Rigging policy
Rigging hardware
All hardware in the load path on moorings and other deployed equipment must have a visible rating for safe working load. Home built load handling gear such as shackles, rings, lifting hooks etc. that are not rated are not allowed unless they can be shown to be engineered to acceptable standards. To aid in inspection of rope splices they should not be covered with tape.
Planned mooring recoveries or deployments
The designs of planned mooring deployments and recoveries should be submitted in advance to the Captain and First Mate for review. The mooring description should include details that include component lengths and type, lifting points, weights and hardware used.
All deployments shall be fitted with an appropriately sized attachment point for a tag line that is suitable for safe handling during deployment and recovery.
Relevant section (7.9.3) from International Safety Management (ISM) manual
- Temporary Scientific Equipment
New scientific gear is regularly produced and is expected to be used on board MBARI ships as new demands are made by science. It is the responsibility of the equipment owners to be familiar with acceptable standards for offshore Weight Handling Equipment and all applicable rules to assess each new piece of gear to ensure that the proper engineering and testing has been done prior to delivery to the ship. The Marine Operations Group can provide assistance in evaluating or specifying equipment for offshore operations. The Master ultimately has discretionary control over the use of any equipment that is used for Weight Handling Gear.
- Scientific Sampling Equipment
It is the responsibility of the scientist or user to insure that any experiment or sampling equipment that are planned to be deployed or recovered are designed and tested to acceptable standards by a competent individual. Equipment that contains high internal pressures, large volumes of hazardous chemicals, high power electrical, or automated functions can represent significant hazards for deck operations. Marine Operations has the prerogative to ask for an engineering review of any equipment as it deems necessary to ensure safe operations. Additionally, any deployed or recovered experiment that contains potential hazardous situations such as dangerous gases or chemicals should be submitted for review to Marine Operations for suitability and adequate preparation. For example dangerous levels of Hydrogen Sulfide, or large quantities of Formalin should be reviewed in advance.
