Understanding the IMO Guidelines for Lifting Appliances

Lifting appliances play a crucial role in maritime operations, facilitating cargo handling, ship maintenance, and offshore activities. The MSC.1/Circ.1663 – Guidelines for Lifting Appliances, adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at its 107th session, provides a uniform framework for the design, construction, maintenance, and inspection of lifting appliances as per SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13. These guidelines are essential for ship designers, shipowners, shipyards, and equipment manufacturers, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and reducing operational risks.

1. Scope and Application

The guidelines apply to lifting appliances and associated loose gear installed on ships, specifying requirements for design, inspection, maintenance, and certification. All lifting appliances installed on or after 1 January 2026 must comply with classification society standards recognized by the Administration.

Additionally, existing lifting appliances installed before 2026 must undergo compliance certification during their first renewal survey after this date. The guidelines ensure that all lifting appliances meet structural integrity, operational efficiency, and safety standards to minimize accidents.

2. Key Definitions

The guidelines define several critical terms:

• Competent Person: An individual with the expertise to inspect and certify lifting appliances.
• Thorough Examination: A detailed assessment by a competent person to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Load Test: A test conducted at 125%-110% of the Safe Working Load (SWL) to verify structural integrity.
• Safe Working Load (SWL): The maximum weight a lifting appliance can safely handle.
• Operational Testing: Functional checks conducted to confirm proper working conditions.
• Certified Equipment: Lifting appliances that have been verified and documented as compliant.

3. Design, Load Testing, and Certification

3.1 Design and Construction

Lifting appliances must be designed, installed, and constructed per SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13 and classification society standards. Key design considerations include:

• Material verification to ensure durability.
• Structural integrity tests to withstand operational stresses.
• Load-bearing assessment for safety compliance.

3.2 Load Testing and Certification

Before being used, all lifting appliances must undergo load testing and thorough examination by a competent authority. The frequency of load testing is as follows:

• Initial Load Test: Conducted after installation and before the first operation.
• Periodic Load Test: Every five years as part of compliance renewal.
• Post-Modification Testing: Required after major repairs, modifications, or alterations affecting SWL, stability, or structure.

A certificate of test and thorough examination is issued upon successful completion of these assessments, ensuring regulatory compliance.

4. Inspection, Maintenance, and Operational Testing

Regular maintenance, inspection, and operational testing are vital for the continued safe use of lifting appliances. The guidelines recommend:

• Annual thorough examinations by a competent person.
• Operational tests before each use to verify functionality.
• Special attention to environmental wear and tear such as corrosion, hydraulic leaks, and mechanical wear.
• Immediate decommissioning of faulty equipment marked as "Not to be Used" until repairs and re-certifications are completed.

Records of all inspections, maintenance, and repairs must be maintained on board for auditing and compliance verification.

5. Loose Gear Requirements

Loose gear such as hooks, chains, shackles, and spreaders must meet proof test standards before use. Minimum test loads are categorized as follows:

• Hooks and chains: 2x SWL for loads up to 25 tonnes.
• Lifting beams and spreaders: 2x SWL for loads up to 10 tonnes, increasing with load capacity.
• Sheave blocks: 4x SWL for single-sheave and 2x SWL for multi-sheave blocks.

Loose gear must be clearly marked with its unique identification number, SWL, and relevant safety instructions.

6. Compliance, Record-Keeping, and Certification

To demonstrate compliance, lifting appliances must be:

• Registered in the Ship’s Lifting Appliances and Cargo Handling Gear Record.
• Issued a valid certificate of test and thorough examination.
• Accompanied by operational manuals detailing safety procedures, limitations, and maintenance schedules.

For appliances installed before 1 January 2026, compliance must be demonstrated during the first renewal survey after this date.

7. Inoperative Lifting Appliances and Safety Measures

If a lifting appliance is deemed unsafe for use, ship operators must:

• Take the appliance out of service and record it in the official log.
• Prevent unauthorized use by clear marking and secure stowage.
• Restrain loose components to prevent uncontrolled movement.
• Conduct repairs and retesting before reintroducing the equipment into service.

These steps minimize risks associated with faulty equipment and ensure continued compliance with maritime safety standards.

Conclusion

The MSC.1/Circ.1663 Guidelines for Lifting Appliances establish a robust framework for safe and compliant maritime lifting operations. By enforcing rigorous testing, inspection, and certification standards, these regulations help enhance safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance for lifting appliances used on ships.

Shipowners, operators, and maintenance teams must adhere to these guidelines to mitigate risks, prevent accidents, and ensure seamless maritime logistics operations.

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