The Personnel Lifting Crane is a marine or offshore pedestal-mounted crane specifically equipped with a certified personnel lifting winch and an independent control system for the safe lifting and transfer of personnel. Unlike standard cargo cranes, a Personnel Lifting Crane carries the necessary certifications from classification societies explicitly confirming its suitability for carrying people.
These cranes are designed in accordance with API Specification 2C (Offshore Pedestal-mounted Cranes) and comply with the rules of major classification societies, including CCS, ABS, RINA, DNV-GL, LR, BV, and others. As stated in the scope of API Specification 2C, offshore cranes are defined as "pedestal-mounted elevating and rotating lift devices for transfer of materials or personnel from marine vessels, barges, and structures."
Dual-Purpose Operation – The Personnel Lifting Crane serves both cargo/personnel transfer functions with a single machine, offering economical and efficient multi-purpose operation. A lockable mode selector allows the crane to remain in "personnel lift" mode, with clear visual indicators (such as warning lights) confirming when personnel mode is activated.
Certified Man-Riding Winch – The crane is fitted with a dedicated or "dual-use" winch approved for personnel handling. These winches feature higher safety design factors compared to standard utility winches. The winch nameplate clearly indicates personnel handling approval.
Multiple Safety Systems – Personnel Lifting Cranes are equipped with:
- Independent secondary braking system preventing free fall in case of power failure
- Emergency stop and emergency lowering capabilities
- Secondary power supply for load recovery
- Safety limits preventing operation outside safe working loads and operating envelopes
- Overload protection systems
- Free-fall capability lock-out
Enhanced Wire Rope Safety – Hoisting wire ropes maintain a minimum safety factor of 8:1 for personnel lifting operations.
Man-Riding Buffer System – A buffer system installed in the mid-section of the man-riding wire rope, consisting of a buffer cylinder, accumulator, and pulley blocks, provides additional shock absorption during personnel transfer.
Personnel Carrier – The crane is equipped with a suspended basket, cage, or cradle for personnel transport. Hooks feature lockable safety latches for secure attachment.
Hazardous Area Compliance – Electrical equipment and lighting can be configured for Hazardous Zone 2 or higher classifications as required.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Design Standard | API Specification 2C / EN 13852-1 |
| Certifications | CCS, ABS, DNV-GL, LR, BV, RS, RINA, KR, NK |
| Personnel Lifting Capacity | Up to 3 tons (model dependent) |
| Safe Working Load (Personnel) | Not exceeding 50% of rated cargo SWL at same radius |
| Winch Type | Hydraulic or electro-hydraulic, dual-purpose |
| Wire Rope Safety Factor | Minimum 8:1 for personnel lifting |
| Boom Types | Fixed boom, knuckle boom, telescopic boom, foldable boom, or lattice boom, |
| Power System | Diesel Hydraulic/Electro Hydraulic/Motor |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +55°C (customizable for Arctic conditions) |
| Operational Areas | Safe area/Hazardous area (Zone 1, Zone 2) |
Certification & Compliance
Every Personnel Lifting Crane is designed, manufactured, and tested in compliance with:
- API Specification 2C – Offshore Pedestal-mounted Cranes
- API Recommended Practice 2D – Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes
- EN 13852-1 – Marine cranes – Personnel lifting
- ABS Guide for Certification of Lifting Appliances – Including PL/PL+/PL++ personnel lifting notations
- DNV-GL Standard for Certification 2.22 – Lifting Appliances
- IMO and ILO Convention 152 – Test certificates as required
Operational Guidelines
Personnel lifting operations using a Personnel Lifting Crane are typically conducted under the following conditions:
- Sea state with significant wave height not exceeding 2 meters
- Wind speed not exceeding 10 meters per second
- Daytime or equivalent visibility conditions
- Personnel SWL not exceeding 50% of the rated SWL for the operating condition
- Personnel transfer strictly prohibited while lifting cargo loads
- All personnel to be lifted must wear approved personal flotation devices (PFDs)
Why Choose YFM Personnel Lifting Cranes?
- One Machine, Two Functions – Eliminates the need for separate cargo and personnel lifting equipment, reducing deck space requirements and capital expenditure.
- Regulatory Compliance – Full certification to international standards ensures your operations meet all regulatory requirements for personnel transfer.
- Proven Safety – Built-in safety features, redundant systems, and enhanced design factors provide the highest level of protection for personnel during lifting operations.
- Operational Flexibility – Suitable for a wide range of vessels and structures across multiple industries, from oil and gas to renewable energy.
- Emergency Readiness – Provides a certified, reliable means of personnel recovery in emergency situations.
Contact our team today to discuss your specific personnel lifting requirements. Our Personnel Lifting Cranes can be customized to meet your operational needs and certification requirements.
Hot Tags: personnel lifting crane, China personnel lifting crane manufacturers, suppliers, factory, cargo handling crane at sea, marine crane components, marine crane for crew transfer, marine crane for loading and unloading, marine crane for oil and gas, marine crane operation manual