U.S. Department of Labor t www.osha.gov t (800) 321-OSHA (6742)

Shipboard Pedestal Crane Safety

Providing proper training, performing regular inspections, and working within manufacturer’s guidelines 

are all effective ways to reduce the number of incidents caused by the failure of vessel-mounted pedestal 

crane components. 

Commercial fishing operations use pedestal cranes regularly, often 

in harsh and unpredictable environmental conditions, to unload 

catches, products, and supplies. Failures of vessel-mounted pedestal 

cranes due to inadequate maintenance, unapproved modifications, 

improper use, lack of training, and improper inspections have caused 

injuries and fatalities on and around commercial fishing vessels. 

These incidents are often caused by failed components such as 

masts, booms, and lift cables. Employers should develop a detailed 

crane safety plan, which ensures that operators are trained, cranes 

are certified, and that operations are performed in line with the 

manufacturer’s guidelines and industry best practices. 

Certification Requirements

Shipboard pedestal cranes must be tested and certified in 

accordance with 29 CFR 1918.11. Employers should use and 

maintain all cranes in accordance with the manufacturer’s 

specifications and never exceed the safe working load (SWL). The 

crane, its components, or attachments should never be modified to 

increase their lifting capacity without the manufacturer’s consent. 

Any modifications must fully comply with engineering calculations 

made, or accepted by, the accredited certification agency (29 CFR 

1919.14(c,e)).

Training

Shipboard crane operators must be competent to operate the 

crane by training or experience (29 CFR 1918.98). Employers 

should consult the crane manufacturer’s operating manual for 

applicable training and safe use requirements. Crane operators 

must understand the operating instructions, signs, and hand 

signals to be used before proceeding (29 CFR 1918.98). Operating 

instructions and hand signal posters should be readily accessible 

and visible to everyone working on or near a shipboard crane, such 

as in the cab of the crane or on the pedestal. 

Photo: NPFVOA — North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners Association

Shipboard pedestal cranes are used to move a wide range of materials safely 

and efficiently.

Inspection and Operation

Safe operation of shipboard pedestal cranes requires careful 

attention by all workers involved. Shipboard pedestal cranes and 

derricks must be thoroughly examined and load tested before being 

put into service initially, regularly examined every 12 months, and 

thoroughly re-examined and proof-load tested every 5 years in 

Commercial 

Fishing Fact Sheet
U.S. Department of Labor t www.osha.gov t (800) 321-OSHA (6742)

accordance with 29 CFR Part 1919 (see OSHA Instruction CPL 02-

01-055, Maritime Cargo Gear Standards and 29 CFR Part 1919 

Certification, dated September 30, 2013 for additional information). 

All crane components, such as those listed below, must be 

inspected immediately prior to and at appropriate intervals during 

each use to identify any unsafe conditions or defects (29 CFR 

1918.51(b)). This list is only an example, as shipboard pedestal 

cranes come in many different configurations. Employers must 

follow 29 CFR 1918.55 for inspections and operation, and 

should consult the crane manufacturer’s guidelines for the proper 

inspection procedures for each specific crane. Additionally, 

employers must post the SWL for each crane at the boom heel as 

required by 29 CFR 1919.21(a).

Equipment Inspection

Supporting structure

Missing appropriate and legible warning labels 

Rotation system

Improper lubrication of the sheaves or sheave pins; excessive 

sheave and sheave pin wear

Boom section

Damaged slide pads; improper lubrication; bent boom tip; 

grooves in the side plates or the flanges

Hydraulic system/hoses

Hose cracks or leaks; loose connectors

Winch system/wire rope

Incorrect spooling; damaged rope (kinked, birdcaged, crushed, 

etc.); broken wires that exceed the number allowed; loose or 

insufficient mounting bolts; poor or missing welds; hydraulic 

hoses in poor condition; excessive rust or lack of lubrication

Load block

Damaged or missing sheaves, side plates or bolts, sheave pin and 

keeper, swivel and hook, or wedge socket; hoist line termination 

improperly secured; damaged/broken wires; improper lubrication; 

damaged or missing hooks or hook safety latches 

Rigging gear

Damaged or missing pins; damaged or missing hooks or hook 

safety latches; damaged slings; missing capacity tags; damaged 

or elongated chain rings 

Attachments/baskets

Missing load ratings/capacity; damaged or missing components 

that could hinder proper functioning or increase potential for 

failure (e.g., doors that do not close on manbaskets) 

If any of the following conditions are found on a pedestal 

crane aboard a vessel, the affected equipment must be 

taken out of service and repaired or replaced according to 

the manufacturer’s specifications prior to beginning any 

lifting activities (29 CFR 1918.51(b), 29 CFR 1918.55(a)).

Each stage of crane operations aboard a ship may pose a variety 

of potential hazards. Developing a checklist specific to the 

worksite, operators, and site hazards that includes what to look 

for before, during, and after the operation, helps to ensure that all 

critical areas are inspected or addressed. Employers should train 

workers on the use of those checklists.

Photo: NPFVOA — North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners Association

All workers should be trained on the safe operation of shipboard pedestal cranes.
U.S. Department of Labor t www.osha.gov t (800) 321-OSHA (6742)

The following checklist examples could apply to most worksites on vessels. The checklists should include OSHA 

requirements as well as industry best practices as shown below.

Pre-Operation

Employers must ensure:

✓ A pre-inspection of all cargo handling gear components is 

performed (§1918.51(b))

✓ The crane control levers are in good working condition 

(§1918.55(c)(5))

✓ Work area (swing radius) is guarded or secured to prevent 

personnel from entering (§1918.55(c)(1))

✓ Personnel are not under the load (§1918.81(k))

✓ Obstructions or workers are not in the swing radius 

(§1918.55(c)(1))

✓ The load is rigged with the appropriate lifting gear 

(§§1918.51, 1918.54, 1918.81)

✓ The weight of the load does not exceed the SWL (§1918.51(a))

✓ Visibility is good (§§1918.55(b), 1918.81(i))

In addition, employers should verify that:

✓ Safety meetings are held

✓ Crane operators and all workers involved understand the 

tasks and their roles

✓ Calculations are performed and understood by all (SWL)

✓ There is sufficient room for lift and swing

✓ Operations are isolated from high traffic areas

✓ Weather conditions are safe

✓ Sufficient time is allowed to complete the task

✓ Any other hazards unique to the operation are identified

✓ Power lines are not in the lift vicinity

During Crane Operations

Employers must ensure:

✓ Personnel are not under the load (§1918.81(k))

✓ Crane operators are competent to operate the crane by 

training or experience (§1918.98(a)(1))

✓ Operators are fit to proceed (not taking medication that 

may negatively affect reaction time and decision-making 

abilities, not fatigued, no impaired eyesight or hearing, etc.) 

(§1918.98(a)(2))

✓ Workers are wearing hard hats, personal flotation devices, 

and other required personal protective equipment (PPE) 

(§1918 Subpart J)

In addition, employers should verify that:

✓ Crane operators and supporting workers are trained and 

authorized on the equipment/task

✓ Operators are familiar with control functions

✓ Controls are appropriately positioned before starting

✓ Workers are wearing high-visibility vests

✓ A designated signal person is in place and trained on 

hand signals

✓ Hand signals are understood by everyone on site

✓ All distractions (cell phones, cameras, other electronics) 

are eliminated

Post Operation

Prior to leaving a crane unattended, employers must verify the following (§§1918.55(d), 1918.66(b)(4)):

✓ The load is lowered to the deck (do not leave the load suspended), unless the storage or maximum hoisting position of the 

suspended device provides an equivalent level of safety

✓ The boom is lowered or secured from movement

✓ The power supply is turned off

✓ Crane is secured from accidental travel

✓ Safe egress (exit) is provided for the operator (§1918.66(a)(18))

Properly training crane operators and other workers, establishing crane inspection guidelines, and following 

manufacturer’s guidelines are all effective ways to reduce the hazards associated with working around vessel-mounted 

pedestal cranes. Following site-specific procedures based on the checklists above will help to prevent injuries from 

occurring as a result of lifting activities. Employers should consult industry references as well as the crane manufacturer’s 

operating manuals and address all hazards unique to their shipboard operations when developing their crane safety plan. 
U.S. Department of Labor t www.osha.gov t (800) 321-OSHA (6742)

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. It does not impose any 

new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer 

to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon 

request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-877-889-5627.

DSG FS-3913 11/2017

Other Resources

• U.S. Coast Guard — Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Program

• ASME B30.5 — Mobile Crane Hand Signals

Workers’ Rights

Workers have the right to:

• Working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm.

• Receive information and training (in a language and vocabulary 

the worker understands) about workplace hazards, methods 

to prevent them, and the OSHA standards that apply to their 

workplace.

• Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

• File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their workplace if 

they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer 

is not following OSHA’s rules. OSHA will keep all identities 

confidential.

• Exercise their rights under the law without retaliation, including 

reporting an injury or raising health and safety concerns with 

their employer or OSHA. If a worker has been retaliated against 

for using their rights, they must file a complaint with OSHA as 

soon as possible, but no later than 30 days.

For additional information, see OSHA’s Workers page.

How to Contact OSHA

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers 

are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for 

their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for 

America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing 

standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For 

more information, visit www.osha.gov or call OSHA at 1-800-321-

OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627.