

CRANE OPERATOR ASSESSMENT

NSL has a team of more than 30 Instructors / Skills Assessors, most of whom are qualified and capable of carrying out Crane Operator assessments in accordance with ISO 15513.

ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE
The assessment begins with a questionnaire. This enables the assessor to confirm that the Crane Operator’s knowledge is adequate. The Operator is also interviewed to assess their experience on the specific type of crane they operate. The Assessor then observes the Operator performing various practical exercises according to the skills level they are being assessed against. Observation is from Deck Level and where possible, also from the Cab / Operator Level. Feedback is given during the assessment, and also at the end during the debrief, when the Operator is informed of the result. The assessment is only completed when every relevant unit of the standard has been covered.
Typical elements covered:

BASIC DECK OPERATIONS UNDER SUPERVISION - STAGE 1

• Handling containers, tubulars and pipe-work, loads with an offset C of G
• Hand signals and radio communications
• Full pre-shift inspection of the crane, knowledge of company procedures, knowledge of the crane, knowledge of basic slinging including sling angles and tensions

DECK OPERATIONS UNSUPERVISED - STAGE 2

• Handling containers, tubulars and pipe-work,
  loads with an offset C of G
• Hand signals and radio communications
• Full pre-shift inspection of the crane, knowledge of company procedures, knowledge of the crane, knowledge of basic slinging including sling angles and tensions. Also, knowledge of emergency operating systems and procedures

DECK OPERATIONS UNSUPERVISED AND SUPPLY VESSEL LOADING AND UNLOADING OPERATIONS - STAGE 3

• Handling containers, tubulars and pipe-work, loads with an offset C of G
• Hand signals and radio communications
• Full pre-shift inspection of the crane, knowledge of company procedures, knowledge of the crane, knowledge of basic slinging including sling angles and tensions, knowledge of emergency operating systems and procedures
• The operator would also be required to demonstrate both theoretical and practical experience of; dynamic loading, sea states, bulk hose operations, wind-speeds and related company and crane operating limitations. Also, all operations regarding loading and unloading of supply vessels.

CRANE OPERATOR TRAINING
NSL America can now offer Crane Operator training to a level and standard specified by the client.
Personnel who are required to operate a crane must be trained, authorized and have been deemed competent.
As a minimum the Delegate / Operator must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Instructor / Assessor and in compliance with the clients requirements, their skill and knowledge when completing the training course.
The level of the client’s requirements, the crane type along with recommendations from the Instructor shall determine the course duration.