Boat Yard Lift and Hauling Safety
Suggestions for Safe Boatlift and Marine Haulout Operations
Many harbors operate marine straddle hoists or boat lifts that boaters depend on for launching their vessels. Marine Travelift® Incorporated of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is the overwhelming provider of marine straddle hoists within the United States. The term “Travelift” is synonymous with many people for describing a marine boat lift.
Owners of marine boatlifts are required to designate a person who is responsible for ensuring the equipment is safe to use prior to any lift. This accomplished primarily through the use of a daily checklist. Once an item is identified as needing repair, the problem has to be resolved prior to using the lift. Marine Travelift Inc. and many private crane certification companies offer checklists for operator use.
It is very important that a broken lift is not left for later use by another operator. A defective lift should be locked out or disabled until it can be properly repaired. The applicable OSHA regulation for marine straddle hoists is falls under Subpart N Section 1926.550 – Cranes and Derricks.
Major Safety Concerns for Marine Boatlifts
There are numerous safety concerns that need to be addressed prior to operating a marine straddle hoist. Both Marine Travelift Inc. and the American Boatbuilders and Repairers Association (ABBRA) offer formal lift operator training for harbors. A few major safety concerns are listed below and each harbor will also have their own unique local problems to consider. Some major safety issues include:
- Nylon Slings -Marine straddle hoists utilize nylon web slings to pick up boats. The slings are specifically rated for a particular load and use. Nylon slings are subject to damage from cuts, dirt, abrasion, and misuse. Slings need to be inspected visually prior to each use, many manufacturers include red tracer threads or yarns within the nylon web to help identify damage from abrasion or overloading. Utilize protective chine and keel pads to protect and extend the life of the slings. It is a good practice to replace slings every year.
- Wireless Remote Control -Newer boatlifts can be equipped with wireless remote control. Operation of a lift with remote control is much safer and easier for the operator. The lift operator can walk completely around the lift and the boat being lifted while it is running, and see everything that could be in the way or struck by the equipment.
- Load Ratings -Boatlifts, wire ropes, winches, nylon slings, and lift docks are engineered to lift a specific rated load. The maximum rated capacity for a piece of equipment is dependent on its proper care and maintenance. Avoid overloading the weakest component of the lift system. Most lifts have visual indicators to display the weight being lifted. Loads must be evenly distributed between slings and from front to back on the lift.
- Electrical Powerline Safety -Marine straddle hoists and power lines do not mix. It is very easy to come into contact with a power line due to the height of the boatlift and vessel components like masts protruding above the lift itself. Under many lighting conditions, the power lines can be very difficult to see from a lift.
- Proper Sling Points - Many harbors maintain a photo album with pictures taken of each boat lifted. This provides the operator with a ready reference to where slings should be located on the vessel for a safe lift. Boat owners can install brass plates on their gunwales to mark the location of lift slings.
Boatlift safety is a boatyard operator and vessel owner concern. Working together, both can accomplish the work needed going to the yard and prevent injury or property damage.
M/V Chinook Post Being Lifted at Valdez Harbor
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Boatlift Donated to Plaquemines Parish by Valdez
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